Originally Posted by
Picchio Special
Keep in mind that when Simplex began using delrin for its rear derailleurs in 1962, plastic was the new wonder material, not the cheap substitute it became. Plastic was cutting-edge, not lesser-grade. Initially, the entire range of Simplex derailleurs went to delrin, though the company quickly began adding metal back into the designs. During the bike boom, Simplex produced some very fine derailleurs (Super LJ) but the company was already known for the poor-performing models speced on so many lower end bikes - which is of course what the majority of boom-era bikes were. By that time, most upper-level bikes used Campagnolo, and it's what most racers associated with quality.
I agree. I suppose the stem of my comment was that Simplex Delrin type NOS derailleurs of that era can be had today for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the Huret Jubilee. More expensive = better quality, right?
I know, I know... Bike component history from that era is quite an interesting animal is it not? I read your account of Simplex falling into the reputation for "poor performance" and I think of the trip-up SunTour experienced toward the mid-80s and how unfortunate it was that a couple bad products and ill-timed moves crippled them forever. Sigh.