Whose French patent first laid out the basic principle of derailing the chain between sprockets?
Answer
Jean Loubeyre.
The foundational concept for modern variable gearing systems, known as the derailleur, which involves deliberately moving the chain from one sprocket to another, was first described in a French patent. This initial theoretical groundwork detailing the principle of 'derailing' the chain was established by Jean Loubeyre. Although this concept was met with considerable skepticism, particularly from figures associated with professional racing at the time, it provided the essential mechanical idea upon which all subsequent derailleur designs would be based.
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