Frejus update
05-29-11, 09:47 PM
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Frejus update
I for one think it cleaned up pretty well. It is from 1933 (the fixed cup and bottom bracket spindle are stamped “Frejus 33”) and is nickel-plated. Well, maybe about 60% of it is nickel plated, the rest was lost to 75 years of entropy. It never had paint except for the head tube and the cut-out on the back of the seat tube. The decals were applied directly to the nickel. More pictures.
There is an unknown stamp on the bottom of the seat tube. A squat diamond with “19-22” next to it. Falck? Pictures here and here.
The derailleur is actually an upgrade. This bike should have a first generation Vittoria Margherita. The one on the bike is a gen two from 1938. The gen one version doesn’t have the clappers in back to move the chain. You have to do it with your hand. If anyone has a first generation to sell, give me a pm.
The original bars were shot so I added the “upgrade” of aluminum Ambrosio bars and stem from 1939.
The pump has the right markings but I believe it was probably made after the war but before Frejus won the Worlds in 1948. The plastic of the pump is not bakelite as you see in Silca pumps from the 1930s.
I rode it for the first time last weekend. First in a big parking lot and back and forth to the hotel. Saturday was a 15-20 mile shake down ride. Very smooth ride with the extremely relaxed geometry, wood wheels and 27mm tubulars. I bought the Dugasts 3 years ago for $60 each – a great deal. But to borrow from Ferris Bueller, if you have the means, I highly recommend them, they are choice.
Anyway, back to the ride. It is a noisy SOB. From the chain-tensioning lever to the squeal made from the extra-long reach of the sidepulls, my presence in the group was well known. At about mile 2 there was a loud pop. Everyone heard it. I believe the phrase used was “Margherita down.” As it turns out, it was the chain-tension lever coming free from the retention teeth that are between the seat tube and down tube. So I then learned I either need to modify those teeth to have a more aggressive retention or reach down every 5 minutes or so and make sure the tension is tight. But not too tight.
I did get it to shift but I need to modify the clamps for the clappers. The whole mechanism twisted when I shifted and I was unable to shift back. I think a piece of bar tape underneath the clamps will increase the diameter enough to keep the mechanism in place.
All in all, a most interesting and different experience. I look forward to it stop raining here and go for a long uninterrupted ride in the country.
Last edited by iab; 05-29-11 at 10:00 PM.
05-30-11, 01:02 AM
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very interesting, thanks for sharing!
05-30-11, 05:32 AM
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That is a wonderful looking bike. I'd love to see it in action some time.
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05-30-11, 05:43 AM
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That is one beautiful bike, I love the wood wheels , and overall has a wonderful historic aura.
Mike
Mike
05-30-11, 06:27 AM
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How do the brakes feel on the wooden rims? The bike looks really great. Is there supposed to be more than that front fender half?
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05-30-11, 07:06 AM
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As long as you didn't let Giuseppe Martano run out of water ...
Awesome bike.
Awesome bike.
05-30-11, 07:14 AM
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Nicely done! Look forward to seeing it in person at some point......
05-30-11, 09:33 AM
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Cino didn't think so.
The brakes are as bad as you would think being an extremely long-reach single-pivot sidepull with rubber on wood. They squeal like Ned Beatty. I do plan on getting cork pads. They should stop even worse but they won't put black marks on the rims.
The brakes are as bad as you would think being an extremely long-reach single-pivot sidepull with rubber on wood. They squeal like Ned Beatty. I do plan on getting cork pads. They should stop even worse but they won't put black marks on the rims.
05-30-11, 09:37 AM
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I'll drop him like a wet bag a sand.
05-30-11, 09:43 AM
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05-30-11, 10:14 AM
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Us gregario want some glory too.
05-30-11, 10:44 AM
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Very nice. I did get to see this in person. It is truly a special bicycle.
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05-30-11, 10:54 AM
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So what's the shift routine? 1) Longer lever forward to loosen chain. 2) Start backpedaling. 3) Activate clappers using shorter lever. 4) Retension chain and start pedaling forward in the new gear. I guess it beats the contemporary Campagnolo alternative. 
Great-looking bike, and a rare slice of "The Dancing Chain" history.
Great-looking bike, and a rare slice of "The Dancing Chain" history.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
05-30-11, 10:58 AM
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Very cool. Way before my time, so I know nothing, but COOL!
05-30-11, 10:58 AM
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Sure looks good. I love the built-in chain oiler.
05-30-11, 11:53 AM
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05-30-11, 04:32 PM
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05-30-11, 04:35 PM
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So what's the shift routine? 1) Longer lever forward to loosen chain. 2) Start backpedaling. 3) Activate clappers using shorter lever. 4) Retension chain and start pedaling forward in the new gear. I guess it beats the contemporary Campagnolo alternative.
Great-looking bike, and a rare slice of "The Dancing Chain" history.
Great-looking bike, and a rare slice of "The Dancing Chain" history.
05-30-11, 06:00 PM
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I love how your bike turned out. Now you need to find a wool Frejus jersey and cycling goggles.
How did you attach the cabling to the top tube? Clips? Twine? Also, is that a Simplex water bottle cage?
How did you attach the cabling to the top tube? Clips? Twine? Also, is that a Simplex water bottle cage?
05-30-11, 06:22 PM
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Clips 2
I think they are period correct. I have a similar set Hilary Stone claimed are from the 30s.
Simplex cage with Allez bottles 1
Simplex cage with Allez bottles 2
Simplex cage with Allez bottles 3
I swapped a couple of sets of Sheffield pedals for the set.
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