Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,786
Likes: 349
From: Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
Bikes: 48 Automoto, 49 Stallard, 50 Rotrax, 62 Jack Taylor, 67 Atala, 68 Lejeune, 72-74-75 Motobecanes, 73 RIH, 71 Zieleman, 74 Raleigh, 78 Windsor, 83 Messina (Villata), 84 Brazzo (Losa), 85 Davidson, 90 Diamondback, 92 Kestrel
My first postwar project was a Stallard. IMO the bikes from this era with the most visibility in the US are British. They showed a lot of variety and originality as well as nice workmanship. Lots of interesting components to choose from, and you can still find what you need for reasonable prices. The Classic Lightweights UK website has many great 40's-50's bikes for reference. I get the impression there is a lot of older French stuff around as well, but you need to get onto the French-speaking forums like Tonton Velo.