Not since the development of the safety bicycle (1860's) and the roller chain (1880's) had cycle technology made such advances as were evident through this period, with the development and adoption of freewheel hubs and derailleur gears.

In the West Australian in July 1933, 'Little Gidgie' identified that "although freewheels were first permitted in the 1925 Beverley to Perth", they remained prohibited in amateur road cycling in Western Australia until 1933. "At its last meeting the League of West Australian Wheelmen officially approved of the use of variable gears in professional road races in this State. As a fact, a variable gear, somewhat similar to the device which has recently caused such controversy in Victoria, was used in the 1928 Beverley to Perth, and variable gears have been used subsequently in this State's biggest road race."

Little Gidgie's article argued that "Races through the Darling Ranges offer an ideal testing ground for variable gear devices, which consist of three chain cogs of varying sizes mounted side by side on the back hub. By moving a lever the rider causes the chain to jump from one to the other of the cogs".

Despite the need to ease pedal pressure to change gear during a hard race, the advantage of gears was undeniable. In 1931 Hubert Opperman, in correspondence for the Cyclo Gear Company, witnessed the advantage of variable gearing for amateur Tour de France cyclists while "Ace" riders like himself were denied derailleurs.

In the depression, despite these advances, single speed cyclists retained many successes in the Beverley and single speeds machines continued to feature in the event into the 1950's.

Beverley to Perth 1933 - Winner Ray Pengelly

As reported in the West Australian on Sep. 18th the 1933 race was tightly contested: "Years of persistent effort in long-distance events were rewarded on Saturday, when the 23-year-old Bassendean rider, R. Pengelly, won the 29th Beverley to Perth race. "

Rain overnight had made the roads very heavy. Light showers during the race and head wind over the concluding stages added further discomfort for competitors. Pengelly rode with a fixed wheel of 73 gear inches. He and Winston advanced through the slower riders along the undulating Avon River flats and were leading by the time they reached Toodyay. After climbing over Devil's Elbow, Wooroloo Hill, Big Gidgie Hill and Little Gidgie Hill they passed through Midland Junction at 3:20 p.m. Pengelly and Winston survived to finish just two minutes ahead of a pursuing group and Pengelly was congratulated at the finish line by Hubert Opperman.

Photo of Ray Pengelly finishing outside the Peninsula Hotel in 1933 courtesy SLWA

Cyclo gears were simple and durable. They were popular in Australia in 1930’ and ‘40’s