SHIFT LEVERS:
Huret / Simplex SLJ (modified) - shift control levers - retro-friction type design - down tube mount - Huret chrome plated steel clamp (model 1298) - Simplex post 1977 "open hoop" aluminum alloy levers without logo (model SLJ or Super Lucien Juy) - Clear anodized finish ... [This "Franken-ponent" is my own not-too-terribly-creative attempt to esthetically integrate what are generally acknowledged as being the finest friction shifters ever produced with the exemplary Huret Success front and rear derailleurs selected for use on this bicycle. Typical second edition SLJ retro-friction alloy shift levers have the word "SIMPLEX" proudly emblazoned across their facing. However, these very same units were also made at one time or another for use with several other component manufacturer and/or manufacturer group offerings such as those sold under the brands Spidel, MAVIC, Galli, Gipiemme, and ultimately OFMEGA, and I specifically selected for use here one of those alternate versions having absolutely no logo marking whatsoever. As it so happens, the Huret model 1298 down tube shifter clamp which is part of the model 1164 shift lever set normally sold in conjunction with their Jubilee / Success / Duopar derailleurs of this vintage has standard 9 mm posts and squared boss plates perfectly compatible with Simplex SLJ shift levers intended for braze-on applications. The only modification necessary to graft said shift levers onto the Huret clamp itself is to re-cut the threads inside the posts on the latter using a 5 mm x .80 pitch tap in order to accommodate the SLJ mounting screws and - voilà! - you magically end up with what looks for all intents and purposes to be a Huret branded version of the renown Simplex SLJ retro-friction shift levers. Of course, while the cognoscenti may appreciate both the motive and the irony inherent in this pairing, I harbor no illusion that they would be so easily fooled as to think that this was ever actually a production offering. Those Graftek G-1 models which were sold new as a "complete" bicycle would have normally had Campagnolo Record model 1014 down tube mounted twin control levers.]
