Retrorockit
Retro Guru
I'm just going to post a photo of this thing. If it interests you contact Rene Herse. The latest thing in Retro parts.
RH Stick shift front derailleur.
- Thread starter Retrorockit
- Start date
Retrorockit
Retro Guru
Moron this. Batteries not included.
The kit. Weight 68g. including shifter.
The kit. Weight 68g. including shifter.
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Retrorockit
Retro Guru
Here's a link to the instruction sheet.
https://www.renehersecycles.com/introducing-the-worlds-lightest-front-derailleur/
https://www.renehersecycles.com/introducing-the-worlds-lightest-front-derailleur/
Front cable shifting can be a headache, this seems like a sensible alternative with added benefits of improved reliability, lower weight and less maintenance. Probably close to zero failure rates too.
But the price you pay is that it's less convenient than a flick of the thumb.
Can it be adapted for 3x shifting?
But the price you pay is that it's less convenient than a flick of the thumb.
Can it be adapted for 3x shifting?
Oh hum. Re-inventing the wheel again from what the late 40s / early 50s.
A Huret example below. At least this version didn't require a specific braze-on so is future proof and can get swapped between Velos unlike the one above. The Simplex was fairly similar, a bit cruder in design with an even odder stick shift movement. Both had also various options for Bowden cable pull too, which correct me if I'm wrong, actually gained some traction in the pro peloton and amateur riders.
Agree. Light and reliable. Most likely would out live the bike and the owner to be honest.
Be prepared to be a contortionist and lay off the cheese, ham and fine wine though to operate it and be willing to "plan" a gear change.
With no mudguards, be prepared for an almost mortal gear change. Not for drunk riders, but for those on horse pain killers.
A Huret example below. At least this version didn't require a specific braze-on so is future proof and can get swapped between Velos unlike the one above. The Simplex was fairly similar, a bit cruder in design with an even odder stick shift movement. Both had also various options for Bowden cable pull too, which correct me if I'm wrong, actually gained some traction in the pro peloton and amateur riders.
Agree. Light and reliable. Most likely would out live the bike and the owner to be honest.
Be prepared to be a contortionist and lay off the cheese, ham and fine wine though to operate it and be willing to "plan" a gear change.
With no mudguards, be prepared for an almost mortal gear change. Not for drunk riders, but for those on horse pain killers.
On period bikes, worth mentioning you practically need an equally period FD either stick shift or Bowden cable driven due to the infinite adjustability they have for the slack seat-tube angle.
Modern in there rigid design even prior to early indexing just don't rub. Well they do ..... the chain stay.
This is all again that Rene Herse "dust off" with little justification because we are in 2025 and things have moved on in terms of riding and rider safety.
Modern in there rigid design even prior to early indexing just don't rub. Well they do ..... the chain stay.
This is all again that Rene Herse "dust off" with little justification because we are in 2025 and things have moved on in terms of riding and rider safety.
Guinessisgoodforyou
rBotM Winner
We're gonna party like its 1939 
At least some of the stuff I've had in my hands and seen, I would say yes.
The throw is crudely set, and more related to not banging the FD cage into a revolving DS crank arm. The lower limit is more on feeling.
The old stuff have a massive wide internal cage. Mainly due to chain width and type at the time.
There is no "snappy change", just a very crude derailment in it's proper sense and may require you take your eyes off the road with certainly one hand off the bars in an awkward place.
Not for city commuting I would say.
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The Cyclo Benelux Mark 7 version has a longer handle and it's clamp on: https://velobase.com/Pages/ViewComp...28E3-4B23-AD34-02A16A064617&Enum=113&AbsPos=5
Don't know what it weighs but it works really quite well.
Shifting 50/32 on my 1953 Whirlwind
Don't know what it weighs but it works really quite well.
Shifting 50/32 on my 1953 Whirlwind
Looks better made than the Simplex. 
