Campagnolo Delta Brakes – Vintage Velo

Campagnolo Delta Brakes Heavy, complicated, difficult to adjust — and stunning. The Delta brakes were introduced in 1986 as part of Campagnolo’s C-Record gruppo. This was Campy’s response to the growing number of bikes speced with Shimano and Suntour. Rather than compete solely on performance, Campy focussed on what it did best, creating what is widely thought of as one of the most beautiful component groups ever made. No other part better embodied this form-over-function approach than the Delta brakes. Using an elaborate linkage, the brakes offered respectable stopping power and even better modulation – if they were adjusted properly. The fact that their inner workings were hidden behind such a gorgeous faceplate only added to the Delta mystique. Eventually Campy moved on, designing more conventional looking and performing components, but while they existed, the Delta brakes represented a certain cycling spirit that valued aesthetics just as much as performance. Just like so many Italians, they were beautiful and high maintenance.