Spotted this unusual frame detail on a rather unhappy frame .
Fancy nervex head lugs .
Original fork gone .
Like I need another orphan for the shed huh ?

There is a point where form should be subordinate to function.

This bridge is at the limit; the pivot mount is so much not in line with the attachment points that they will bear extra stress, and so you pay for your art, either in weight or weakness.

There will be more flex in the brake caliper than the brake bridge even on that one

That's an interesting detail, I'd like to see it without that horrible paint on there.

Is it French?

a) that's arguable (could be tested)
b) it's unnecessary; flex in the bridge is an unavoidable result of the compromise between rigidity and mass required by the offset between the pivot and the rim.

Someone painted the whole thing Was it done to preserve it from rusting?
Anyway, it's a cool brake bridge. It remainds me of those made by Champan, Weigle and other constructeurs.

Agreeing that this isn't an optimal solution for a brake bridge, but probably "good enough" for a rear brake.

As for constructor brake bridges, those are properly called fender bridges, the "constructeur style" bikes referred to typically use brazed on posts for either cantilevers or centerpulls.

I've got a Hetchins with a curved bridge, but the brake mounting is in the center of the tube



Steve in Peoria

Yes, you're right! Thanks for clarification, didn't know that they are called fender bridges but is does make sense

Me too !! Unsure of origin . It is on my side of the world .
More pics for those interested .
Does that serial number look like an early Carlton one ? all very interesting .

Curved seatstay bridges aren't uncommon. Having the brake/fender/rack mount completely above the bridge is unusual. Don't think I've seen that before.

However, it is kinda clever in maximizing tire/fender clearance underneath the bridge. A fender could nestle in a little closer than it could if there were a fender boss underneath the bridge, if the boss underneath protruded proud of the bridge surface. And it'd be less likely for the bottom of a rim caliper to crowd the tire.

Still, looks kinda weird and gawky...

I'm going out on a limb that the OP didn't paint this. If he did, my apologies but that looks like my dad painted it. And dad once painted an Impala with rattle cans.

I love a good mystery frame...........great........I think it was a Wrigley frame I had that was made like that.....English company......same BB oil hole and lugs and dropouts fender bridge....seat stay treatment.....does it ring like Reynolds tubes.......English or French BB threads....seat post diameter........how much does it weigh.........you can tell I love old rusty mystery bikes

It is going to be interesting to peel away the paint and see what is underneath.

1simplexnut please keep the pictures coming. With the oil port, I'm thinking it is from the '60's or before. Nice looking lugs. I can blame someone for making it ridable, however the unicrown fork doesn't look right. Yea, Capt. Obvious here.

hi unfortunately it is a couple of thousand kms west of me on another island . If it wasnt I would already own it .
Debating having it sent to a relative somewhat closer to them ,but with covid etc I am unlikely to see it in person for some months .
Decisions decisions !

My Dad painted the car he drove to work (Wichita, KA) with KemTone house paint. Just way durable

The Sannino

Pre-fabricated bridges were available in many shapes: