Suntour LePree 3 pulley rear mech

[zerogravitas]

https://ebay.us/m/vuQ2Ux

Ungainly but fascinating, always wanted one of these.

 

[Gtpulse]

I think Suntour made some interesting stuff in that era. I’ve got one of these I swapped the cage with on an XC mech to better suit the build. Straight swap so easy to put back if needed.

 

[Glug]

I've always wondered, so I did a search:

From https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/118102-suntour-lepree-derailleur.html

"The LePree I remember was the version introduced in 1985 on Nishiki models. It had three pulleys to achieve a 42T of chain wrap. It had been developed in conjunction with Nishiki and as a result, Nishiki had one year exclusive availability on the three pulley version."

42T of wrap is a lot, apparently because mountain bikes were becoming a thing.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Further reading:
https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/suntour_xc_derailleur_3_pulley_system.html