How much difference is there between the Dia Compe Gran Compe centerpulls and the standard, ubiquitous Dia Compe centerpull. I'm not talking about the later Gran Compes that looked pretty modern, but the older ones that looked very similar to the standard Dia Compes/Weinmanns, but had a black lettering sticker instead of the red one.

My impression is that the earliest version as you describe with a black and silver label, was nicely buffed just like the satndard model but then the alloy was also clear anodized. Also, the pivot bolts used were tightened with an Allen wrench (hex-key) while the standard model still used hex head bolts. The forged alloy parts were likely the same.

This at least holds true for the GC version which I recall from perhaps the early 1980s. Then by maybe 1986 or possibly earlier, the NGC (New Gran Compe) models were given a more streamlined look with no labels on the front and even included "wheel guide" finger holds - similar to what was used to help set up sidepull brake pads at the rim. The later NGC model arms also had only a shorter reach making them best suited to later road bike framesets with tighter tire clearances.

I think I have seen a 1980s catalogue posted somewhere on the internet which may help illustrate all of this better, but I can't seem to locate the source right now...

BINGO! ... I found it.

Here is a page scanned from a 1986 catalog shared by Robert S. Broderick on his wool jersey gallery photo pages:


The "GC SERIES" caliper in the catalog looks a lot like these currently offered by Rivendell at $45 for a complete pair, less mounting hangers for the frame, and with more modern style brake pads - which seems like a pretty reasonable deal.

Robatsu, my black label Gran Compes that are on my '77 America appear to be no different than the red label other than the finish is a lot nicer. The pivot bolts are hex, not allen.

Scott