Whippet (bicycle)

[3][4][5] An early external derailleur, that enabled two gear ratios and used a freewheel hub was introduced in the summer of 1894, and was available only on Whippet bicycles.

[6][7] Charles Montague Linley (1853-1933)[8] was a very creative engineer and the Whippet bicycles were known for their innovative ideas.

Further innovations came with gearing - they were the first safety bicycle manufacturer to fit the rear hub freewheel in 1894, a pawl type with roller bearings, and the 2-speed 'Protean' gear that they used it with developed by 1899 into an early form of derailleur patented by Linley.

[11] By 1899 models named the "New Whippet" had four speed 'Protean' gear, free wheel and rim brakes.

The Whippet Cycle Syndicate Ltd was wound up in 1902, and by 1907 Linley became works manager for the newly created Commercial Car Co (later known as Commer), and he patented many inventions relating to internal combustion engines, gears, etc over the next 30 years.