CuriousGee

My father [finally] passed on his old bike. I've always loved it for the fact that it's purple, but I am curious about its genealogy, more specific age, and best practices for resurrection. I'll attach some pics. Thanks in advanceIMGP4475..jpgIMGP4476..jpgIMGP4474..jpg

rhm

If you're not looking for an appraisal, you can post it in the main Classic and Vintage forum, where more people will see it. Based on what I see, I can't put a date on it, could be 60's or 70's or... I don't know! Close-up photos of some components, like brakes, shifters, derailleurs, etc. might be a big help.

jacksbike

I am pretty sure that this bike is from the Bike Boom Era of about 1971. A couple of bike shops here in Conn. imported them during that time, as anything that had two wheels was selling as fast as they could be assembled. I had never heard of them until that time, but there were hoards of bikes imported from Europe during this time period that appeared , and disappeared, within a couple of years. Pretty sure that it was made in France, but that is all the info that I can put forward.

Dmarque

I know this bike VERY well. My father purchased one for me (age 12) identical to it but in Sulphur Gold color in 1963. The Cazenave was a French bike that sold at that time for about $110 and featured turned down handle bars with center pull brakes, high quality hard leather seat and 10 speed derailleurs. The excellent finish and detail was significantly better than the Schwinn counter part and all components a notch better than the Schwinn Super Contintental model. The Brake Housing, Shift Levers and Handlebar End Caps were all coated in luxurious thick white rubber coverings. Front fork was chrome tipped and tires were clincher but upgraded gum rubber sidewalls. My Cazenave was the dream bike of my neighborhood friends. It was a bike ahead of its time and I rode it from age 12 until my college years at Michigan State when I was hit by a car and the frame was badly bent. The bike inspired me to continue my riding passion as I still ride today at age 63. Any questions please feel free to contact me....

Mark

Ex Pres 

Mark,
Welcome to Bike Forums. But the first rule here is, pics or it didn't happen
$110 back in '63 would have been a nice bike. What are you riding today?

big chainring 

That color is awesome. Could you post a picture of the brake lever. I think you have CLB Racer brakes on there. You don't see those too often and were a top line brake in the day.

Ex Pres 

BC, this is a zombie thread with a "new" subject post #4 .

juvela

some of these also came through badged as "Sam Benotto Cazenave."