The Shimano Lark is a Skylark with the cable clamp bolt mounted on a sprung ‘cable saver’ arm. I have always liked this feature as it gives a pleasant supple feel to the gear change.

I think this example is the third version with the name stamped into the outer parallelogram plate. The typeface used is pleasantly 1960’s with a strong reek of Cadillac (or even Schwinn).

This example is date stamped ‘P11’, which could mean ‘November 1970’, and so comes before my example of the first style of Shimano Lark, which is stamped ‘P12’. Maybe my understanding of these codes is wrong!

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1. •Brand: Shimano
   

2. •My category: Shimano - from Skylark to world domination
   

3. •Country: Japan
   

4. •Date of introduction: 1970?
   

5. •Date of this example: 1970? (date code is P11, ‘3.3.3.’ marking on pulleys)
   

6. •Model no: unknown
   

7. •Weight: 341g including hanger plate but excluding drop-out bolt
   

8. •Maximum cog: 28 teeth
   

9. •Total capacity: 28 teeth
   

10. •Pulley centre to centre: 54mm
    

11. •Index compatibility: friction
    

12. •Chain width: 3/32”
    

13. •Logic: top normal
    

14. •Pivots: two sprung pivots
    

15. •Material: steel
    

0338/L