Vintage French randonneuer's and porteurs.

Woz said:
:cool: I'm like 100% sure and not alone when I say how this thread touched me and educated me.

I've been vocal here. And will continue to be. There is support for these bikes, do some research, and just throw yourself in it all !!!!

No one here will be un-supported nor ill advised in their projects.
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I have never really been interested in racers as we called them as kids, this thread has taught me there is more to them than mamil with all the gear and no idea...
There is a true beauty in these old bikes whether they are mainstream or obscure and Im slowly starting to learn the differences between them all.
But there is one thing they all share regardless of age, purpose or brand and that (to me) is a certain timeless charm and dare I say beauty of design and finish that is no longer possible in todays shareholder profit margin days.

And I am without shame grateful for the education it has given me too.
 
This thread is a place where I can simply and freely marvel at the way building bicycles was elevated to an art form in France. And it is very satisfying to see this can be the ubercustom build as well as the modest every day models. I agree with Woz, it takes a good eye and a lot of heart for the subject. What @Guinessisgoodforyou brings to this thread makes it as special as it is.
 
Scott-S said:
I have never really been interested in racers as we called them as kids, this thread has taught me there is more to them than mamil with all the gear and no idea...
There is a true beauty in these old bikes whether they are mainstream or obscure and Im slowly starting to learn the differences between them all.
But there is one thing they all share regardless of age, purpose or brand and that (to me) is a certain timeless charm and dare I say beauty of design and finish that is no longer possible in todays shareholder profit margin days.

And I am without shame grateful for the education it has given me too.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. The randonneur was at the pinnacle technological forefront from mid/late 40s. Mass produced later up till about mid-80s.

In between all that, those 10 speed racers appeared and of course being of a similar generation we all knew them.
 
Gentleman, thank you. If you enjoy the bicycles it makes the task even more worthwhile. It's a subject that when you start you begin to realise just how little you know. Further research can become frustrating bringing more questions than answers, added to this is my not so great french 🙄
I feel that this is an area that is just missing, a huge piece of cycling history just seems to be unheard. The French are slowly just beginning to realise the worth of the machines that make up their history. The big names are well known, but there are so many others. I will continue to scratch at the surface and see what comes up. Watch this space 😁

To the uninitiated, if you want a french bicycle pre mid 1980s. It won't be ISO standard.

French bicycles are built to different standards. By different I mean completely. Steerer, bar clamp, freewheel threads, bottom bracket threads, headset threads, pedal threads. Let's not forget some interesting seat post size's. Getting front derailleurs to play nicely with certain chainsets will test the most patient individual. Some Huret gear levers use special nipple sizes. If you buy an old french bike keep everything! If all else fails, I'm reliably informed Merlot is the answer.

If the above piques your interest
Woz

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

It's official. I got brainwashed by @Guinessisgoodforyou , @Mickeyspinn and @M_Chavez and chemically abducted by a strong poisonous force.

The proof is I'm an owner of an old green incomplete French bike from a charity shop. I've dabbled in these before, and I've said never again unless it is really worth it.

Reason for buying it was complicated at the time, I was vulnerable and thought the close ratio chain-set was whacked out and the whole gear system represented the antithesis of todays bike industry. The decision was made to buy it without getting further involved...
  • Woz
  • 1950s asylum charity shop find french la gazelle regular at the bikewrenchers inn retro velo vintage wrenching
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  • Forum: Reader's Retro Road Bikes
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