Modolo Speedy Brakeset - Black

I love finely-crafted brake calipers and levers. The best ones illustrate a harmony of form and function. That being said, Modolo brakes may not be the best stopping brakes out there - certainly not by today's standards, but even back in the day. However, Modolo did make great-looking brakes, and their attention to design detail is, to me, very apparent in their models starting at the Speedy level.

I also love Suntour Superbe and Superbe Pro brakesets and, of course, most of the Campagnolo offerings in this category prior to 1990. Don't get me wrong; when it comes to modern builds, there are few brakes more sexy that gleaming polished metal or black Campagnolo Skeleton calipers. But those belong in another blog.

I purchased the Modolo Speedy brakeset pictured here off Craigslist for a song - $50. The levers even had the original hoods on them, but they were so cracked and deteriorated that I threw them away as I began polishing. These will go on a build, eventually. In the meantime, they'll remain in my offsite, climate-controlled, subterranean component vault. 

Share your experiences with Modolo brakes below so our readers can enjoy your stories too!

1983 Bianchi Tipo Corsa

This build is 98% done. 58cm 1983 Bianchi Tipo Corsa. Wheels are going to need to be changed out. They have era-correct Phil Wood hubs (so nice), but the rims are early 90s Mavic. No huge deal, but there's so much effort in keeping the rest original that I didn't want to skimp on the wheels. I have another set of 80s Mavic wheels that will go nicely. Might even splurge for celeste tires... we'll see.

Dropout screws are in backwards. I have another, shorter pair coming in the mail this week, so those will be fixed. Stem isn't correct. It's a more recent Cinelli. Other than that - pretty much a correct (catalog) build for this bike. 

Frame came to me as a freshly-painted bare frame and fork. Spent this summer slowly builging it up - piece by piece. Really had fun with this build. Something about taking my time, polishing things - working on early Saturday mornings in the garage to assemble what I know will be a beautiful machine. 

More pics HERE.

Thanks for looking!