When Schwinn’s archaic Chicago factory couldn’t keep up with booming demand, it decided to import bikes, made to its specifications, from Japan. To do this Schwinn needed a ‘Schwinn Approved’ derailleur made in Japan - and turned to Shimano to provide the solution. Schwinn’s Chicago factory used the ‘Schwinn Approved’ Huret Allvit - so Schwinn demanded something similar from Shimano, including all the Allvit’s nastier features:

1. •A massive bashguard for humungous weight.
   

2. •Incomprehensible adjustment screw placing.
   

3. •An incredibly tedious trapped cable clamp bolt and washer system.
   

Shimano duly obliged with this strange creation, part Huret Allvit, part Shimano Pecker and part Shimano Lark.

It weighed a ton, but it quickly became a favourite with Schwinn Cyclery  mechanics because it worked so much better than the Allvit.

This particular example has beautifully machined steel pulley wheels - but I don’t know whether they are original.

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1. •Brand: Schwinn, manufactured by Shimano
   

2. •Country: USA, manufactured in Japan
   

3. •Date of introduction: 1971?
   

4. •Date of this example: 1972 (Stamped 9 - 72)
   

5. •Model no: GT100
   

6. •Weight: 467g including hanger plate
   

7. •Maximum cog: 28 teeth
   

8. •Total capacity: 28 teeth
   

9. •Pulley centre to centre: 54mm
   

10. •Index compatibility: friction
    

11. •Chain width: 3/32”
    

12. •Logic: top normal
    

13. •Pivots: two sprung pivots
    

14. •Material: steel
    

0191/F