SJX426 

Hi all, this is my first day and post on this forum. I did a search on the subject but could not really find anything that I needed.
I have a Motobecane Le Champion circa 1972. It came with the subject brakes and I would like to restore it closer to original. I need just one assembly, I have all the other parts. Can anyone tell me where I might look besides posting in the wanted seciton? I tried google but came up short.

It is original with the exception of not having the sewups, the brakes being changed to Sun Tour Superbees that don't quite reach the rim in the rear and converted to a 12 speed (I have the original cluster as well). Since I have the Universal set, I thought I should go back to the original set up.

BTW, the bike has Campy record derailures & hubs, Stronglight chain ring and headset and Brooks saddle. I it is in a little rough shape but in exactly the same condition that it was in when I bought it in 1974 for $200. A new one was $315 back then!

Kommisar89

Not sure I quite understand what you are looking for - do you mean you need a Universal Type 61 brake caliper assembly? eBay is your best bet. Normally there pretty common but I only see this one set on there now: https://cgi.ebay.com/Brakes-Universal...2em118Q2el1247

SJX426 

Thanks for the reply. I saw those. Wrong model. Guess this will be a search for love!

evwxxx

Yes, I think you are looking for the ones that say "Universal Mod. 61" on them, right" I also seem to recall there being 2 colors involved with the script, some with red, and some with blue script

SoreFeet

Jeez I sold my Super 68 Calipers for 8$

karmat

Yeah Cyclart tends to have nice stuff but pricing is outrageous sometimes.

SJX426 

Mine don't have any color in them.UM61_Pub.jpg

evwxxx

Looks like what used to be blue in the U and N in the pic,,,I have a set with the red and a set with the blue in the letters.

SJX426 

Yes it is! Would you consider selling or on they on your rides?

evwxxx

Sorry, they are currently in use, keep checking the ebay, they do show up regularly.

SJX426 

evwxxx, Thanks, Good info. What is the typical price?

evwxxx

Not sure as I have not looked for any lately, but I imagine $40-50 for a set of nice calipers, more if handles are included,,,

stronglight

The set which CycleArt has on eBay are a similar but different model... a bit lower in quality. Notice the way the return springs hook underneath the central yoke - a bit messy. And the Red lettering on the pivot bolts washers is another tip off.

The original Model 61 always had blue lettering as far as I recall. And, they do often turn up on eBay - and for reasonable cost. I've bought a few over the years.

Good Luck!
Bob

SJX426 

I found an assembly at a local bike parts recycle shop. Took them apart and cleaned up the part I needed and reassembled. Mounted it on the bike and found that the piece I replaced, rear one, was longer than the front one!

The reason is that the length of the "arms" are different between the front and rear! No wonder my Suntour Superbe wouldn't reach the rim on the rear! Well it is assembled and I will continue to look for the right one.

Now I am looking for the lever boots. I doubt I will find the Universal Gum boots that are on the levers now. When putting the levers on the bars, I found one that was broken but still useful. I am adding the lever to the search list.

unworthy1

I will email you, but the caliper I have is one of the red jobs and it's got the short center bolt intended for rear use. However, the reach seems pretty short, too, and these center bolts just push out so are very easy to swap between F & R.
Search the archives for the guy who was "home-brewing" his own replacement Universal hoods. I don't recall if he actually got them into production, but the CAD drawings sure looked good!

stronglight

Not uncommon on older bikes for the reach of the rear caliper to be greater than the front. Many sets of brake calipers were sold with that differential during the 1960s & 70s. - In fact...









... [Sorry Folks, these are not for sale] ...


And, Yes ... I did pay a fair bit more than the original $15 price which was still marked on this box.

Do note, the dried and very hard original pads on these really SHOULD be replaced for actual use. They would not be effective at all on any bike. - Fortunately, KoolStop "CR" (Campagnolo Replacement) rubber pads - in either red or black are still available. Here is a set from a Seller on eBay and they're available elsewhere too. They are a perfect fit for the original Universal holders and sell for only $20 or less. They're among the very best brake pads made, so a very good bargain!

SJX426 - pairs of the correct replacement hoods for the levers are also often available on eBay brand new and very supple, but you can expect to pay premium prices - around $40 to $50 per pair. But I think they're worth the price because they're becoming increasingly rare and they are very soft, thick and cushioned... and they should last for many more years of use.

Shown below, you can see that the bracket through which the handlebar clamp mounting bolt will pass is actually pressed against the bottom of the brake lever body. - An unfortunate design issue. Over-tightening the bolt would pull the bracket against the lower body until it could eventually fracture and finally crack right at the bottom. I've never had a lever fail, but knowing about this problem, I am always very careful not to tighten the clamps excessively. ... Always something to watch out for if looking for a used replacement lever - without actually seeing the piece up close.

SJX426 

Stronglight,
Great info.
My lever can still be used. It broke on the side of the main housing. I have always been careful about torguing the bolts. Its been so long, I don't rember if the bike came with the housing already damaged. Wouldn't be surprised.