cudak888 

I thought I'd bring up the topic of SR RD finishes again, for I had the opportunity to photograph a pair of the variants this afternoon, when swapping from one RD to the other on my 1982 Schwinn Superior.

The flat black example is a late '86 with no patent date, the gloss is an '84. Discussion in the earlier thread about the variants proved that both versions existed throughout the 1980's with no rhyme or reason; in addition, Anthony (cyclotoine) noted that he owns a 1981 variant "where the upper knuckle is flat and the lower gloss."

Regardless what the reasons Campagnolo had for doing so, I thought I'd post these pictures for everyone's future reference (I'll be posting them to Velobase as well). Do note that besides the finish difference, the '86 has knurled pins, and also eliminates the threaded steel bolt pressed into the outer pulley cage for mounting (in favor of simply threading the aluminum).















-Kurt

divineAndbright

Any chance the duller one could be via sun exposer or the like?

cudak888 

No. I'm the second owner of that RD. Original owner bought it as closeout from Nashbar in 1987; was like that when new.

Enough flat-black examples exist that they are a confirmed variant.

-Kurt

Charles Wahl

This pinpoints the time that Campagnolo lost their mojo, to go wandering in the wilderness for awhile: 1985 or so. Maybe they were trying to make SR unattractive, so that everyone would come drink at the well of C-Record - I'm still not buying it! Bought a pair of SR hubs laced to Fiamme Ergal rims today, and passed on a C-Record rear wheel in the same trunk.

cudak888 

Passed on a C-Rec rear? Darn - I need one. I've got a front with an MA-2 waiting for something.

-Kurt

cudak888 

Just noticed this detail (probably known, but I haven't seen it documented) after receiving my 1981 SR RD today: 1978-81/2 RD's are marked "Superecord" on the rear plate. Sometime in 1982, SR RD's did away with that marking, for neither my '82 nor any of my later examples are engraved with this logo:



-Kurt

helicomatic

I always thought the glossy ones looked classier in person, but now I'm not so sure. Thanks for the pictures.

cudak888 

Take my word for it - the flat examples are nothing to write home about, unless the rest of the components are flat black as well.

-Kurt