The idea of the Derny was designed and constructed by two French ex-racing cyclists called Roger Derny and Sons. This was the conventional "motos de stayer" (in the UK, "Big Motors" is the term used today). These type of pacing machines used first for the Bordeaux - Paris were not very reliable for road use. So another type of pacing machine had to be designed. And as a result the Derny was born and put into production in 1938.

The Derny brothers’ first factory was at 81, Avenue St. Mande and later they moved to Avenue du General Bizot, both in the French capital. When the parent factory closed in 1956 the Dernys for the Bordeaux - Paris were maintained and rebuilt by Service Derny of 88, Rue Picpus, Paris until 1974. Derny carried on making other types of machines but closed in 1958.

Later on, another type of Derny was re-introduced called a "Burdin". This machine had many problems:- the engine, a mobylette, and the frame just would not take the pounding especially in the 6-Days. Many manufacturers have tried to change the design over the years but have gone back to the original design because it is still good today as it was way back in 1938. Pacers today are still called Derny - a fitting tribute to the Derny brothers who first thought the idea up in the first place.

Dernys today are made by Arie Simon. He used to make them in Holland, but has now moved his business to Neepelt, Belgium. The Siemon Dernys are used on the road, 6-Days and Keirins by all the pacers on the continent and the UK. They are made of the highest quality. I can endorse that as I am a proud owner myself.