There must have been something in the water in the late 1970’s. Both Sachs (with their Super Sport) and Excel (with this - the Excel Dynamic) decided that this was the perfect moment to copy a 1958 design - the long obsolete Huret Allvit.

Unlike Sachs, Excel did not try to ‘improve’ every aspect of the Allvit, but instead faithfully copied it and then, at the last moment, added a spring loaded ‘cable saver’ to the cable clamp bolt mounting. The hanger proudly proclaims that this ‘cable saver’ design is covered by US patent # 3,903,751, first filed in April 1974 - which is a little interesting as Shimano had been using this design on their Lark since the late 1960’s.

The plastic tube covering the dangerously protruding ends of the springs is a classy detail, and as a final touch, Excel chose to rivet the tension pulley into place - it is not replaceable. The bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the sweet flavour of a cheap price is forgotten - at least that’s what it says on my local plumber’s van - and he should know, because I can assure you that he forgot about a cheap price some considerable time ago.

In my collection of US derailleurs, resplendent with CNC jewellery and SRAM’s carbon composite masterpieces, the Excel Dynamic shares a proud position with the Elgin American as one of the two earliest US derailleurs that I own.

It serves as a warning to us all.

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1. •Brand: Excel
   

2. •Country: USA
   

3. •Date of introduction: 1975?
   

4. •Date of this example: unknown
   

5. •Model no: unknown
   

6. •Weight: 300g including hanger plate
   

7. •Maximum cog: 30 teeth?
   

8. •Total capacity: 32 teeth?
   

9. •Pulley centre to centre: 54mm
   

10. •Index compatibility: friction
    

11. •Chain width: 3/32”
    

12. •Logic: top normal
    

13. •Pivots: two pivots, front sprung and rear unsprung
    

14. •Material: steel
    

0092/C