Guinessisgoodforyou
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Note the keyhole slot to change spokes without removing the freewheel.
Vintage French randonneuer's and porteurs.
- Thread starter Guinessisgoodforyou
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Guinessisgoodforyou
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I've been trawling French cycling websites, surprise
I came across this site (All in French) that has a fantastic photo section that goes way back. If you don't know who Jean De Gribaldy is, Wiki site first.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_de_Gribaldy
https://www.jeandegribaldy.com/index.php?zone=pages/accueil
This led me in a very roundabout, rabbit hole way to the site (All in French) below. Not really the subject of this thread as its racing, nonetheless a fascinating history with some beautiful bikes, some lovely details too. I liked the blog owners introduction, so its translated below.
https://raymondwolhauser.weebly.com/
An evolving blog created by Bernard Gougaud, a customer for over 20 years and Henry Wisniewski, a mechanic for 30 years.
Supplemented by other testimonials, with the agreement and help of Karine and Steve, Raymond Wolhauser's grandchildren.
Each and every one of us will only ever know what we know and, at the other end of the world, or on the same landing, there may always be someone (to whom, perhaps, we don't even say hello) who, in our favourite subject, knows something that we don't know, that we may never know... if we don't want to hear it.
Bernard Gougaud
I came across this site (All in French) that has a fantastic photo section that goes way back. If you don't know who Jean De Gribaldy is, Wiki site first.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_de_Gribaldy
https://www.jeandegribaldy.com/index.php?zone=pages/accueil
This led me in a very roundabout, rabbit hole way to the site (All in French) below. Not really the subject of this thread as its racing, nonetheless a fascinating history with some beautiful bikes, some lovely details too. I liked the blog owners introduction, so its translated below.
https://raymondwolhauser.weebly.com/
An evolving blog created by Bernard Gougaud, a customer for over 20 years and Henry Wisniewski, a mechanic for 30 years.
Supplemented by other testimonials, with the agreement and help of Karine and Steve, Raymond Wolhauser's grandchildren.
Each and every one of us will only ever know what we know and, at the other end of the world, or on the same landing, there may always be someone (to whom, perhaps, we don't even say hello) who, in our favourite subject, knows something that we don't know, that we may never know... if we don't want to hear it.
Bernard Gougaud
Guinessisgoodforyou
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1980 Bernard Carre sold sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this unique bicycle.
"The workshop of Bernard Carré is a bit shrouded in mystery.
There is not much information to be found about this legendary framebuilder. We know that in the 1930s he was triumphant as a rider in the legendary 'Critérium des Porteurs Journeaux'. The far more prestigious equivalent of nowadays bike messenger world championships, where the paper delivery boys battled themselves on the roads of Paris, with bikes carrying a massive load of newspapers.
In one way or another, Bernard Carré had found himself starting to braze bicycles frames by the end of the 1940s. And in the 1950s he had a proper workshop installed in Montreuil, an eastern part of Paris.
His custom frames found widespread attention when famous champions like Derrigade, Anquetil and Geminiani had their bikes built by Carré. And this fame allowed him to stay in the business until the 1980s. He also was responsible for some top class frames of other brands and even stepped in for André Bertin for a short time, when their manufacture was devastated by a fire.
Our 1980 Bernard Carré Randonneur bike has many of the details which are typical for his fast high class touring bikes:
Specific braze ons for lights and battery or extra tubes, seatlug cluster with willow leaf seat stay caps and 'Carré' engravings etc. etc.
The frame had been painted in a beautiful champagne pearl and shows a Carré characteristic lack of decals.
As for the parts, a fine Groupset has been installed which includes, next to the obligatory Huret Jubilee shifting, finest lightweight Stronglight Spidel bearings and legendary Maxi-Car hubs."
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this unique bicycle.
"The workshop of Bernard Carré is a bit shrouded in mystery.
There is not much information to be found about this legendary framebuilder. We know that in the 1930s he was triumphant as a rider in the legendary 'Critérium des Porteurs Journeaux'. The far more prestigious equivalent of nowadays bike messenger world championships, where the paper delivery boys battled themselves on the roads of Paris, with bikes carrying a massive load of newspapers.
In one way or another, Bernard Carré had found himself starting to braze bicycles frames by the end of the 1940s. And in the 1950s he had a proper workshop installed in Montreuil, an eastern part of Paris.
His custom frames found widespread attention when famous champions like Derrigade, Anquetil and Geminiani had their bikes built by Carré. And this fame allowed him to stay in the business until the 1980s. He also was responsible for some top class frames of other brands and even stepped in for André Bertin for a short time, when their manufacture was devastated by a fire.
Our 1980 Bernard Carré Randonneur bike has many of the details which are typical for his fast high class touring bikes:
Specific braze ons for lights and battery or extra tubes, seatlug cluster with willow leaf seat stay caps and 'Carré' engravings etc. etc.
