This is a slick little ladies bike, nice and original.
There were thousands of these type bikes ridden all over Continental Europe.
The English had the Sturmey Archer market sewed up but were a little more
expensive to export to the Continent, so they adapted a derailleur to the
coaster.
If you look carefully you will see the clips on the chainstay to keep the
chain from jamming when back pedalled to stop.
The cage and roller came forward and did not jam into the frame, the chain
on top was held in sagging position, and when the rider started to pedal
forward the parts would all reposition themselves in proper sequence.
These were in use for a few years, but then when F&S came out with its'
internal Sturmey copies they became much more accessible and then the
coaster derailleur was less practical and on it's way out.
The US market was tied into the SA 3sp hubs and the American importers would
spec SA on their bikes so the Continental Manufacturers would HAVE to get
the unit from England.
Hercules, and BSA 3sp hubs were not too popular here, and then Steyr copied
the Sturmey fairly close and they were brought in by the 10's of thousands
by Sears $ Roebuck over the years until the derailleurs took over.
Many of you have seen the simple 3sp derailleurs still in action in Italy
and France after 30 years plus, as they didn't go for the internal hubs
overly much.
To each his own, making the collecting dilemma even more fun.
Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates
CA USA
> Shameless promotion of this unusual derailleur bike. Rides nice as it was
> used last year in the antique ride before the Tour de Somerville. Very
> nice looking also. How many bikes have a derailleur combination with a
> coaster brake.
>
> http://ebay.com/
>
> or item # 280073508297
>
> Ray Homiski
> Elizabeth, NJ