A quick history of the derailleur.

[Gregorian]

This is stuff I never knew. Not the least of which is a statement in passing about the Tour de France stages being 300 miles long, in years past.

The history of the derailleur is anything but boring.

http://www.campyonly.com/history.html

[happyslug]

1. Helps Explain why English Three Speeds were preferred till the 1960s

English Three Speeds were available by 1900, but tended to be heavy compared to single speeds and the later derailleurs. Thus Bicycle racers preferred the much lighter single speeds (and the two speed mentioned in the article) and later the Derailleur system (Please note Five speed and later Seven, Eight and ten Speed Derailleur systems also tend to be cheaper then similar five to 14 speed internal hubs sold today).

Some more history of the Bicycle:
http://www.pedalinghistory.com/PHhistory.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_bicycle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle

Another factor in favor of the Derailleur is that if you opt for the Internal Hubs, you have to use an Derailleur or single speed on the front gears. Thus less effective gears if you opt for an internal gear and a single gear front (Through such a combination permits the use of Chain guards, which can not be effectively used with a Derailleur system, for such a system needs space to move the chain between the gears, with an Internal hub and single speed front the chain stays in the same location and thus makes it easier to make an effective chain guard).

[Gregorian]

2. I haven't given up on the hydraulic bike.

Something that has been on my mind for decades. But as one can see, when using the body as a means of power, ever little bit of weight counts. And every little inefficiency adds up quickly. As soon as I get my new shop built, I intend to embark on the hydraulic bike design.

I am surprised to not find bike history on Sheldon Browns site. I guess he was more drivetrain oriented.

http://sheldonbrown.com/home.html

I wish we lived in a bike centric culture.

[david13]

3. Awrite! I will spend some time studying this, as I want to know how

to service and adjust mine.
dc

[alfredo]

4. vice grips and a ball peen hammer. The rear is easy

you just have to align the guides to the large and small cogs. The front is basically the same, but it is more an art than science.