[CR]On-topic Indexed shifter from 1947

(Example: Framebuilding:Norris Lockley)

From: "The Maaslands" <TheMaaslands@comcast.net>
To: "CR" <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 16:47:46 -0500
Subject: [CR]On-topic Indexed shifter from 1947

I often get upset about the people who claim supposed knowledge about the first development of any certain technology and its application to cycling. Unless there is a patent application accompanying it, I am generally very doubtful about any claimed firsts. Especially when the claims are related to almost anything developed after the 1910's. I was therefore wondering if anybody can tell me what patent coverage applies to the Lucchini derailleur that is fitted to my 1947 Soncini?

You can see photos of it here:

http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/1947_Soncini_City_Bike

Is the patent perhaps related to the fact that it is a fully indexed derailleur? Is it perhaps related to the fact that the derailleur actually is able to shift both among the four cogs in the back as well as the two chainrings in the front?

Has anybody else ever seen similar rear drop-outs? Perhaps similar brass mudguards? Perhaps a similar chainguard? Perhaps a similar monobloc handlebar/stem? The brakes are also quite unique in that they are fitted to the bike by means of two brazed-on mounts on the fork and frame. The part that mounts to the braze-on has two pivots. One that moves another part of the brake, whereas the other pivots the central brake mechanism. They work surprisingly well for the vintage. In reality, the whole bike rides very well, much better than I would have expected.

Lastly, would anybody have a replacement Fiamme rim for me? The alloy rims are still the original ones from 1947 and the rear one no longer runs perfectly round and true, which also makes keeping the tire on the rim difficult. The rim fits a 26 1 3/8 tire (590 x 32)

BTW, I bought this bike from the son of the builder. The bike had been the builder's own personal bike until his death. The builder openend his bike shop in 1934 and was joined by the son when the youngster reached 12 years of age, then the age at which it was permitted to leave school. The son worked in the shop for over 50 years, most of the time alongside his wife and only recently 'retired'. In fact, the son still has the first racing bike that his father built for him as a child in 1947 (the same year that the bike that I now own was built, being the first time that supplies were readily available after WWII)

Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