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 clean example of a late Huret Course Compétition. Some key features may be:
- The cable clamp screw is mounted in a silver coloured cylindrical component that can rotate as the derailleur operates.
- The plate with the outer cable stop has an adjustment screw that can operate as a high gear stop.
- The outer pulley cage plate is chromed and branded with the words 'Huret' and 'B TE. F. E.'.
- 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.
- Derailleur brands: Huret
- Categories: Huret - before 1950
- Country: France
- Date of introduction: 1947?
- Date of this example: unknown
- Model no.: unknown
- Weight: 245g 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.
