In all my earlier Sears adverts, from 1968 to 1973, they have used one, and only one, brand of derailleur - Shimano. But in 1975 the tide changes and here is the Sears Free Spirit fitted with the US made Excel Dynamic Syncromesh.

I can’t tell whether this was due to a rush of patriotic blood to the head or a rush of hard nosed Dollars to the Yen, but it is certainly curious. The Shimano Larks and Eagles of the earlier years were reliable competent mechanisms produced to a high standard. I don’t mean to be rude, but it is hard to regard the Excel as anything other than a poorly constructed, obsolete mess.

None of this seems to worry our young, wholesome, t-shirt wearing fans of The Superstars.

• Publisher: Boy’s Life
• Country: USA
• Date: June 1975
• Derailleur brands: Excel
• Derailleurs: Excel Dynamic Syncromesh (1st style)?, Excel Dynamic Syncromesh (2nd style)?