Classic & Vintage - Schwinn 5 speed question (GT 100 derailer).

So, on my early 70's Collegiate I'm trying to find information on the gear system. I see the derailer is a Schwinn GT 100, how long did Schwinn use this setup and is it at all rare? I'm wanting to find a NOS derailer if possible because mine is rather beat up, anyone have an idea of what one may cost? The current one works just fine, but is ugly as hell and beat up looking!

Is it worth searching for a GT 100 derailer or is there something more readily availible from the current time period? I'm looking to make the bike look as stock as possible, but if I cannot find NOS stock parts I will make due with items I can find.

its not a big money bike and nobody is going to have any issues on you replacing it with a shimano part.

but if you ask nicely in this forum, someone may have one of those used in better shape then yours

I see the derailer is a Schwinn GT 100, how long did Schwinn use this setup and is it at all rare? I'm wanting to find a NOS derailer if possible because mine is rather beat up, anyone have an idea of what one may cost?
The GT-100 (http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Schwinn_GT100_derailleur.html) was the first derailleur made by Shimano for Schwinn and it is practically bulletproof (http://www.velo-pages.com/main.php?g2_itemId=13077). Even the pulleys are made of steel on that thing! They were used from 1970 through early 1974 on 5-speed and some 10-speed bikes. They can be found at bicycle swap meets in the $10 price range, or for more than that on eBay.


Is it worth searching for a GT 100 derailer or is there something more readily availible from the current time period? I'm looking to make the bike look as stock as possible, but if I cannot find NOS stock parts I will make due with items I can find.
They are built like a tank but don't shift that well compared to newer or better derailleurs. If you want to upgrade with something that is period correct, most consider the Schwinn GT300 Le Tour (http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Schwinn_GT300_Le_Tour_derailleur.html) (a rebadged Shimano Crane GS (http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=072f3aa2-6d27-46d2-b90e-3a21f855c589)) as well as the SunTour (Maeda) V GT Luxe (http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/SunTour_V_GT_Luxe_derailleur_%281500%29.html) as some of the best derailleurs of the '70s, and they are relatively easy to find on eBay in the $30 to $50 range.

Thanks so much for the reply!!!! This is helpful!!!