singlespeedscott wrote:
Why can't Dave tell you how the Huret derailleur was mounted and actuated? Personally I think the rod operated version would be a lot easier to use
he did ^^ (but I buried it after the ramblings on the decal)
As for the front derailleur cable run, Dave said it ran from the left bar end shifter down the left side of the downtube, then under the bottom bracket then back up to the derailleur. So that is how it will go.
and it is the less often seen cable operated version
Not your everyday 'common as muck' rod variety, but a cable operated one, that appears to date from 1950.
The rod and cable operated front derailleurs sold side by side, but this cable one appears to be one of the earliest versions, and the cable routing was a challenge they were facing in the early 1950s. I like that it is there to show how they came up with the solution, which became more refined as the years went by. Plus the cable operated version was the one that Dave bought and used, then put in the parts box. The derailleur is part of the bikes very early history so it appropriate for it to be returned to use. When I first met with Dave and explained my approach to returning the frame to period parts, he openly expressed his view that he looked forward to upgrading as parts wore out, or better ones came along. He thought I was being a bit precious. Shows what an astute man he is.
I rather like the idea of having a range of components so I can track their development. The reason I am interested in the period immediately after WW2 is that there was a variety and innovation. After that I regard it as refinement of the concepts. For gears, I have the Osgear on the Hobbs, the Simplex TDF on the Spearman, I plan on a Campagnolo Gran Sport on the EA Boult with the Huret FD, and a Cyclo Benelux on the Ace Special. These represent many of the competing companies of the period. A look at
Disraeli Gears shows the number of companies producing derailleurs and each one was striving to come up with an innovative approach. Contrast that with today.
I do have a Simplex rod operated FD in my parts box. A very early form and really only 'correct' on a 1947-8 bike. But Dad only had 3 speed RD so it is inappropriate for the Spearman.
And I do have the
Simplex single pulley wheel RD that would also go on that vintage frame. No I don't need N+1, particularly as I haven't told Liz about the ladies Legnano, the EA Boult, the Ace Special or the Giessauf renovated Super Elliott.
, I put some components on the frame today 
for the front derailleur.
