La Perle, 1950s?
 

Anybody have any info on a La Perle? How much is too much to pay for this frame and based on the pics is there anything you see that would make restoring it with modern components a problem?

Thanks

if you dig into the archives, I'm pretty sure there was a thread or 2 that discussed this marque, but your's seems a particularly early example. As long as by "modern" you are thinking around 1970s then should not present big problems. :)

La Perle sponsored successful pro teams in the post WWII era, up until at least 1957. They reported went bankrupt around this time. Hugo Koblet won the 1951 Tour de France on a La Perle and Jacques Anquetil rode for them in 1954 & 1955. It's hard to say whether this is a good frame or not. I'd want to know the seat post diameter, to determine the grade of tubing, before I made an offer.

The only one I have come across was a Randonneuring bike from the early 50's. I did a little research, the marquee did not last long but was endorsed by some rider back in the day. I don't know a real value but it started at $1200 and I last saw it listed around $850. But it was a complete bike in nice condition and very original. Racks, light, suicide shifter etc. It's one that got away, I regret not making some kind of offer but was hoping it might come down a little more.


It's a lesser known name and F/F only so I wouldn't pay too much incomplete like that, but I'm not a French bike guy and that is my only experience, so I would be pretty low in this case.

I've seen a couple of really stunning La Perles on ebay.fr over the past few years, although most of them seem to be mid-level like this one. If you are looking for a French frame of that vintage, there are many on ebay.fr to choose from - you just have to be patient and know what to look for. I've bought several top-notch racing and randonneuring frames of similar vintage there, and rarely had to pay much more than 100 euros (plus shipping). So I certainly wouldn't pay more than 100 euros for this La Perle, although you can find better frames for around that amount.

How modern do you want to go with the components? This frame will have French threading and a 115 or 120 mm rear dropout spacing. Front dropout spacing should be 100 mm, but could be 95. So no real problem updating to say 1970s components with French threading, although some dropout spreading may be necessary. There's no rear derailleur hanger, which is actually an advantage because you can use whatever derailleur you want, with a claw-type hanger. Note the vertical bolt hole for the rear brake caliper.

LA PERLE built fantastics racing bicycles,Hugo KOBLET won the 1951 Tour de France on a LA PERLE... but this one is not a racing frame, probably a current "demi course" of the period 1955-1960...the colour and the logos are decents .
It is dificult to find a LA PERLE now, even in France, and these bicycles are very coveted.

For ex, mine , a 1963 racing model (wheels are not originals)


[IMG]https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/18/19/85/87/la_per11.jpg[/IMG]