DISRAELI GEARS

Huret Course Compétition (1st style)

Huret Course Compétition (1st style) derailleur main image

Like the Huret Route Touriste, the Huret Course Compétition was one of Huret’s typically innovative and cunning designs, in this case a racing model that attached at the drop-out.

The pulley cage slides along a rod that is held in place by two thick rods (these are often refered to as ‘piano wire’ designs). A strong torsion spring pushes the cage towards low gear, with the cable running directly between the thick wires and a clamp bolt attached to the torsion spring.

It was all very direct and simple, used materials that could be obtained immediately after the end of the Second World War and could be manufactured in Huret’s simple workshops.


I think that this is a relatively early example of the Huret Course Compétition. Some key features may be:

  • The cable clamp screw is mounted onto a white metal casting.
  • The component with the outer cable stop has no adjustment screw.
  • The outer pulley cage plate is unbranded, is mainly silver in colour and oxidises to a dull grey colour.
  • Chain tension is provided by a tensioned wire which runs over roller at the component positioned at the drop out bolt. This wire is controlled by a secondary lever which allows the derailleur to be 'detensioned' during shifting.

This example is one of two very similar derailleurs in this collection. The difference between them appears to lie in the composition of the alloy used for the outer pulley cage plate.


  • Derailleur brands: Huret
  • Categories: Huret - before 1950
  • Country: France
  • Date of introduction: 1946
  • Date of this example: unknown
  • Model no.: unknown
  • Weight: 229g including integral hanger but excluding spring system
  • Maximum cog: 22 teeth?
  • Total capacity: 8 teeth?
  • Pulley centre to centre: not applicable
  • Index compatibility: friction
  • Chain width: 1/8”
  • Logic: low normal
  • B pivot: none
  • P pivot: sprung
  • Materials: steel rods, bronze complex parts, aluminium inner cage plate, white metal outer cage plate... etc.
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