Classic & Vintage - i think its a 55 PX10- what do you guys think

i have the fork, somewhere and i would like to rebuild this bike with appropriate parts, what simplex deraileur would you guys think this uses??

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/EColnago/PX10009.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/EColnago/PX10001-2.jpg

here is another pix

Simplex Tour de France.

ah i just saw one on ebay, what do you think the price should be around for one of those?

ah i just saw one on ebay, what do you think the price should be around for one of those?

I believe there was a NOS TdF that sold on Ebay for about $100. It was only about 2 weeks ago, so you may be able to find it using the advanced search for closed auctions. After I posted, I thought maybe he is asking about the front derailleur or both. The front should be a Simplex Competition, lever operated derailleur.

oh yes thanks t-mar thats exactly what i was asking for..both derailuers. i have another question is the shifter on both sides? (i.e. right and left levers)or is it just two on the right?

the reason for the question is that there is a place on the frame on the right where the right lever goes but not on the left

kind regards

oh yes thanks t-mar thats exactly what i was asking for..both derailuers. i have another question is the shifter on both sides? (i.e. right and left levers)or is it just two on the right?

the reason for the question is that there is a place on the frame on the right where the right lever goes but not on the left

kind regards

I have seen levers where the left was banded and the right was brazed.

Now I have a question...would a 1955 frame have a braze on front derailleur? I did not think that practice started until the 70s. The marking certainly look old enough.

Your frame was definitely designed for a single downtube-mounted lever on the right and a direct-action "suicide" one-piece front lever/shifter, the Simplex Competition, on the right side of the seat tube. The correct rear derailleur is the Simplex Tour de France, complete with reverse (normal-low) shift pattern and upside down cage (tension wheel on TOP). See, for example, http://www.sheldonbrown.org/rochet/

Your frame was definitely designed for a single downtube-mounted lever on the right and a direct-action "suicide" one-piece front lever/shifter, the Simplex Competition, on the right side of the seat tube. The correct rear derailleur is the Simplex Tour de France, complete with reverse (normal-low) shift pattern and upside down cage (tension wheel on TOP). See, for example, http://www.sheldonbrown.org/rochet/

So that answers my question. Thanks.

John E., thank-you for your superior description of the derailleurs, particularly the front. Undoubtedly, I confused readers with my "lever operated" terminologly, which was meant to distinguish it from a cable operated system. I did not consider that my old school terminology and differentiation is lost on most younger cyclists who consider all derailleurs lever operated. Of course Camapgnolo and Shimano will likely soon offer electonic, button operated shift systems, similar to the short lived Mavic Zap system.

thanks for the info guys. i didnt even consider a suicide lever for the front, but now that makes sense. i like that ref. of sheldons bike. thanks!

thanks for the info guys. i didnt even consider a suicide lever for the front, but now that makes sense. i like that ref. of sheldons bike. thanks!