There was am interview published today with Renzo Soldani (living). Mr.
Soldani speaking about his 1950 victory over Fausto Coppi in the Tour of
Lombardy said, "Coppi was using a Simplex derailleur (with a spring, a
luxury); I was using a Vittoria Margherita with 50 in front and 15,17,19, 2
1
in the rear." My sense, based on still to be improved Italian, from the
interview was that he was saying that this (the shifting method) put him at
a disadvantage that he had to overcome.
Angel Garcia
Verona, Italy, posting things that maybe of interest.....