Cuz gearing, or the range there of has changed, expanded. What little use I've had with the Huret, it's fine when used on a 2 gear set, it was designed for 3 so I'm assuming it will function likewise. Smooth and indexed it is not, but in comparison with other forms of chain manipulation of the time, it was pretty cool. There was an overlap of technology in the 40's and the coil spring was obviously replaced by the parralleogram, but take it for what it was. C&V is about enjoying all aspects of the bicycle and just it functionality, correct?