Originally Posted by
pastorbobnlnh
bulgie thanks for posting the picture of your Alpine. It really helps to show what I didn't describe very well.
That's a great idea about adding a chain ring to the back of the 38T. What RD do you plan to use?
No plans really, but this Schwinn Twinn seems to be going in a French direction, with LeFol fenders, Idéale saddles, Maxicar rear drum brake hub, Mafac canti front and probably a Raid in back (haven't brazed the pivots on yet). So maybe a Duopar, with an extra-long claw adapter. Eco (steel) version of course, not putting titanium parts on a 80 lb bike.
The Twinn requires a derailer claw, and I can make one as long as necessary. I have a chunk of 1/4" thick stainless that would make a nice strong one. With extra length comes extra leverage for bending it, but 1/4" thick is still probably overkill. But the main defense against bending it is never letting the bike fall over — so far so good, touch wood. Oh yeah, this bike has steel paperboy baskets, so even if the bike falls over, the basket hits before the derailer. Not lightweight though!