Jim, I believe a first generation Cyclone return spring requires a replacement from a first generation Cyclone only. They're a bear to replace.

I'll bring it with me so that if we cross paths (it seems likely), I can pass it on to you.

You are absolved of your sins, my son. No go forth and sin no more.

Yes. Henry has my 2nd Gen Rally as his model for the cage. I also sent him a Nuovo Gran Sport to see if the long cage will fit on it.

Interesting, as far as I can tell the later Cyclones shared the same flat-wound spring (like a clock spring) as about 2/3 the Suntour line used.

I believe they're different enough not to be compatible. Orientation of the "key" end of the spring and maybe overall length as well were different. I think Khatful knows for sure. I had one fail on me and Keith helped me get it back on the road.

The backwards cage plate is funny, but note that that is the best version of the best version of the Rally.

It has the larger reinforcing rib (in the upper casting) just below the pivot boss. The earliest ones had no reinforcement, and rarely (but sometimes) snapped in two at that (narrowest cross-section) area. Then they added a reinforcement, then later they made it bigger. This is the 'third-generation' first-generation Rally....

And yes, I'd also bet that it will finish over $100. NOS ones are closer to $300 now.

The first-gen Cyclone has the general style of cage spring seen in Shimano derailleurs, a spiral spring with tails sticking out both ends. The implementation's weird, though... the inboard tail is the one that gets anchored stationary to the front "knuckle" of the derailleur. The outboard tail plugs into the pivot bolt, which then threads into the pulley cage plate until it bottoms. So the spring turns the pivot, and the pivot turns the cage.

Among other things, it appears to me that if the pivot simply came "unlocked" from the pulley cage, it would mimic a broken spring, so jimmuller, you might start by just grabbing the pulley cage with one hand and checking whether the pivot bolt is no longer locked against it. If the pivot's not tight, try snugging it down (hold the pivot stationary so you don't tweak the spring, and rotate the cage to tighten it) and see if you now have spring action again. If that's what's going on, some strong threadlocker seems advisable.

Henry PMed me last night and sent this picture of his progress on cutting faux Rally cages. Pretty sweet! He is about to send these prototypes to mkeller and cudak888 for testing. My cage pieces are in the upper right.

Ok, I think we need a "Gran Criterium Sport Tour Totally Tubular Club!" There's three, at least we can ballot without tie votes!

I just wish I had one that fit me. In Masi-talk, I'd need an M55 or M56. Mine is a M53.

Thanks for the input but it's definitely broken. I took off the outer cap to expose the innards and the spring fell out. I can see where the inboard tab is broken.

I'm wondering how one torques up the spring after putting in another one. Remove the stop screw in the outer cage plate and rotate the cage around? Or do the shaft have to be removed from the cage anyway? A year or so ago someone posted how he managed to rebuild a ??? derailleur, perhaps a Cyclone. I didn't pay attention at the time. One has to be clever, I guess.

That Campy Rally is looking better'n'better, as are Henry III's long cages.

But the Cyclone is also a pretty piece. Nevertheless, I've ridden for decades on Vx's and VGT-Luxe's, and never had a cage spring break.

Now that's a thought! I don't quite meet the entry requirements just yet though.

Jim,

If HenryIII's Rally Cage project works, and you have a Campy NR or Nuovo Gran Sport RD you are willing to convert, he has promised me two cages and I only need one. You are welcome to consider using the other. This will provide you with the Italian Bling everyone is encouraging you to hang on our Masi.

Yep, that's me! I have to modify them somewhat to ride them, but nothing that can't easily be changed back.

$147.50 + $7.50 shipping.

1st Gen Rally (3rd Ed.) with backwards Rear Cage!

Make's Henry's project look affordable!

Justin I'll collect the next time I'm in Louisville!

Hey it shifts smoother than Campy, can you blame him?,,,,BD

I'll pay up. I'll find a bike for you to ride too.

Thanks to a benefactor (who wishes to remain unnamed lest he be condemned for helping me perpetuate the profanity of Cyclone derailleurs on a Masi frame), I now have a functional Cyclone RD again. He sent me a pulley cage spring.

It turns out that installing it was quite simple. I had opened up the derailleur by removing the end cap from the pivot shaft but did not remove the shaft from the cage. The new spring slipped down over the end of the shaft. After a small amount of shuffling around, the inner tang dropped neatly into its hole at the bottom of the well. I removed the stop screw from the cage so I could twist it around beyond its normal stop point, then pushed it outwards into position until the outer tang of the spring fit into one of the slots in the end of the shaft. Once the end cap was popped into place it all stayed together nicely. Then I just torqued the cage back around and replaced the stop screw.

So the bike can be ridden again. Time for some serious test riding.

Then paint. That's a whole 'nother ball of a different color.