SIMPLEX Breveté Front Derailleur
03-03-17, 01:45 PM
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SIMPLEX Breveté Front Derailleur
I have a Vintage SIMPLEX Breveté Front Derailleur it's broken. Does any body know what I can replace it with or purchase a new one
03-03-17, 01:53 PM
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Brevète isn't a model name. It means patented.
Most of those Simplex derailleurs made of plastic weren't very durable, so you're better off replacing it with something different.
Most of those Simplex derailleurs made of plastic weren't very durable, so you're better off replacing it with something different.
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03-03-17, 02:30 PM
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You could upgrade to a Simplex Super LJ front derailleur (no plastic) if you can find one at a decent price, or go with something else (like a Suntour front derailleur). I have a Campy NR front and Simplex SLJ6600 rear on my 1972 Gitane Tour de France.
03-03-17, 02:32 PM
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Simplex made a wide range of front derailleurs. "Simplex Brevete" doesn't really tell us which; it simply means "Simplex patented."
That said, unless you have one of the braze-on models, just about any front derailleur ought to work. It just needs to be able to clamp to the seat tube. Be aware that if you have a French frame with metric diameter tubing, you may need a shim under the derailleur clamp. And if you get a modern wide range front derailleur with a dropped cage, it may not play well with a vintage half-step plus granny chainring setup. So, show us what you have now and what you plan to do, and we could be more helpful.
That said, unless you have one of the braze-on models, just about any front derailleur ought to work. It just needs to be able to clamp to the seat tube. Be aware that if you have a French frame with metric diameter tubing, you may need a shim under the derailleur clamp. And if you get a modern wide range front derailleur with a dropped cage, it may not play well with a vintage half-step plus granny chainring setup. So, show us what you have now and what you plan to do, and we could be more helpful.
03-03-17, 02:41 PM
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Does it look like this one?[IMG]
[/IMG]
There's new ones on ebay for $40.
NOS Simplex-Front Derailleur-Av-223-Prestige-Vintage road-28.6mm / 1 1/8"
[/IMG]There's new ones on ebay for $40.
NOS Simplex-Front Derailleur-Av-223-Prestige-Vintage road-28.6mm / 1 1/8"
03-04-17, 01:33 PM
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03-05-17, 08:49 AM
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03-05-17, 10:12 AM
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If you are near a bike co-op, or someplace you can get used parts, I'd opt for something by SunTour.
03-05-17, 10:19 AM
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Since you will want something with a built in cable stop and standard bottom pull action I would go with a vintage all metal DR like a Suntour Vx or one a basic Sachs Huret from the 70's or 80's like this one for example. Also if you get a Suntour check to make sure it is standard and not reveres action like the Spirit as the revers action models may not work good with your setup.
Vintage Sachs Huret Front Derailleur | eBay
There fairly in expensive about $15-20 online or $5-10 from a local bike co-op if you have one near by.
Vintage Sachs Huret Front Derailleur | eBay
There fairly in expensive about $15-20 online or $5-10 from a local bike co-op if you have one near by.
Last edited by zukahn1; 03-05-17 at 10:23 AM.
03-05-17, 12:59 PM
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Actually, BITD those reverse-action SunTour units (e.g. Spirt, Compe-V) were often preferred by tandem owners because the spring would help move the derailleur into the higher gear despite increased cable friction from the long tandem cable run.
03-05-17, 04:22 PM
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I have seen some older French ones Simplex an Huret that were metric sized, but they weren't marked for sizing which seems pretty typical for French stuff.
Last edited by zukahn1; 03-05-17 at 04:25 PM.
03-05-17, 04:30 PM
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I was actually thinking that they may struggle making the leap from 42-56.
03-06-17, 07:04 AM
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Then how do you know they were sized for metric tubes? I suspect they were all the same size and a metric tube just meant an extra turn or so of the clamp nut or bolt. The ubiquitous Simplex Prestige was used on both 28mm and 28.6mm tubes. I have never needed a shim for a Campy FD on a French bike.
03-06-17, 09:48 AM
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That Sachs derailleur that @zukahn1 cites will work. So will this SunTour Compe V, which I happen to like a lot. It does have reverse action, and you might think it's a problem, but I really like it.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Last edited by noglider; 03-06-17 at 09:50 AM. Reason: added link to auction
03-06-17, 11:00 AM
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I actually have one of those Fuji Branded Compe V with a little cage wear and minor rust I would sell cheap $10 mainly to cover shipping and handling, If you interested. I also have the matching stem shifters and short cage RD.
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