Just recently acquired another Le Chemineau. It's a little newer than my other one. Thought you might like some "before" pictures, but I didn't think of it until I had already started taking it apart. Oh, well, here are some pics. This bike was purchased new in 1955. I went to high school with it's former owner.

David L
Class of '57

nice color frame. cool handlebars

That Hozan truing stand is hot. Cast Iron Baby!

You need a vintage truing stand to work on vintage wheels, right? BTW, these are Mavic tubulars.

I like it.

Wow nice collection of bottles and cages! SAWEET! That stuff is worth some dough, I'll say.

You can still purchase that Hozan new. I just can't afford it.

Stronglight Competition crankset?

-Kurt

I bought this used (very) in the 80's from a shop that was going out of business. I don't remember what it cost, but it was cheap. I couldn't afford a new one, either.

It says "Boehm Depose" on it. It is the original headset.

They came with the bike when I got it. I don't know whether to use the T/A or the Coloral set. Maybe the T/A since it is French, and the Coloral is English.

Anyone know where to get brake hoods for the Gloria brakes? I have one, need four. Here's side view.

I finished cleaning up the Chemineau just in time for it to go to the Cirque in Virginia this past weekend. A friend of mine took it there for me as I couldn't make it. Here are some pictures posted by one of the guys who were there.

David L

ok, that's nice

Super cool! I love that old French stuff!

Karl

Is that indexed shifting!?

Yes!! Correct me if I'm wrong but Chemineau made the first index shifters in 1910 or so?

Fantastic bike!!!! Love it a lot!!!

That is one cool looking ride. I'm lovin that front derailleur shift mechanism. How does it work for you?

Wotan - You are correct, the main difference between the Chemineau derailleur and the French Cyclo was the indexing. The Cyclo, which dates back to the same era, used a continuous loop cable and moved the derailleur by means of a screw mechanism. The Chemineau has two springs, the door spring for chain tension, and an internal one to change the gears.

Stringbreaker - The front changer is actually quite common. It's an early Simplex model, and works very well with double chainrings, even if there is a large size difference.