Has a bike been made with a rear derailleur above the chainstays? The question title pretty much sums it up, but has a bike with an alternate drivetrain style like this been made?

This would mean a derailleur mounted essentially upside down with the tension pushing the chain upward. I could see where this would protect the derailleur and keep the chain out of the way from dust and debris more. However, I could also envision some issues with front shifting due the the chain coming up from the front chain ring as well.

Pictures would be much appreciated!
The derailleur needs to guide the chain into the sprocket - which means it goes on the bottom.

The tension pulley needs to go on the slack side of the chain - which again means it goes on the bottom (the top side of the chain loop has the drive tension).

If the drive train was reversed, you could do it. Put the drive wheel in front and steer with your butt - like this.

US Patent 6588786 has what you've described. Bonus: you don't have to steer with your butt - cables link the handle bars to the forks. I found this while googling for 'front drive bicycle'.


Here's another configuration: