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Old 05-10-11 | 06:37 PM
  #18  
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Chombi
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Joined: Jul 2009
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Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC

Originally Posted by ohjonnybegoode
Could anyone comment on these brakes....I don't think I've ever heard of them before...would they have been orginial to the bike? Thanks!
Those are the Spidel version of Mafac LS sidepull brakes. Pretty much the best stuff to come out from Mafac IMO.
I am very familair with the brakes as I have it on my 84 Peugeot PSV and my 85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7 as you see in this pic of my Carbone right after I finished building it up about a year ago:

You seem to have the earlier version of the Spidels as the lettering and general finish indicates. The later ones have a slightly better finish and graphics and had the added micro adjust wheel at the quick release. They look very much like Modolos, but I think the Mafac/Spidel LS are actually an earlier but better (stiffer, stouter arm/pivot design) design. Those should clean up to a nice brakeset that you can be proud of to have on your high line Peugeot. The Spidel brand was considered some of the best 80's French stuff as it put together the best from different French manufacturers (Mafac, Stronglight, Simplex. Mavic stayed out of the deal for some reason, maybe because they saw a "sinking ship" already) in an attempt to save the French component industry and compete directly with the Japanese and Italian companies.....but alas, it was too late and Spidel had to close shop before any gains were realized.
The Spidel LS brakesets are starting to go up in value out there and it's getting harder and harder to find them but there seem to be at least a couple of NOS brakesets that do come up for sale every year. I would not heistate getting them if I have a chance again. They are really good brakes IMO, could be the best sidepull the French made in the 80's.

Chombi

Last edited by Chombi; 05-10-11 at 06:46 PM.
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