Vintage French randonneuer's and porteurs.

[bikeworkshop]

There were loads of French bikes imported into the UK in mid 2000s, what we called "the Hipster Boom"
Mostly rubbish, but with shiny paint.
Cheap in France because
a) they weren't part of the hipster boom, men already wore moustaches and tight fitting clothes
b) they knew these bikes were rubbish with cheap French bbs and headsets
France: €10, UK: €250

Maybe the Czechs are up to a variation of this? I don't see how a country the wrong side of the iron curtain could accumulate much French stuff between 1938 and 1990

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Any indication why a Czech bike shop has so many old French bikes? Presumably pulling them out of barns and part-restoring them is good business, but are they coming from barns in France or Czech Republic?

History of Robert Sterba here.

https://www.sterba-bike.cz/section/aboutus?lang=EN

 

[non-fixie]

Another Gnome Rhone. This example showed up at the De Oude Fiets club meeting last Sunday. Lovely details.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Looks like people were spending decent money on transport bikes and the French were engaged with innovation - before the era drew to an end in the days of cheap motoring

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Looks like people were spending decent money on transport bikes and the French were engaged with innovation - before the era drew to an end in the days of cheap motoring

For touring with the "Whole bike" ethos and transport the French were way in front of us for a long time. Probably up to the point Japanese components became popular early to mid 1970s. Only my opinion.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I can't find any research indicating a difference between France and the UK decline in cycle manufacture sales and use from the early 1970s

Its interesting though that it almost seems in the 50s the French were innovating in touring, which the British were good at, whereas the British focused on sport and racing developments, which the French were good at!

(I did say Almost)

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Looks like people were spending decent money on transport bikes and the French were engaged with innovation - before the era drew to an end in the days of cheap motoring

My post only addressed the innovation part of your post. I don't get into marketing and decline.