European Classic

Bicycles are meant to be simple.  The derailleur was introduced in the late 1800s to allow for multiple gear changes without dismounting.  I think the 1980s were the golden era of European bicycles -- basically, before index shifting, clipless pedals, carbon fiber and aerodynamics dominate product design.  It was also the decade I got introduced to serious cycling when I bought my first Italian bike, an Atala Campione del Mondo with Campagnolo C-Record components.  Since I bought that bike from Helen's Cycles in Westwood, I've had several road bikes of the "modern" designs I mentioned above.  Last week, I did find my Holy Grail of classic European bikes, a 1983 Eddy Merckx and above is a photo of the drive system.