Bike Forums - Can anyone identify these 1930-1940 brakes (frome Bianchi Saetta)? (2024)

I have an 1939 Saetta that is missing a few key parts, including the brakes. This photo was posted in a set depicting a 1937 Saetta, and I have a very old picture of my bike, which seems to have the same brakes. I'd like to identify these so I can start the search.

Thanks,http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=450003

Eco. On the right side it says "Freni Eco".

I have never seen a pair other than in ads.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/...fc57d291_o.jpg1938_Giro008 by iabisdb, on Flickr

Just as an fyi, for a 1937 bike, you will need brakes from 1935. It seems most major brake manufacturers out of Italy offered new models in 1935, 1939, 1951 and 1961.

The difference typically between the 1935 and 1939 brakes can be seen in the Universal models, but holds pretty true for all manufacturers. I always found it odd that all the manufacturers would have the same "upgrade" on the same year.

The 1935 models have much more geometric transitions from the cable stops to the arms. The 1939 models use a generous fillet.

Finding a Mod 35 from Universal, Balilla or Eco (acceptable choices for your bike) will take time and a lot of money. Even harder and more expensive will be the levers.

Mod 35

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/...21748045_h.jpgUniversal Model 35 Brake Caliper by Speedplay Vintage Bicycle Component Museum, on Flickr

Mod 39

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMj...VHEX5/$_57.JPG

You are correct that the Saetta was last in the 1939 catalog. The 1940 catalog has the Folgore as their road model and had the cambio corsa dropouts.

Universal Mod 39 calipers are somewhat abundant and the last 2 pairs I watched sold for about $60/pair. The levers typically go for $150ish. There are 2 types for the calipers. Like the picture above, the road models come to more of a triangular point at the pivot bolt. The city bike version is more square-ish at the pivot bolt. Both versions are stamped "Brev 361666". So make sure you are getting the version you want, if you are being picky.

After Universal introduced the Mod 51, they still manufactured the Mod 39 road version, except it was stamped "Universal" on both arms, no "Brev 361666". In the 50s these calipers were typically used on the Sport bikes of the major manufacturers.

How about some pictures of you Saetta?

Happen to be some Eco 35s on ebay right now. I am really really tempted but they would just sit in my parts bin. Also, there are a couple of other more tempting items. Why does the good stuff always come in waves.

Freni Bici Corsa Epoca Anni 30 Brake Old Race Bicycle Vintage Ancienne Velò | eBay

Yes the knowledge on this site is really mind blowing! I have a 1935 Maino Super Campionissimo and I did not know the manufacturer of the brakes. They are branded GMA (for Giovanni Maino Alessandria) and "Super Sport". At first I thought they might be Universal 35s without their branding, well clearly they are the alloy version of the Freni Eco Super Sport - Thanks!
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...psktewynyh.jpg

Because its Quarterly Tax payment time in the USA.

Always feel poor as property tax installments were last month