Early 50s La Gazelle - Eau-de-Nil 🛠️ The Merlot Aftermath 🍷

I knew very well that the French were nutters, but semi-racing on cobbles without tyres? o_O

Very interesting bike. Looks like a great find!

PS a close-range front double will probably work quite well with a 3-speed IG hub...
 
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Woz said:
Simplex - is that some sort of French humour us Brits don't quite get?

@vcballbat - that exploded diagram in English - do you know the date of it by any chance?

@Mickeyspinn - Right - now we are getting somewhere:

Rear spacing is 118.3 mm
Chain is indeed 3/32" or 1 ½ x 1/16" according to my vernier.

I've even gone to the trouble to rummage in the attic for an old Shimano 6 speed freewheel and IG40 chain - it all looks pretty much the same widths and would all mesh in. Measuring the mech travel is tricky and gave up. First, I've only just frigging noticed the whole contraption works the opposite way - push lever forward and you go into a low gear / big sprocket o_O Second, noticed the top pulley wheel as a lot of side to side slop :( Third, that's really messed up my idea of using this with a pair of 8 speed STIs and trying to modify the indexing (or two clicks = one sprocket).

So, next time I'm at the charity shop, I'm getting some (any) 700c wheels with a 5 speed freewheel and something with the right OLN just to try it. I'm leaving it all there, not dismantling any more just to see how / if all this funky business works as is.

I'm going to the Inn - I'm close to calling on @M_Chavez to send over wooden planks and end this madness.
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I think that this was a top end racing machine looking at the components and the frame has very unusual lugs and fork crown. The tips of the seat and chain stays have been mitred and the dropouts haven't been filled flush at the connection which is something you see from the best frame builders. Do you think that the mudguards are a later addition when it retired from racing and turned into more of a weekend club run bike with fresh paint..🤔 As for plan 3 ...8 speed Sti shifter's straight to the guillotine for you sir..🤣 Can you post a picture of the front dropouts, the seat stay caps and seat lug ..👍

1662640395641~2.jpeg rene-herse-road-6.jpg speed_00074.jpg rene-herse-road-8.jpg speed_00034.jpg TI40-192-Fork-Ends.jpg
 
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Picture of the front fork drop-outs. I cleaned the one up closest to the camera to get a better view - they do appear to be Simplex and have the little "alcoves" for want of a better word; not filled flush.

1662716948664.png
 
Woz said:
Picture of the front fork drop-outs. I cleaned the one up closest to the camera to get a better view - they do appear to be Simplex and have the little "alcoves" for want of a better word; not filled flush.

View attachment 660236
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How come the quality frame makers didn't file flush, what difference does it make? Sorry if stupid question
 
I wonder this too imlach.....the extra weight of leaving dropout oversize compared to filling the open end of tube and filing dropout flush is kinda negated.....I wonder if it allows the tubes to have more flex torsionally and give more of a compliant ride?
 
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