Help Identify Frejus Bicycle
10-27-20 | 06:05 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 75
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From: California Sacramento
Bikes: 74 Raleigh InternationalRiva-Sport,Frejus
Help Identify Frejus Bicycle
Hello,To All.
Well I’ve picked up this Frejus bike and haven’t been able to locate any information on bike.There are no # on the down tube only under BB which are 05231 and in center of BB is 31.Any help? Thank You.I’m send pictures.
Well I’ve picked up this Frejus bike and haven’t been able to locate any information on bike.There are no # on the down tube only under BB which are 05231 and in center of BB is 31.Any help? Thank You.I’m send pictures.
10-27-20 | 07:29 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 4,391
From: Alta California
-----
Hello CTony,
Likely dates from very close to 1970.
City of Oakland bicycle licenses granted for a term of three years so an expiry date of 12/31/73 suggests it may have been licensed in 1970. Examine the frame for the Oakland "oak tree" stamping symbol - resembles a mushroom and is about 7mm across.
Original fittings include Way-Assauto headset, chainset, Sheffield pedals, Universal 61 brakes, 3TTT stem & bar set, saddle pillar and seat binder.
Wheels & gear ensemble may be upgrades.
You can get a specific date from the inner faces of the axle locknuts on the Campag hubs; do not be surprised if they are later than the 1970 date mentioned above -
---
the cycle's Sheffield pedals are the Corsa model nr. 655 -
---
the Zeus tubular tyre carrier is item Ref. 19 and is an accurate copy of the Vittoria Fulmine:
---
importer for the cycle was almost certainly the John W. ("Jack") Murphy Co. on Shipley Street in San Francisco, California. it was purchased from Velo Sport Cyclery when they were on Grove Street in Berkeley, California. (Grove Street was later renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Way)
---
tip -
a wonderful enthusiast resource for information on Emilio Bozzi products is the condorino website - https://www.condorino.com
-----
Hello CTony,
Likely dates from very close to 1970.
City of Oakland bicycle licenses granted for a term of three years so an expiry date of 12/31/73 suggests it may have been licensed in 1970. Examine the frame for the Oakland "oak tree" stamping symbol - resembles a mushroom and is about 7mm across.
Original fittings include Way-Assauto headset, chainset, Sheffield pedals, Universal 61 brakes, 3TTT stem & bar set, saddle pillar and seat binder.
Wheels & gear ensemble may be upgrades.
You can get a specific date from the inner faces of the axle locknuts on the Campag hubs; do not be surprised if they are later than the 1970 date mentioned above -
---
the cycle's Sheffield pedals are the Corsa model nr. 655 -
---
the Zeus tubular tyre carrier is item Ref. 19 and is an accurate copy of the Vittoria Fulmine:
---
importer for the cycle was almost certainly the John W. ("Jack") Murphy Co. on Shipley Street in San Francisco, California. it was purchased from Velo Sport Cyclery when they were on Grove Street in Berkeley, California. (Grove Street was later renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Way)
---
tip -
a wonderful enthusiast resource for information on Emilio Bozzi products is the condorino website - https://www.condorino.com
-----
Last edited by juvela; 10-27-20 at 07:59 PM. Reason: addition
10-27-20 | 08:43 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 75
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From: California Sacramento
Bikes: 74 Raleigh InternationalRiva-Sport,Frejus
Thank you for all your informationThe wheel set that’s on it know in photos I had laying around.Originally wheel-set wheels Fiamma tubulars hubs had no name
10-27-20 | 09:10 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 4,391
From: Alta California
-----
hubs without name were likely Gnutti
unable to make positive ID on chainset from photos but it looks like it may be a NERVAR
cycle likely one or two models up from the base within the range of the day
frame tubing may be Falck plain gauge, if so saddle pillar diameter is likely to be 26.2mm
hope this assists you a little bit
-----
hubs without name were likely Gnutti
unable to make positive ID on chainset from photos but it looks like it may be a NERVAR
cycle likely one or two models up from the base within the range of the day
frame tubing may be Falck plain gauge, if so saddle pillar diameter is likely to be 26.2mm
hope this assists you a little bit
-----
10-28-20 | 09:25 AM
#8
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
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From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
I would like to get more. I have one and replaced the rubber with large O rings.
