With the third iteration of the V series SunTour defined the look and performance of derailleurs for the next 30 years. All the elements are here: the curvaceous cast aluminium knuckles, the slant parallelogram, the adjustment screws (clearly marked ‘H’ and ‘L’) at the back, the adjustable cable outer stop, the cable clamped under a washer by a bolt, and the final element - big, glossy, chromed allen bolts.

The V was a tolerable weight, astoundingly affordable and frighteningly effective over a close ratio freewheel - all it lacked was an Italian pedigree.

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1. •Brand: SunTour
   

2. •My category: SunTour - the V story
   

3. •Country: Japan
   

4. •Date of introduction: 1970?
   

5. •Date of this example: 1970 (no two letter date code, but both pulleys and parallelogram plate are stamped ‘Maeda Industries Ltd.’)
   

6. •Model no: unknown
   

7. •Weight: 270g
   

8. •Maximum cog: 24 teeth (source: SunTour)
   

9. •Total capacity: 24 teeth (source: SunTour)
   

10. •Pulley centre to centre: 46mm
    

11. •Index compatibility: friction
    

12. •Chain width: 3/32”
    

13. •Logic: top normal
    

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

15. •Material: largely aluminium with steel parallelogram plates
    

0166/E