What brakes for an early 50's Holdsworth?

[Uncle Monty]

Re:

A bit off at a tangent - If you found the GB brake action a bit heavy and wanted to go Campagnolo, am I right in thinking the earliest levers and callipers are '70s?

 

[Spokesmann]

Re: Re:

agreed on the cyclo but hey what was smooth then ,simplex are probably the better of the two . early campagnolo would also fit but at a price....if you can find one . do not forget hurret .

An early Alvit may be nice.

 

[sisyphus]

Re:

had to look that one up - might have one in the shed. I've got a old Huret Derailleur but no idea what it is.

 

[Spokesmann]

Post up a pic!

 

[bagpuss]

Re: Re:

agreed on the cyclo but hey what was smooth then ,simplex are probably the better of the two . early campagnolo would also fit but at a price....if you can find one . do not forget hurret .

An early Alvit may be nice.

Sold a boxed one awhile ago :facepalm:

 

[sisyphus]

Sadly the he Huret I have is a 70's thing at the low end of the range! Simplex it is for now then. Well at least for now......although there are a few Alvits on ebay

 

[Spokesmann]

Re:

If you look around a Gran Sport can sometimes be found, you are looking at about £40 for a reasonable one though, more for near mint.

 

[Midlife]

The early brake levers had a very poor mechanical advantage, all to do with setting the brake blocks quite a way from the rim. A younger set of brake levers migh help........

Shaun

 

[sisyphus]

Well, I've had some recent experience of a hilly ride with old brakes and it wasn't fun. Re setting up the brakes helped. I will just try various options.

 

[Midlife]

Campagnolo brakes started 1968

Shaun