The "Official Tour De France" book published on the occasion of the 100th anniv perhaps sheds some light?
In 1937, "The universal use of the derailleur revolutionized the 1937 Tour. ......Lapebie's formed failed catastrophically. Only judicious use of the newly approved derailleur allowed him to come through with his lead intact......(he) became the first Tour De France victor to have ridden every stage using a derailleur."
Then this, " Labepie's rhythm always remained the same, while Vicini, having to back pedal to force the chain to jump, could not change gears so often."
That sounds like different bikes to me.
Angel Garcia, not a derailleur expert either Long Valley, NJ
> Toni Theilmeier wrote:
> >
> > Am I right in saying that in Europe in pre-WWII days, there were races
> > to which riders were only allowed to bring their own saddles and
> > handlebars? The rest of the bike would be furnished by a sponsoring
> > cycle maker. I have heard that this method was used in the twenties in
> > the Tour of Germany. Confirm, anyone?
>
>
> Yes and no... the riders supplied their own bar and stem and saddle and
> the Tour de France organizer supplied the bikes, every last one painted
> the same yellow. No sponsoring bicycle manufacturer; that was the
> point. Desgrange felt the bike companies were getting too big for their
> britches so no Peugeots, Automotos, Alcyons, etc.!
>
> http://www.velo-retro.com/
>
> I don't remember the years when this "rule" was in effect. Anyone know?
> Anyone want to do the research?
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, Southern California
>
> .