The Shimano Skylark was Shimano’s take on the 1961 Simplex Juy Export 61. The Skylark has two sprung pivots, it is steel with no structural plastic parts, it has the pivot of the pulley cage offset from the axis of the pulleys and it works very well. Shimano called this combination of attributes their ‘Servo-Pantagraph’ design, and, despite this, it sold so well that they never looked back.

The example is a late 1970’s version, reworked for reduced cost and reduced character. By 1974 it has the adjustment screws ‘trapped’ by the signature black plastic block - and is manufactured in Singapore.

• Derailleur brands: Shimano
• Categories: Shimano - from Skylark to world domination
• Country: Japan, manufactured in Singapore
• Date of introduction: 1974
• Date of this example: 1976 (two letter date code is AE)
• Model no.: DD500
• Weight: 302g 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

Ref. 271