The Eagle was Shimano’s attempt to wrest control of their brand back from Schwinn - at the time the most powerful bicycle manufacturer in the world. The Eagle met all Schwinn’s requirements, particularly the bashguard and the ‘cable saver’ sprung cable clamp, but it was Shimano’s own model.

This, last, style has an integrated bashguard - formed from the same piece of steel as the rear knuckle.

• Derailleur brands: Shimano
• Categories: Shimano - from Skylark to world domination
• Country: Japan
• Date of introduction: 1974
• Date of this example: 1974 (two letter date code on rear knuckle is YH)
• Model no.: DE-100
• Weight: 341g including hanger plate but excluding drop-out bolt
• Maximum cog: 28 teeth
• Total capacity: 28 teeth
• Pulley centre to centre: 54mm
• Index compatibility: friction
• Chain width: 3/32”
• Logic: top normal
• B pivot: sprung
• P pivot: sprung
• Materials: steel