Jeunet Franche-Comte
 

I'm in pursuit of a good quality French frame from the 70s or early 80s. My idea is to build one up with modern components, so I'm not looking for one in pristine original condition as I'm not going to be the one to dismantle a beautiful classic bike. So, I'm looking for something where either the parts aren't salvageable, or are missing, or a bike with a good frame but poor quality parts.

One contender is this Jeunet Franche-Comte. The fork and seatstays have rust, I can't tell how significant. The rims appear to be steel based on they are covered in rust. And the cranks appear to be cottered. According to theClassic Rendezvous Jeunet page some very nice bikes were made under this model name. However, I'm thinking this is a lower end model, possibly a 620. If the difference between this bike and the higher end bikes was only in the parts, then this doesn't matter to me at all and in fact would make the bike better suited for my planned upgrades. However, I would only proceed if the tubing is high quality, say 531 double butted, and that rust hasn't already destroyed it. Ideas anyone?


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The bike pictured is indeed a model 620. It is not made with Reynolds 531. Unless that frame was free I wouldn't consider putting any time or money into it. I own a Juenet model 630, but have yet to build it up.

+1 to coloneljloyd's comment.

Except that your 630 is built up and is friggin' awesome!

+1 to the 620. Not 531. Just basic pipe, an entry level bike gussied up a bit. If you're unsure, measure the seatpost. 25.4= 620. 26.4 or 26.6= metric (ie French) Reynolds 531.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the positive id. The search continues.

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If you're still looking for a Jeunet, this is what the 630 looks like. I have owned both the 620 and 630, and this is the one that's worth the effort. I have had this bike since 1967 and didn't ride for about 30 years. I re-discovered how smooth and silent it is, at least on a smooth surface. The derailleurs were junk, though. plastic Simplex crap.

Look for the Reynolds 531 sticker on the fork.