Originally Posted by
non-fixie
That is a gorgeous bike. Nice find!
I think the main question is whether you want to retain that lightweight, elegant look and feel. If so, I'd stick with the 700 wheels, the transparant high-flange hubs and the Huret Jubilee transmission. Add a pair of nice and expensive 28mm tires and a set of smooth Honjo fenders, and Bob's your uncle.
The short cage Jubilee can apparently handle quite a nice range of gears. This is an Alex Singer I came across a few years ago in Belgium, which I thought was a good compromise between looks and usability:
The RD is a short cage Jubilee:
That is a nice looking Singer. I'm leaning toward the TA Cyclotouriste crank as pictured, looks like it is being run there with a five-speed cog. I'm open to keeping it a five-speed, as the freewheel I have now is in great shape. TA chainrings are also widely available, another plus - I'm also one of those people that builds a bike and if I really like it, the configuration could stick around for a long time.
Originally Posted by
Andy_K
I think this is the best picture I have for showing the match:
The area around the water bottle bosses here is repainted with Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Gloss Protective Enamel in black. Everything else seen here is the original paint.
Thanks Andy! I figured I would use some rust converter on the spots, and then apply the touch up.
Originally Posted by
1989Pre
Nervar's an option for a triple. If you really want to go clincher, then Wolber hard-ano would do it, but I'd give those high-flange Normandy an inspection and a chance. This will be like a Wasp that can climb hills. Bonus.
The Normandy Competition hubs are in a good condition. I will likely be servicing them and using them, but wanted to hear others' thoughts. As for rims, I was thinking of sourcing new, but open to suggestions. I may seat wide tires, so I'm not sure how well vintage 700c rims would seat modern wide tires.
Originally Posted by
kroozer
Nice bike in good original condition, I never seem to find those.
Wheels: The Competition hub cones and races may well be fine, definitely check before replacing them.
Gearing: The short-cage Jubilee can actually shift gears over a fairly wide range, up to a certain point of course. Maybe not a wide triple. There is a very nice SR triple crank with black rings for sale in the For Sale section here. Those cranks were based on, and are compatible with, the 86 mm bcd Stronglight 99. Great vintage triple.
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm looking forward to trying it out beyond the few test rides I took when I brought it home.
Originally Posted by
52telecaster
Great bike. I will say if the bike was specced with 27s, 650b may require surgery. My 73 fit 700cx35 and fenders easily. Extremely smooth riding frameset.
Thanks 52. The bike had tubulars originally specified (which I think are about the same as 700c?). To be honest, I've been inspired by all the converted machines completed and posted by
gugie and others, the JP Weigle bikes, randonneur machines, and related posts here about the versatility of these frames.