info needed on $20 frejus
 

Hi I just got this bike http://flickr.com/photos/7674562@N04...7602317492614/) for $20 at a stoop sale in Brooklyn Heights. I bought it because it had a Brooks leather seat. I googled frejus and found some info, but not too much. I think my bike is not one of their fancier ones, and is probably from the early 60s. The serial number is 92599. The parts are all different, but none of them say Campy or Frejus.
The frame is way too tall for me so I was planning to give it to a friend, but want to find out if it is a rare collectible bike or big ebay item before I give it away. Any info would be appreciated as I don't know much about bikes, vintage or otherwise.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/...483bb7.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/...8361cd.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/...f1f7c3.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/...13a15c.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/...ca5376.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/...4ad17f.jpg?v=0


thanks.

sorry, I think I posted the pictures incorrectly, but the flickr link at the top of the post should work.

too bad it's so rusty...it's old and vintage but not so very "special" as to warrant the huge investment it would take to restore it, IMHO. If you are going to give it away, it probably could make a nice SS for somebody. I reckon the shift levers, if in good shape, are the most valuable things on it, the Simplex derailleurs look to be toast, but if they are alloy and not plastic they might be worth some $ to a collector. I'd try bathing it in oxalic acid and keep it "patina'd".

It looks like it may be one of their lower-end offerings, but it's definitely a very cool bike. Let me know if you want to double your investment (and you'd get to keep the saddle). :D

Looks like early '60's lower end entry level with Simplex RD and FD. I don't recognize the RD style so I can't use it to give a better age of your Frejus. The $20 is a good price; the bike appears to be complete. I don't think it's particularly valuable but I am no expert on Frejus.

Yup, a good candidate for singlespeed. You can get the rust off the bike then prime and repaint it. Singlespeed/fixed gear bikes are popular and you'd be able to sell it. I'd tape off the headbadge, it looks cool.

The rims look to be in good shape; some steel wool and WD-40 will clean them right up. Same for the brakes; take them apart, scrub the rust off. Polish everything with some nice carnauba wax for a great look and protection.

Sheldon Brown has info. on converting bikes to singlespeed cheaply. Check out their LINKS and more LINKS

Search this forum for painting tips and expert, professional advice.

Be careful when removing the headset/fork and the bottom bracket. Ball bearings may go flying everywhere and you'll need them.

Paint it?!?!? Frejus is a cycling icon. Obviously, restoration isn't cost effective here, but even if you do convert to fixed gear or single speed, I'd suggest leaving the Frejus mojo there for all to see.

btw - to the OP, you very well may be able to do better, but my offer is serious. :)

The condition isn't perfect but it certainly doesn't need a repaint. Based on the serial number I would agree with your early 60s estimate. I also agree it is probably a lower end bike with the stamped dropouts. But clean it up first and post before you do a repaint, I think it will look great.

Frejus is my latest Holy Grail even though they have always been a second tier bike. Craftmanship is good with simple lugs but not on the same level as your top tier Italian bikes.

Yes, looks like early 60s, late 50s maybe. Not the top of the line, but then even the lower end bikes were well made. I'd clean it up, rub out the paint and wax the heck out of it. Original bikes are much cooler than shiny repaints. Certainly a good find for 20 bucks. Bet it will ride sweet too.

even though it is delrin, if the rear derailleur is in good shape it might be worth something to someone out there.. the plastic models did not survive very well over the years

UPDATE: I gave the bike to my friend. He is a bike junkie and is going to restore it and post pictures. He is putting on a new derailer (the old one was plastic) and is planning to use the rest of the original parts if possible.

It looks nicer than any bike I've seen chained up in NY. Lucky friend, it's a pretty bike.