A Short History of Derailers

Cyclo Route

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There was a French Cyclo company and a British Cyclo company. The British company somewhat copied the French company’s designs, and became the dominant supplier in the UK in the 40s and 50s. Backwards, bolt-on shifter, friction, and cable pulled. 4 speeds.

A Steampunk artist could connect this to copper tubing and a steam generator to increase the shifting time by a second or more.

Video

Bolt-on, top tube lever and a Simplex suicide shifter.

Campy Super Record 11

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This one goes to 11, made with titanium and carbon fiber. This is a derailer you sacrifice yourself for in a crash.

Looks like a part that fell off of Robocop’s suit and shifts like magic.

The Cyclo Route is connected to Bob Freeman’s Duravia.

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More photos on Flickr.

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