Vintage French randonneuer's and porteurs.

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Wartime Ferdinand randonneur, how would you wangle that during the occupation? Note the very fine cyclo fixing. Translation below.
This Cyclo derailleur was manufactured from 1938 onwards and this bicycle is a photo taken in 1945. It is therefore a wartime production, which explains, perhaps, the absence of a decal.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

He carried his boll**ks in a wheelbarrow
Frenchman Jose Meiffret set the motorpaced record in 1951 behind a Talbot Lago at 109.1 mph and again in 1962 with a speed of 127.342 behind a Mercedes 300SL.
In his 1951 attempt, he carried a note in his pocket that stated: "In case of fatal accident, I beg the spectators not to feel sorry for me. I am a poor man, an orphan since the age of eleven, and I have suffered much. Death holds no terror for me. This record attempt is my way of expressing myself. If the doctors can do no more for me, please bury me by the side of the road where I have fallen."

 

[Imlach]

He carried his boll**ks in a wheelbarrow
Frenchman Jose Meiffret set the motorpaced record in 1951 behind a Talbot Lago at 109.1 mph and again in 1962 with a speed of 127.342 behind a Mercedes 300SL.
In his 1951 attempt, he carried a note in his pocket that stated: "In case of fatal accident, I beg the spectators not to feel sorry for me. I am a poor man, an orphan since the age of eleven, and I have suffered much. Death holds no terror for me. This record attempt is my way of expressing myself. If the doctors can do no more for me, please bury me by the side of the road where I have fallen."

Nutter, love it.

What are those forks?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Stayer type forks, allow the rider to draft closer. Usually smaller front wheel too.

 

[Imlach]

Stayer type forks, allow the rider to draft closer.

Were these forks specifically manufactured to be mounted like that or did many just use ordinary forks backwards?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Specially made.

 

[Woz]

J Piat, apparently made by Follis. Very stylish, I like the translucent grips.

That's wonderful. The shooting star stem is a masterpiece on this bike - it perfect in every way.

 

[dorset boy]

As this is all very French you won't mind going off topic for some Art Nouveau, a chemists in Normandy

 

[dorset boy]

Naughty French !
Letting this very restorable old girl rot away. Has the pinch bolt type bottom bracket if that helps to date it.

 

[dorset boy]

And this one upset me, Reynolds 531 Gitane race bike. Tried to buy it but he would'nt sell.