This Romet derailleur captures, in microcosm, the decline of the Soviet Empire.

The first generation of ZZR copies of a Huret Svelto were well constructed, accurately made devices, the product of a certain amount of pride and caring.

The second generation of ZZR copies of a Huret Svelto were serviceable, utilitarian items - nothing special, but honest products.

However, this third generation copy of a Huret Svelto, branded up as Romet, is an entirely different kettle of fish. It looks the convincingly the same, all the elements seem to be present and correct, but it is a hollow shell of a thing, a cynical product of ‘you pretend to pay us and we pretend to work’. The pressings are horribly finished, the plating is flaking off, and all precision has gone out of its construction. Most importantly it is too badly made to function, it has the appearance of being a derailleur - but in fact it is just so much metal biding its time between factory and dustbin.

A tragedy.

• Derailleur brands: Romet
• Country: Poland
• Date of introduction: 1977?
• Date of this example: unknown
• Model no.: unknown
• Weight: 238g including hanger plate
• Maximum cog: 28 teeth?
• Total capacity: 28 teeth?
• Pulley centre to centre: 45mm
• Index compatibility: friction
• Chain width: 3/32”
• Logic: top normal
• B pivot: unsprung
• P pivot: sprung
• Materials: steel