I'm kind of partial to run-of-the mill road bikes. They don't demand the care and maintenance of beauty queens, and I don't feel guilty about abusing them on dirt roads and such.
So when my Hobbs arrived, I was thrilled. Its not their best model, but its well built and sturdy. Plus my wife likes the color.
As I can only have one road bike in the house at a time, the Hobbs frame has got to be turned into an all-purpose bike. For me that means a wide gear range in the neighborhood of 52/36 ... 14/28.
Were there any rear derailleurs in the 50's that could handle that range?
In the 50's, what double cranks besides the 49D could handle ~36 teeth.
Amir Avitzur
Ramat-Gan, Israel