gitaneusa.com Forum Index » Vintage Gitane » Replace the Simplex    View previous topic :: View next topic  Replace the Simplex   Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:21 pm pfflyer Joined: 09 Nov 2013 Posts: 4 I have a '72 PTdF. The rear deraileur has finally gone morte. As we know the connection to the frame isn't simple like non-French bikes. Is there a r.d. that fits, that is readily available? Not looking for an exact replacement.   Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 10:05 pm scozim Joined: 26 Sep 2008 Posts: 629 Location: Ellensburg, WA The most reasonably priced are Simplex SX410, 610 and 630 derailleurs. Or you can spend more (sometimes alot) for a LJ or SLJ derailleur. I've seen the Gipiemme versions of the Simplex derailleurs go for less money than the Simplex regularly _________________ 1984 Gitane Sprint 1984 Gitane Tour de France mid-1970's Gitane Olympic Plus many more http://eburgcycling.blogspot.com Drastic Plastic   Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 2:32 am Frenchbuilt Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 443 There are tons of Simplex derailleurs for sale. And they are good derailleurs. Patience and around 60$ will get you a good SLJ from france.   Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 12:15 pm pfflyer Joined: 09 Nov 2013 Posts: 4 Thanks for the info. I've found a sx610 and a super lj4000. The sx is actually 'new' still in the box and thelj is used. I'm leaning to the sx. Any input?   Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 2:36 pm verktyg Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 2814 Location: SF Bay Area pfflyer wrote: Thanks for the info. I've found a sx610 and a super lj4000. The sx is actually 'new' still in the box and thelj is used. I'm leaning to the sx. Any input? The Simplex LJ4000 has Delrin plastic "knuckles" at the top and bottom pivot points (Simplex catalog lists these as plain LJ4000 not Super LJ4000). These were some of the lightest "modern" rear derailleurs that Simplex made. They date back to the mid 1970s early 1980s. The derailleur that you mention could be 30 to 38 years old and Delrin can deteriorate from dryness or oil. If you plan on keeping the bike and using it, I'd suggest the SX610 derailleur, they work very well (same thing withthe SX410 and SX630 derailleurs). Both of the LJ4000 and SX610 derailleurs came with 3 different pulley cage lengths: C (or CP) Racing model with the shortest pulley cage - 26T freewheel capacity T (or TP) Touring model with a pulley cage that could take up to a 30T freewheel. GT (or GTP) Gran Touring long arm model with 24T capacity. Simplex catalogs are very confusing as they changed specs almost yearly. The derailleurs above mount directly to the hanger on the rear dropout (/P) Derailleurs with an /SP at the end have a non detachable "claw hanger" for dropouts without an integral hanger. See pictures below. Simplex LJ4000 CP Simplex SX610 CP and TP (they look about the same) Simplex SX610 GTP long arm Simplex SX610 CP/SP or TP/SP with "claw hanger" The SX600 derailleurs have a dropped parallel design like Suntour and Shimano, They shift much better that he earlier styles like the LJ4000 (or old style Campy derailleurs). _________________ Chas. SF Bay Area, CA USA ============== 1984 Criterium 1969 TdF 1971 TdF 1974 TdF 1984 TdF x 2 Bikes 1970 SC 1971 SC 1972 SC 1984 SC 1984 Team Pro 1985 Professional 1990s Team Replica   Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:16 pm pfflyer Joined: 09 Nov 2013 Posts: 4 More thanks. I do intend to keep and use my TdF. Bought it new and still have it, though its not in concours condition. For a long time when the opputunity arose, I'd upgrade some parts. Took a while for the criterium rd to go. Just replaced the bottom bracket w/a sealed unit. And next spring will probably strip it down again(did it 1st 20+yrs ago). I found a complete set of stickers/decals some years ago. I expect for us to ride as long as possible but that trip is getting to be more on the downhill side.   Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:18 pm pfflyer Joined: 09 Nov 2013 Posts: 4 Of course I meant opportunity. I can spell. Simplex SX610 RD   Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:39 pm verktyg Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 2814 Location: SF Bay Area I'm using a Simplex SX610 rear derailleur on my 1984 Gitane Super Corsa. It index shifts a Shimano 13-30T 8 speed cassette using Sachs Huret Rival 8 speed indexing levers (Shimano levers would probably work too). I had to file a little off of the inside adjusting screw stop block to get it to cover all 8 sprockets. _________________ Chas. SF Bay Area, CA USA ============== 1984 Criterium 1969 TdF 1971 TdF 1974 TdF 1984 TdF x 2 Bikes 1970 SC 1971 SC 1972 SC 1984 SC 1984 Team Pro 1985 Professional 1990s Team Replica Replace the Simplex     gitaneusa.com Forum Index » Vintage Gitane You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours   Page 1 of 1   All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First  Select a forum Gitane USA----------------Vintage GitaneGitane RacingModern GitanePro Racing - Classics/Giro/Tour....Owner Gallery   Powered by phpBB © 2001-2004 phpBB Group Designed for Trushkin.net | Themes Database.