I don't think the keyhole slot caused the crack, just very old fatigued alloy. He was unsure what to do and was thinking of welding, as best as I can translate.
1989 Peugeot Champagne demi course sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this bicycle. Not high end but a very nice example of a very usable bike.
"Peugeot Road bikes have always been built with the needs of sportive amateurs in mind, who are best served with a strong, long lasting frame and reliable components.Our Peugeot Champagne Demi-Course from 1989 is no exception.
The tubing which has been used for the frame is Peugeot's own Mangalloy HLE tubung, which is ubiquitous on their bikes in late 80s. As for the parts, the classic componentry mix of Sachs, Maillard, Rigida Stronglight etc. can be found on this bike."
1980s MBK Sport demi course sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this bicycle. Not high end but a very nice example of a very usable bike.
"Motobécane was one of the biggest bicycle producers in France and existed under this name from 1923 until 1984. Afterwards it became a branch of Yamaha and continued producing bicycles in France under the Name MBK.
In the 1980s MBK brought some very nice and modern steel bikes to the market. They sponsored famous professional teams and their design was unmistakeable.
This sturdy and reliable MBK Sport stems from the 1980s. The frame is made of 2040 internally brazed steel tubes, making for a very solid base with smooth looks. As for the equipment, you will find a blend of reliable parts form Stronglight, Sachs, Maillard, Weinmann, Rigida."
1979 Peugeot PX8 demi course sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this bicycle. Not high end but a very nice example of a very usable bike.
"Peugeot Road bikes have always been built with the needs of sportive amateurs in mind, who are best served with a strong, long lasting frame and reliable components.Our Peugeot PX8 is no exception.
The tubing which has been used for the frame is Peugeot's own 103, which is ubiquitous on their bikes from the late 1970s and early 1980s. As for the parts, the classic French componentry mix of Mafac, Normandy, Simplex etc. can be found on this bike.
The long metal mudguards, rear rack or the dynamo-powered lights add to the practicality of this vélo."
1970s Mercier demi course sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this bicycle. A nice example of a very usable bike.
"Emile Mercier founded Cycles Mercier in 1919 er in Saint-Etienne, France. The first 5 years he was working with 2 partners manufacturing bicycle parts, but in 1924 bought them both out and began producing whole bicycles and frames from entry level and children's bikes up to pro racing bikes.
During the 20th century, the brand grew more and more successful and sponsored very successful cycling teams - all while at the same time they still produced the full range of bikes. Nonetheless their racing pedigree made their road bike exceptionally popular with young fans.
Our Mercier road bicycle was produced in the 1970s. It is a classic french racing bicycle decked out with typical French parts, like Simplex Shifting or Mafac brakes, all in good working condition. The bold decals are in top condition and are original and the beautiful slightly lilac silver paint is too."
1987 Peugeot Mont blanc classic sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this bicycle. Not high end but a nice example of a very usable bike.
"This Peugeot PHE200 Mont Blanc, is a very fine and versatile sports bike. The tubes Chrome-Manga steel tubes have been brazed internally, leaving the thinnest, smooth seams on the connections. Another detail which is adding to the bike's elegance is the internally routed rear brake cable. And of course, there are the rare white components which are building a perfect contrast to the black paint of the frame.
What is even more special is the setup with a triple chainset and brake levers which can be operated from the top tube. Together with the excellent brakes this is a perfect combination for long rides which include some climbing.
A pair of mudguards makes sure that you do not pick up too much water and mud from the road."
This is gorgeous a 1950s Royal Codrix randonneur sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this bicycle. High end and a nice example of a very unique bike.
The brake and gear levers are a later addition.
"Royal Codrix was a brand which was installed by Robert Codridex somewhere in the late 1920s or early 1930s in the city of Angoulême in western France.
Many cyclists came to the Codrix workshop to have a bike made to their measure. And due to their excellent reputation for building special sports-touring bicycles and racing bikes, the company became more and more popular.
So popular in fact, that in the 1950s they managed to sponsor a professional racing team. The Team Royal Codrix even took part in the 1954 Tour de France!
Though it is not a professional racing bike from the 1950s we want to present here, it is an evenly desired and popular bicycle as far as the French mid-century cycling scene is concerned.
So called Randonneurs took pride in travelling long distances self supported on fast racing bikes which were adapted or specially built for touring. This sport grew immensly popular and can be seen as the historic roots of nowadays bikepacking boom.
The constructeurs, the bike builders which designed the machines for those riders, were not just frame builders but often developed new solutions and tuned parts where necessary to fit the purpose. Bicycles from famous constructeurs like Herse or Singer are now widely sought after.
We are happy to present to you a real gem a randonneuse from the golden age of its sport, our Royal Codrix from the 1950s.
There is not much which is not given away by the pictures but we want to highlight some details:
There is the rare Duprat Professionels compact crankset and the evenly rare Simplex Luxe shifting.
But the sought after Prior bottom bracket and pedals need to be named as well!
Little details like the 650b wheels and the specially soldered mounts for shifters are warming the heart of all randonneuse fans.
This bike is pretty rare in its mostly original setup and condition.
A top class piece for real connoisseurs and admirers of classic touring bikes."
