NOS Simplex Gear Shifter Clamp Pinch Bolt Vintage Bike

The clamp pinch bolt is the small part that keeps a down-tube shifter anchored. This NOS Simplex example is for the clamp that closes around the frame boss. It is a new old stock item, so it has not seen road use; storage may leave very light marks. The photos form part of the description and show the exact piece on offer.

Why this bolt matters

On a Simplex lever, the clamp pinch bolt handles the clamping force that prevents the shifter rotating under cable load. A used or deformed bolt can bottom out or strip the threads inside a period lever body. Keeping the original pattern means the thread pitch and head shape match the clamp ears without modification. This is hardware, not a cosmetic part — if it does not close correctly, the lever can slip on the boss when you shift.

What is included

• Compatible with Simplex down-tube shifter clamps of the same generation
• New old stock: unused, with possible light storage marks

The Simplex down-tube shifter family spans decades of French production, so pairing the correct bolt with the correct clamp is essential. If you are rebuilding a lever with play at the boss, check whether the clamp ears have spread before replacing the bolt; a worn clamp will not be cured by new hardware alone.

For the full shifter assembly, see also SIMPLEX vintage gear shifters EROICA and the later SIMPLEX vintage gear shifters 1970 PX/PY 10 EROICA.