Early 50s La Gazelle - Eau-de-Nil 🛠️ The Merlot Aftermath 🍷

@Mickeyspinn - I'm not sure if your tests will be conclusive and really help. These mechs are so dependent on the drop-out too.

If you look at my long Simplex drop-out, in theory I can ram the whole wheel back a fair bit to increase max sprocket size. Capacity issues should be solved with a single ring up front. The mech travel adjustment and wheel dish for 6 speed will be hit-or-miss trial and error.

For the moment, I can't actually see where the bottle neck is so to speak. When the lever is pushed fully forward (ie. for the biggest sprocket) there is still some tension in the cable.
 
Woz said:
@Mickeyspinn - I'm not sure if your tests will be conclusive and really help. These mechs are so dependent on the drop-out too.

If you look at my long Simplex drop-out, in theory I can ram the whole wheel back a fair bit to increase max sprocket size. Capacity issues should be solved with a single ring up front. The mech travel adjustment and wheel dish for 6 speed will be hit-or-miss trial and error.

For the moment, I can't actually see where the bottle neck is so to speak. When the lever is pushed fully forward (ie. for the biggest sprocket) there is still some tension in the cable.
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Yes they only work with the simplex specific dropout! Mine will be the same dimensionally as yours. You only have these on your bike if you have that specific derailleur hanger dropout.the bike is built for that derailleur and that derailleur only! Unfortunately you don't have the wheel and freewheel that your derailleur has been set for....so it's not a case of chuck a wheel in...it ain't gonna be that easy I'm afraid!
When you rebuild the derailleur that's only half the job....it then has to be set for the block and where it is in relation to dropout.its not like an ordinary derailleur you bolt on then set hi and low with a a couple of tweaks of a screwdriver.....oh no...nope!....😆
Clear a bench for the weekend....a nice tipple no monster merlot action and pull that derailleur to pieces.....photos! Every stage photos then reassemble. You'll learn much from doing this!
Your jockeys have got to be Bob on...no float! yes they're cup and cone bearings...or you might dont quote me but I think ive read somewhere could have needle bearings...once youve done this you can then measure the amount of travel your pushrod will allow. This well tell you if it physically has enough movement for a 5 speed blocks width. I think it's just possible...but there'll be no room for mudguard bolts! That chain will have to run so close to the dropout a gag paper might just fit!
My set up is a 14-20 50-47 even if I run the axle right at the back of dropout I can only get 2 maybe 3 extra teeth on the top. Don't forget further back in the dropout effects chain length and how the top jockey does its thing. My set up definitely has a sweet spot where the axle is in relation to the derailleur.
To far forward and with slack in the chain the top jovkey tries to do the shifting....it's the bottom one that should be doing it!
I think you need to play it with chuck...it's a little alien to other derailleurs... marvellous without doubt though 😁
 
Woz said:
Not to going tell you where it is. You can have a touring holiday ;)

To be real honest, it's one of those places if you are serious about bike hunting to go at least twice week and be at the gates at opening times. I can't afford that time, but I must have to say I have seen gems there. It is one of the biggest and people do travel to it from miles around from time to time. It's got a cultural centre vibe to it in a way. My main thing is 90s MTBs and it only took about 4 years going there to find something decent with a good XT / LX mix gruppo and 8 speed. It's mostly low range rusty or unloved 10 speed sad Motobecane stuff, but occasionally there are collectors items and they will get snapped up in 10 mins by someone with a very keen eye who is dabbling in collecting or buying / selling. At one point I had my hand on 3 pre-war / during occupation bikes which someone obviously pulled out of a barn attic. I hummed and argghhhed for what felt an eternity and an orderly group of 4 blokes queued up behind me. Lovely banter about knackered bikes, and I had finally made up my mind and said "No - have a good harvest Messieurs, bonne chance!".

What makes me the most happy is when a young lady in her 20s or so looks at the quantities of retro ladies bikes and just yells out "wow - it's beautiful" and proceeds to grab boyfriend and they decide to buy it have a crack at a little bike project. I think the younger generation look on these things today very differently.

As an olive branch @vcballbat to appreciate your great input and helping me through the unknown* - the biggest and best charity stores in France (and I've been to a few dotted up and down the country) are Emmaüs . You can take a bee-line to them. They can be huge.

The cause they help is close to my heart. At one point in my life I was £5 from being homeless, and so regardless of what I buy I know it is doing something good for someone somewhere. Pretty much all the Emmaüs stores are on GPS maps these days. But not Michelin ;)

* there was a dark moment where I had to stroke a complete Shimano MTB groupset. :LOL:
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Looks like I've left it too late for my trip to France but got lucky and managed to find some French Fancies in Blighty..will be back over next summer on the green routes..👍 Emmaus do a fantastic job helping rebuild lives, we have a shop and accommodation in Winchester next to the recycling centre which is handy and a shop in my home town which now after a very reasonable donation provides me with a double expresso kickstart every morning..

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