stamped dropouts would sort of kill the TdF angle, BUT...the next step down in the US market (Interclub) did not have the 1/2-chrome rear, AFAIK. So it could be some sort of parts-bin make-do (we're out of Simplex DOs, Henri, and it's coming up to wine-break!) or a European model we don't see here. Stephan at gitaneusa.com might have some insight *with* clear pics, that is.