The frame had been painted in a beautiful champagne pearl and shows a Carré characteristic lack of decals.
As for the parts, a fine Groupset has been installed which includes, next to the obligatory Huret Jubilee shifting, finest lightweight Stronglight Spidel bearings and legendary Maxi-Car hubs."
| Brand | Bernard Carré |
|---|---|
| Shifters | Huret Challenger |
| Crankset | Stronglight; 170mm; 50/38/28 |
| Bottom Bracket | Spidel Stronglight 561 |
| Seat | Soffatti Professional |
| Hubs | Maxicar; Freewheel Zeus 2000 14-28 |
| Rims | Weinmann A129 A 'Super' Concave; 700c clincher |
| Tires | Panaracer Pasela PT 700c clincher |
| Stem | Philippe Professional; 90mm |
| Stembar | Philippe Professional; 40cm |
| Chain | Reynold |
| Pedals | Not included |
Last edited:
Guinessisgoodforyou
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Plus.
Guinessisgoodforyou
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Fin.
Guinessisgoodforyou
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1940s French full-suspension steel Randonneur sold from steelvintage.com
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this unique bicycle.
"Introducing the timeless elegance of a 1940s French full-suspension steel Randonneur. This was the heyday of French styling when bicycles were treated with the same respect as works of art. This movement was known as the ‘School of St Etienne’ and it was demanding high-end that allowed the cyclist to travel further and further distances and push the boundaries of cycling.
The frame of this bicycle is meticulously handcrafted from high-quality steel, a material known for its durability and resilience. This bicycle really showcases the meticulous attention to detail that characterized French craftsmanship of the time.
What sets this bicycle apart is its full suspension system, a particular rarity during the 1940s. This innovative feature reflects the desire to create a smoother, more enjoyable cycling experience. The carefully calibrated suspension effortlessly glides over uneven terrain, ensuring a stable and controlled ride even on bumpy roads.
The bicycle's intricate components further exemplify its quality. It has been equipped with a very rare three-speed Super Rapid shifting set from the 1940s. What's more the handlebars and stem are connected as one piece which was common of the time and lends a touch of charm and sophistication. The Rusch 203 English leather saddle offers a plush seating experience while maintaining an authentic vintage aesthetic. What's more, the Randonneur runs on classic wooden rims.
Whether cruising along city streets or exploring countryside paths, this 1940s full-suspension steel French bicycle captures the essence of a bygone era. Its timeless design, paired with its superior craftsmanship, makes it a true collector's item for enthusiasts and a reliable companion for those seeking to embrace the grace and charm of the past."
For the record in case it is removed and we lose information about this unique bicycle.
"Introducing the timeless elegance of a 1940s French full-suspension steel Randonneur. This was the heyday of French styling when bicycles were treated with the same respect as works of art. This movement was known as the ‘School of St Etienne’ and it was demanding high-end that allowed the cyclist to travel further and further distances and push the boundaries of cycling.
The frame of this bicycle is meticulously handcrafted from high-quality steel, a material known for its durability and resilience. This bicycle really showcases the meticulous attention to detail that characterized French craftsmanship of the time.
What sets this bicycle apart is its full suspension system, a particular rarity during the 1940s. This innovative feature reflects the desire to create a smoother, more enjoyable cycling experience. The carefully calibrated suspension effortlessly glides over uneven terrain, ensuring a stable and controlled ride even on bumpy roads.
The bicycle's intricate components further exemplify its quality. It has been equipped with a very rare three-speed Super Rapid shifting set from the 1940s. What's more the handlebars and stem are connected as one piece which was common of the time and lends a touch of charm and sophistication. The Rusch 203 English leather saddle offers a plush seating experience while maintaining an authentic vintage aesthetic. What's more, the Randonneur runs on classic wooden rims.
Whether cruising along city streets or exploring countryside paths, this 1940s full-suspension steel French bicycle captures the essence of a bygone era. Its timeless design, paired with its superior craftsmanship, makes it a true collector's item for enthusiasts and a reliable companion for those seeking to embrace the grace and charm of the past."
| Rear Derailleur | Super Rapid |
|---|---|
| Shifters | Super Rapid |
| Brakes | CLB |
| Brake Levers | CLB |
| Headset | Steel; French Thread |
| Crankset | Steel; 46t; 172,5mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Steel |
| Seatpost | Steel |
| Seat | Rusch |
| Hubs | Maillard |
| Rims | Wooden |
| Tires | 26 1 1/2" |
| Stem | Steel integrated 65mm |
| Stembar | Steel Integrated 52cm |
| Chain | SRAM |
| Pedals | Not included |
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Guinessisgoodforyou
rBotM Winner
Fin.
bikeworkshop
Old School Grand Master
Guinessisgoodforyou
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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.
