The Shimano Lark is a Skylark with the cable clamp bolt mounted on a sprung ‘cable saver’ arm. I have always liked this feature as it gives a pleasant supple feel to the gear change.

I think this example is the fourth version of the Shimano Lark in its SS guise. For this fourth generation Shimano redesigned the pulley cage plates and stop, and reduced the depth of the parallelogram plates.

The SS version has the classic embossed outer parallelogram plate with that zany 1970’s typeface. This example has particularly unusual and alluring chromed caps over its main pivots - nice.

• Derailleur brands: Shimano
• Categories: Shimano - from Skylark to world domination
• Country: Japan
• Date of introduction: 1971
• Date of this example: unknown (no date code but has ‘3.3.3.’ marking on pulleys)
• Model no.: D210 or 52204001
• Weight: 323g including hanger plate
• Maximum cog: 28 teeth
• Total capacity: 28 teeth
• Pulley centre to centre: 54mm
• Index compatibility: friction
• Chain width: 3/32”
• Logic: top normal
• B pivot: sprung
• P pivot: sprung
• Materials: steel