Need help identify Rochet Super Special road bike
11-06-17, 04:26 PM
#26
Cycling addiction
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11-06-17, 04:30 PM
#27
Cycling addiction
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It is likely the plating.
Have found there to be no middle ground with Italian chrome plating.
On cheap bikes it is applied directly to the steel without the necessary intermediate steps of copper and nickel. This sort of plating barely makes it through the bicycle's showroom life prior to the commencement of peeling.
The other sort of plating is what we have on these Campag fittings.
Agree that it does appear shinier than balance of machine.
In looking at the photos many readers were likely a bit surprised by the presence of wired-on tyres. A machine of this calibre, application and time would certainly have left the works wearing tubular wheels. Not only are the wheels wired-ons but they have shcrader valve tubes. Noted that spokes are clenaer and newer appearing than balance of cycle. Also odd is that they are 14ga unbutted galvanized. If wheels built in europe for a cycle of this quality we would expect to see butted spokes of either chrome or inox. The spoke lacing pattern is three cross but unwoven. No professional would lace in this manner. Also note that most spokes have logos on the heads while quite a few are plain - a bit many to be replacements. Evidently the builder employed what was to hand... Suspect the Campag hubs may not be original to cycle. Shall be interesting to learn what date their axle locknuts exhibit.
Nothing amiss with your powers of discernment dweenk.
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It is likely the plating.
Have found there to be no middle ground with Italian chrome plating.
On cheap bikes it is applied directly to the steel without the necessary intermediate steps of copper and nickel. This sort of plating barely makes it through the bicycle's showroom life prior to the commencement of peeling.
The other sort of plating is what we have on these Campag fittings.
Agree that it does appear shinier than balance of machine.
In looking at the photos many readers were likely a bit surprised by the presence of wired-on tyres. A machine of this calibre, application and time would certainly have left the works wearing tubular wheels. Not only are the wheels wired-ons but they have shcrader valve tubes. Noted that spokes are clenaer and newer appearing than balance of cycle. Also odd is that they are 14ga unbutted galvanized. If wheels built in europe for a cycle of this quality we would expect to see butted spokes of either chrome or inox. The spoke lacing pattern is three cross but unwoven. No professional would lace in this manner. Also note that most spokes have logos on the heads while quite a few are plain - a bit many to be replacements. Evidently the builder employed what was to hand... Suspect the Campag hubs may not be original to cycle. Shall be interesting to learn what date their axle locknuts exhibit.
Nothing amiss with your powers of discernment dweenk.
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11-06-17, 04:41 PM
#28
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Thank you.
The shield shaped logo is Union of Germany.
This was a standard spoke stocked by all Schwinn dealers for many years.
IIRC the spokes with the unmarked heads are from Japan.
A third spoke brand is present as well.
Wheelbuilder has laced rear wheel asymmetrically. On the drive side the pulling spokes are laced heads in which is correct and the static spokes heads out. One the non-drive side the spokes are laced with the pulling ones heads out and the statics heads in.
Cycle's tyres are from the Inoue Rubber Co. (IRC brand) and are rated at 85 PSI. This model was current in the early seventies.
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Thank you.
The shield shaped logo is Union of Germany.
This was a standard spoke stocked by all Schwinn dealers for many years.
IIRC the spokes with the unmarked heads are from Japan.
A third spoke brand is present as well.
Wheelbuilder has laced rear wheel asymmetrically. On the drive side the pulling spokes are laced heads in which is correct and the static spokes heads out. One the non-drive side the spokes are laced with the pulling ones heads out and the statics heads in.
Cycle's tyres are from the Inoue Rubber Co. (IRC brand) and are rated at 85 PSI. This model was current in the early seventies.
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Last edited by juvela; 11-06-17 at 08:17 PM. Reason: addition
11-06-17, 04:58 PM
#29
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Very cool, I have been looking for one in a larger size. Amazing find.
11-06-17, 11:17 PM
#32
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Thank you for the new images; fine work.
Have you pulled an axle lock nut as yet to get a hub date?
The closeup of the wheel rim provides a possible dating clue for the wheel build. Beginning in 1972 Rigida began putting a two digit number inside the small diamond symbol. This indicates the date of manufacture for the rim. Since your diamonds are empty we know the rims, at least, were made prior to this date. Hub date may be more revealing as to when wheels may have been built.
In searching through my hard drive chanced upon an image of a local cycling friend's bike like this. Looks to be same model from same time as your example. Fitted with same Juy gear ensemble, Juy pillar and Verot P3 headset as your cycle. In this image he has it apart preparing for restoration. There is a full resto in progress with replacment transfers being fabricated. Apologies for the small size - only photo I have of it.
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Thank you for the new images; fine work.
Have you pulled an axle lock nut as yet to get a hub date?
The closeup of the wheel rim provides a possible dating clue for the wheel build. Beginning in 1972 Rigida began putting a two digit number inside the small diamond symbol. This indicates the date of manufacture for the rim. Since your diamonds are empty we know the rims, at least, were made prior to this date. Hub date may be more revealing as to when wheels may have been built.
