Benelux rod shifter spares needed

[MarkS]

Hi everyone,

Maybe a long shot, but here goes:

I have a broken Benelux rod shifter from the 1950's I think.......but

As you can see, the outside of the 'cage' has been broken off at some point in the last 50 or 60 years.

This is still in an okay condition really, beautiful smooth action still.

It is of no use to me, so could either sell it as seen on eBay, or try and see if anyone has a spare cage, and make it more desirable.

Anyone any ideas?

 

[Spokesmann]

I've seen a few come up on Ebay recently, some sellers are asking big money. The rod or 'death changer' shown here was on for about £56 I recall... worth having a browse...

 

[twosheds]

Re:

I finally had to bid £75 for this one on ebay, which is in excellent condition, after losing several auctions over a period of 2 years. Even rusty or incomplete ones like yours were selling for £30-40 when I was watching them. It might be worth you getting another broken one and making a good one out of the two, as they are quite rare in good condition.

It looks like yours might have a different top clamp to mine, but yes they date from the 1950s, I think they changed to cable pull in the mid 50s. They are certainly an interesting feature for a vintage bike.





Bruce

 

[Spokesmann]

They actually work very well, although they take a bit of getting used to! I have one on my 1958 Carlton Constellation.

 

[Martin Rattler]

Re:

I found a rather patinated one on Ebay last year for about twenty quid. It cleaned up well although there is little chrome left. I have it currently fitted to my Gillott with a Campag bar end lever for the rear derailleur. I was surprised how well the rod changer works although as Spokesmann says, it does take a bit of getting used to.