70s Jan de Reus

[Elev12k]

While ago I posted these two pics:

Detailpics of the Jan de Reus I took immediately after collection. Meanwhile I gave the Reus a serious overhaul:
- new (loose) balls and Motorex grease for the bearings
- rust preventive oils inside the frame
- cleaned the lever hoods
- new red Velox Tressostar cotton tape and Velox plugs for the bars
and more

Finally this morning I glued two new tubes on the rims. The Reus is ready. It is my 2nd Reus, the other being an 80s bike. The 1st one already impressed with excellent ride qualities. A quick spin around the block learnt me this 70s Reus is no different: rides beautifully.

Finished result:

I only have to put the original pedals with clips and red leather straps back on.

The cockpit with the red Tressostar tape:

That 1A stem requires odd size tools. Italian probably.

The Jan de Reus was handbuilt by Jan de Reus in Zwanenburg near Amsterdam.

 

[toomski]

Another seriously stunning machine.

Does the bottom bracket have any cut outs ?

 

[Elev12k]

Thank you. Nope, the BB shell isn't open. No cut outs there.

My other Reus:

Currently disassembled for a rebuild, but I made many enjoyable miles on it in summer 2009/spring 2010.

 

[jCymbal]

Finished result:

Lovely. I just love blue frames.

What saddle is that? Unicanitor?

 

[Elev12k]

Yes, the seat is a Cinelli Unicanitor. The original one from the 70s and not a reissue of course. It is a nice seat with suede covering. I am happy it is in such a good shape. I often encounter it on Zielemans, Prestos and now this Reus. It must have been a popular (quality) seat in the 70s.

 

[normski]

stunning, absolutely stunning!

 

[Goldie]

I really like that - it looks plush and beautifully put together without being overly flash. It being a big frame emphasises how slender the tubes are. It's a really graceful looking ride.

 

[Elev12k]

Thanks for the kind words goldie, normski and others

This weekend I were nearby the little Jan de Reus shop in Zwanenburg, so decided to pay it a visit. It is still a performance bike specialist, but they do not built steel frames overthere anymore.

Jan de Reus Jr. himself built them till I believe late 80s. JdR Jr. died too young unfortunately. The new owners of Reus Wielersport continued with frame building untill somewhere mid/late 90s.

Jan de Reus Sr., founder of Cycles Jan de Reus >>

 

[jCymbal]

Did you take the bike with you? I bet they were thrilled to see it.

 

[Elev12k]

No, I were with the car ...and had no bike with me