In searching through my hard drive chanced upon an image of a local cycling friend's bike like this. Looks to be same model from same time as your example. Fitted with same Juy gear ensemble, Juy pillar and Verot P3 headset as your cycle. In this image he has it apart preparing for restoration. There is a full resto in progress with replacment transfers being fabricated. Apologies for the small size - only photo I have of it.
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Last edited by juvela; 11-06-17 at 11:31 PM.
11-06-17, 11:26 PM
#33
Cycling addiction
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11-07-17, 07:28 AM
#36
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This is my current favorite bike on this site - this is just stunning, and you cleaned it up beautifully! Awesome find!
11-08-17, 07:03 PM
#37
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Those are "no-Record" Record hubs, 1958-1962 only. Your QRs are correct. Rims and spokes are service parts. Old French rims are readily available on ebay.fr. They will cost less than approximation new rims. A lot less. Search 'velos'>'jantes à boyaux'. The search function sometimes comes up with a complete different set of hits if you omit the preposition, a third set of hits if you use the singular 'jante boyau'.
Super Speciale was a longrunning model for Rochet. A level above what Portuesi had. They were special. Not many produced. When up for sale in France they always get attention and good bids.
If you want to go so far as getting correct spokes not impossible. Mostly the boxes bring higher prices than spokes. Chrome spoke were strictly for showboats. AFAIK stainless steel spokes did not yet exist. Everyone used galvanized. They were made with very long thick sections, find something too long and cut them down. Robergel Sport is what you would want. If you want.
The rivets on the #23 pedals are showing wear. The top plate will pop off if you ride them a lot. For display. They are definitely an older version of that pedal. The other popular Lyotards that would be very correct on that would be 15S or 45CA. Not hard to find or expensive in French thread. Do not retap to English. Good older pedals are scarce in English.
This bike will be completely different with sewups. Do it.
On CL. Just amazing.
Super Speciale was a longrunning model for Rochet. A level above what Portuesi had. They were special. Not many produced. When up for sale in France they always get attention and good bids.
If you want to go so far as getting correct spokes not impossible. Mostly the boxes bring higher prices than spokes. Chrome spoke were strictly for showboats. AFAIK stainless steel spokes did not yet exist. Everyone used galvanized. They were made with very long thick sections, find something too long and cut them down. Robergel Sport is what you would want. If you want.
The rivets on the #23 pedals are showing wear. The top plate will pop off if you ride them a lot. For display. They are definitely an older version of that pedal. The other popular Lyotards that would be very correct on that would be 15S or 45CA. Not hard to find or expensive in French thread. Do not retap to English. Good older pedals are scarce in English.
This bike will be completely different with sewups. Do it.
On CL. Just amazing.
11-09-17, 05:19 PM
#38
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This Juy brochure dated 1960 illustrates the cycle's Simplex fittings, save for the rear mech:
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This Juy brochure dated 1960 illustrates the cycle's Simplex fittings, save for the rear mech:
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11-10-17, 11:01 AM
#39
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11-10-17, 08:30 PM
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Your apartment is getting pretty crowded, @Danbianchi881. and I mean that in a good way 
Very cool find.
Very cool find.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
11-12-17, 03:08 PM
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Very nice road bike.
I think it was built in the 50s. I also have a Rochet Super Special from the 50s.
Best regards from Germany
Stephan
I think it was built in the 50s. I also have a Rochet Super Special from the 50s.
Best regards from Germany
Stephan
Last edited by Super Special; 11-13-17 at 05:03 AM.
11-12-17, 04:03 PM
#44
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I'll add my voice to those who advocate for some lightweight tubular rims and tires, which will be more correct than those steel Cromix's and offer way better performance, the way the bike is supposed to be.
Wonderful bike, I'd love to find a 50+ year-old high-end French bike in such nice and original condition.
Wonderful bike, I'd love to find a 50+ year-old high-end French bike in such nice and original condition.
11-12-17, 07:17 PM
#45
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Congratulations on a great find - it's a special bike in lovely original condition. I have one from roughly 10 years earlier. More photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/577760...57655029649925
11-13-17, 10:51 AM
#47
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11-13-17, 05:26 PM
#48
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Thank you.
Just received an email from my friend to let me know the replating and refinishing of his frame is now done. Have asked him if he can send some photos. He is acquainted with Gus so may have employed this transfer set.
IIRC he is staying with the same colour scheme seen in the image posted earlier.
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Thank you.
Just received an email from my friend to let me know the replating and refinishing of his frame is now done. Have asked him if he can send some photos. He is acquainted with Gus so may have employed this transfer set.
IIRC he is staying with the same colour scheme seen in the image posted earlier.
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01-04-18, 06:13 PM
#49
Cycling addiction
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Your apartment is getting pretty crowded, @Danbianchi881. and I mean that in a good way
Very cool find.
Very cool find.
01-04-18, 06:17 PM
#50
Cycling addiction
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https://drive.google.com/drive/mobil...FE?usp=sharing
Here a link to the Cyclopedia of this bike in 1961. Talk to a lot of local people in Michigan about this Rochet and they haven’t seen one in black before.
Here a link to the Cyclopedia of this bike in 1961. Talk to a lot of local people in Michigan about this Rochet and they haven’t seen one in black before.