With the third iteration of the V series SunTour defined the look and performance of derailleurs for the next 30 years. All the elements are here: the curvaceous cast aluminium knuckles, the slant parallelogram, the adjustment screws (clearly marked ‘H’ and ‘L’) at the back, the adjustable cable outer stop, the cable clamped under a washer by a bolt, and the final element - big, glossy, chromed allen bolts.

The V was a tolerable weight, astoundingly affordable and frighteningly effective over a close ratio freewheel - all it lacked was an Italian pedigree.

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• Derailleur brands: SunTour
• Categories: SunTour - the V story
• Country: Japan
• Date of introduction: 1970?
• Date of this example: unknown (no two letter date code, but both pulleys and parallelogram plate are stamped ‘Maeda Industries Ltd.’)
• Model no.: 2900 (and also 2900/1)
• Weight: 270g
• Maximum cog: 24 teeth (source: SunTour)
• Total capacity: 24 teeth (source: SunTour)
• Pulley centre to centre: 46mm
• Index compatibility: friction
• Chain width: 3/32”
• Logic: top normal
• B pivot: unsprung
• P pivot: sprung
• Materials: largely aluminium with steel parallelogram plates

Ref. 166