Cool photos that have bikes in them

Before 1937 no variable gears were allowed in the TdF. This was because Henri Desgrange, the founder of the tour, disapproved of them: he wanted a 'man against man' contest, unconfused by technology. I'm not sure why he singled out derailleurs as the technology to be resisted when there were other techniques being used to enhance perfomances, but that's how it was.

By the mid thirties it was the practice to use a double sided rear hub with a double freewheel on either side. In 1903 Maurice Garin used a single fixed with no brakes. I'd have to look it up to be certain, but I think his gear was 84".

Desgrange fell ill during the 1936 event, and with him off the scene the modernisers introduced gears for 1937. This did bring a modest increase in average speed, but less,I believe, than EPO.

It should also be remembered that before the 1950's many of the mountain roads were not made up (this can be seen in the 1927 picture) and the loose surface tends to cause wheelspin when riding out of the saddle.

Absolutely brilliant, thanks mate. So if no gears were allowed before 37', does that mean some guys were fixed and some had a freewheel? Or am I right in thinking the freewheel/free hub mechanism only came with the invention of gears?