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Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
10-31-20 | 12:37 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 4,391
From: Alta California
-----
the cycle's stem appears it may be the FIAMME allen key model of the 1960's
these are not often seen and are quite nice
---
the black oxide finish mounting plate for the bicycle's Campagnolo Record rear gear mech appears to be a replacement with 32mm centres
the stock mounting plate would have had 26mm centres
the change is sometimes done to give the mech the opportunity to handle a larger large cog on the gear block
it does have the downside of slightly worsening shifts on the smaller cogs
given the apparant size of the gear block presently on the cycle its length is not needed
-----
the cycle's stem appears it may be the FIAMME allen key model of the 1960's
these are not often seen and are quite nice
---
the black oxide finish mounting plate for the bicycle's Campagnolo Record rear gear mech appears to be a replacement with 32mm centres
the stock mounting plate would have had 26mm centres
the change is sometimes done to give the mech the opportunity to handle a larger large cog on the gear block
it does have the downside of slightly worsening shifts on the smaller cogs
given the apparant size of the gear block presently on the cycle its length is not needed
-----
11-04-20 | 09:08 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 75
Likes: 4
From: California Sacramento
Bikes: 74 Raleigh InternationalRiva-Sport,Frejus
Juvela, Correct on stem I’m researching for a shorter stem.Also,you mentioned hanger for rear derailleur will the one on bike work with freewheel 14/28T? I’ve have read articles on Campagnolo record derailleurs using a Freewheels 14/28T thats about there limits>
11-04-20 | 10:29 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 4,391
From: Alta California
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stem -
FIAMME stems were offered in sizes 8,9,10,11 & 12cm
finding another would be something of a challenge as they are fairly rare
it would also likely be costly
its clamp size is 26.0mm
if you wish to reuse the bar that is on there you would want a period plausible stem with a 26.0mm clamp
two possibilities would be an Ambrosio Champion and a Tecno Tubo Torino (3TTT) Gran Prix
---
Record rear gear mech -
yes, 28T is the generally accepted largest cog
with the mounting plate that has been put on there would expect it could handle a bit larger cog
anecdote -
one day in 1973 was speaking with a mechanic at a local bike shop
he had a Record model rear mech on his machine
it was paired with a surprinsingly large gear block of at least 31T and possibly larger
asked him about it and he showed me how it easily shifted on and off the large cog
do not know what he had done to get it to perform like that...
-----
stem -
FIAMME stems were offered in sizes 8,9,10,11 & 12cm
finding another would be something of a challenge as they are fairly rare
it would also likely be costly
its clamp size is 26.0mm
if you wish to reuse the bar that is on there you would want a period plausible stem with a 26.0mm clamp
two possibilities would be an Ambrosio Champion and a Tecno Tubo Torino (3TTT) Gran Prix
---
Record rear gear mech -
yes, 28T is the generally accepted largest cog
with the mounting plate that has been put on there would expect it could handle a bit larger cog
anecdote -
one day in 1973 was speaking with a mechanic at a local bike shop
he had a Record model rear mech on his machine
it was paired with a surprinsingly large gear block of at least 31T and possibly larger
asked him about it and he showed me how it easily shifted on and off the large cog
do not know what he had done to get it to perform like that...
-----
Last edited by juvela; 11-04-20 at 10:37 PM. Reason: spellin'
11-05-20 | 10:43 AM
#13
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,748
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From: Wherever
My catalog reprint likely pre-dates this bike and the models changed over time, but given the stamped rear dropouts and other clues it looks similar to the entry level model called "F-4" Sport Racer in my catalog. Next model up was the "Torino", but that model had forged dropouts as I remember. Perhaps not.
