The Crimson Star was a cheap, basic and surprisingly effective copy of a Cyclo Benelux pull-chain derailleur. It had the (typical of Cyclo) un-sprung top pivot that allowed it to be swung out of the way when removing a wheel, it had simple plastic pulleys much as we use today, and it could accept 1/8” or 3/32” chain.

The Crimson Star also has a fantastic name - sharing the honours with the SunTour Love for the best model name of any derailleur (the SunTour Skitter and the Shimano Pecker are just plain silly).

If ‘Red Robbo’ ever cycled to Longbridge as a young apprentice, this is surely the derailleur he would have used.

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1. •Brand: Resilion
   

2. •Country: UK
   

3. •Date of introduction: 1958
   

4. •Date of this example: unknown
   

5. •Model no: unknown
   

6. •Weight: 255g including hanger plate but excluding drop out bolt
   

7. •Maximum cog: 24 teeth?
   

8. •Total capacity: 10 teeth
   

9. •Pulley centre to centre: 60mm
   

10. •Index compatibility: friction
    

11. •Chain width: 1/8” and 3/32”
    

12. •Logic: low normal
    

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

14. •Material: steel
    

15. •My theme: A riot of colour
    

0239/H