11-05-20 | 11:05 AM
#14
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,222
Likes: 6,477
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I consider the Frejus to be one of the finest bikes of its era.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
11-05-20 | 11:05 AM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 826
Likes: 804
From: Nevada County, California
Bikes: Subject to change at any given moment but currently is...... Colnago Mapei, Colnago C40, Wilier Triestina Carbon, Wilier Triestina Ramato, Follis 472, Peugeot PX60, Razesa, Orbea Terra, Soma Pescadero and 1/2 owner of a Santana tandem.
-----
Hello CTony,
Likely dates from very close to 1970.
City of Oakland bicycle licenses granted for a term of three years so an expiry date of 12/31/73 suggests it may have been licensed in 1970. Examine the frame for the Oakland "oak tree" stamping symbol - resembles a mushroom and is about 7mm across.
Original fittings include Way-Assauto headset, chainset, Sheffield pedals, Universal 61 brakes, 3TTT stem & bar set, saddle pillar and seat binder.
Wheels & gear ensemble may be upgrades.
You can get a specific date from the inner faces of the axle locknuts on the Campag hubs; do not be surprised if they are later than the 1970 date mentioned above -
---
the cycle's Sheffield pedals are the Corsa model nr. 655 -
---
the Zeus tubular tyre carrier is item Ref. 19 and is an accurate copy of the Vittoria Fulmine:
---
importer for the cycle was almost certainly the John W. ("Jack") Murphy Co. on Shipley Street in San Francisco, California. it was purchased from Velo Sport Cyclery when they were on Grove Street in Berkeley, California. (Grove Street was later renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Way)
---
tip -
a wonderful enthusiast resource for information on Emilio Bozzi products is the condorino website - https://www.condorino.com
-----
Hello CTony,
Likely dates from very close to 1970.
City of Oakland bicycle licenses granted for a term of three years so an expiry date of 12/31/73 suggests it may have been licensed in 1970. Examine the frame for the Oakland "oak tree" stamping symbol - resembles a mushroom and is about 7mm across.
Original fittings include Way-Assauto headset, chainset, Sheffield pedals, Universal 61 brakes, 3TTT stem & bar set, saddle pillar and seat binder.
Wheels & gear ensemble may be upgrades.
You can get a specific date from the inner faces of the axle locknuts on the Campag hubs; do not be surprised if they are later than the 1970 date mentioned above -
---
the cycle's Sheffield pedals are the Corsa model nr. 655 -
---
the Zeus tubular tyre carrier is item Ref. 19 and is an accurate copy of the Vittoria Fulmine:
---
importer for the cycle was almost certainly the John W. ("Jack") Murphy Co. on Shipley Street in San Francisco, California. it was purchased from Velo Sport Cyclery when they were on Grove Street in Berkeley, California. (Grove Street was later renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Way)
---
tip -
a wonderful enthusiast resource for information on Emilio Bozzi products is the condorino website - https://www.condorino.com
-----
11-05-20 | 11:26 AM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 4,391
From: Alta California
-----
blog post discusses history of Prodotti Bozzi in North America -
https://condorino.com/2017/09/17/the...and-paul-kent/
-----
blog post discusses history of Prodotti Bozzi in North America -
https://condorino.com/2017/09/17/the...and-paul-kent/
-----
11-05-20 | 10:46 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 529
Likes: 357
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Raleigh Super Course, Raleigh International, Raleigh Gran Sport
Your Velo-Sport shop sticker may have a serial number on it that could help date your bike. The photo below is the Velo-Sport sticker from my '74 Raleigh International and has # 02673.
I think having a Velo-Sport shop sticker adds a little class to your bike. It was a significant shop in the development of cycle racing in the USA.
https://www.berkeleyside.com/2018/07...le-racing-boom
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bik.../VeloSport.htm
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features...om-the-saddle/
I think having a Velo-Sport shop sticker adds a little class to your bike. It was a significant shop in the development of cycle racing in the USA.
https://www.berkeleyside.com/2018/07...le-racing-boom
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bik.../VeloSport.htm
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features...om-the-saddle/
