Those new clinchers from Velo-Orange would be perfect for a regular rider.

+1, I was going to say the same thing.

I looked on their site, do you have more info or a link?

Thanks!

Also, regarding the wheels: are they terrible in terms of quality, incorrect for the period or model, or just in terms of labor to restore?

Is the prevailing idea to keep them in order to maintain the completeness of the project but not to actually use them if were to ride it (kind of like the ancient brake shoes)?

I really appreciate everyone's input and compliments, thanks again!

All of the above. The hubs are fine. The steel Rigida rims are, well, less than optimal. I believe the correct rim might be an Ambrosio tubular but that might might not be that practical to ride on a daily basis.

Since they aren't original to begin with I see no point in keeping them. Unless you build your own rims, I would get a set of those VO clincher rims and have a shop build them up using the Record hubs and some butted stainless spokes.

The chromed steel rims you have are probably pretty good quality, correct for the period, and can probably be trued up nicely so they're nearly as good as they were when new.

The problem is that chromed steel rims are not very nice no matter what you do. Chrome is a terrible braking surface, steel is heavy, and these rims are rather wide and ugly. These rims are not original; a previous (perhaps original) owner had the original rims replaced with these, probably because they were cheap, probably at a time when good aluminum rims were not cheap. Even so, these rims were a poor choice at the time, and they remain poorly suited to the bike now. Some kind of aluminum rim would be much better functionally; the problem is modern aluminum rims are anodized (or painted), heat treated, and shaped differently; so they would look wrong on this bike.

What you want, I suggest, is a polished aluminum rim that looks (as much as possible) like the original (Ambrosio tubular?) rims. Such a thing was pretty easy to find 30 years ago; now, not so much. But the Velo Orange rims look about right, so you're in luck! You may even be able to find reproduction Ambrosio decals, which would make the Velo Orange rims look pretty convincing. That'd be my choice.

Garage-Mahal LOL that is a good one and I agree what a great shop area. there are bike shop mechanics that would love to have such a place.

Those hubs are more than just fine. They are excellent hubs. Do not switch them out!

+1, they're top notch hubs. There's nothing better, nothing prettier, and nothing more appropriate to the bike. You can even get replacement bearings if you need them (which is not likely).

Nice
 

I bought a similar bike from a fellow MSU Cyclist in 1970 for 25 bucks. Very rusty, hanging in a shed. It had similar components, Frejus alloy fenders, the Pletscher rack, tubulars and very plain Campy high-flange hubs. Some of the guys in the club had Frejus track bikes. Used it for touring and commuting even after college when I entered the work force. Still ione of my favorites. Have repainted it several times in my various dorm rooms and basements. Sorry- it was pretty far gone. Hope to refinish it in time for the 40th DALMAC next year. Wonder who does chrome plate in Grand Rapids?
Gene Portuesi's shop in Detroit and later in Cadillac was a mecca for us bikie wannabees. They sold the top-end components unavailable locally.

What serial number? Model name? I have been fascinated by Frejus bikes for 40 years. George in Michigan

Interesting bike came up on craigslist>
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/1425518414.html
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/IMG_1362.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/IMG_1365.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/IMG_1367.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/IMG_1369.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/IMG_1371.jpg

Wow.

Update
 

Here's an update on the Frejus, hope I did ok. I didn't (can't) spend any money on it right now so the seat and tires are just sort of fill-ins for now. I also still need to run the der wires and get some new brake housing. I'm not sure the best way to do that because the new housing might look too "new" but the old stuff is completely trashed. Thanks again for the replies and help!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0495.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0501.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0497.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0503.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0508.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0509.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/IMG_1462.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCI7862.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/IMG_1451.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...DSCF0004-1.jpg

You've done an excellent job of making the best of what you have. Will need to keep on top of rust redeveloping - on the derailleurs particularly, but when you do get around to putting on a proper saddle - an outstanding example of an original Frejus.

Few more, pics didn't turn out so great...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0046.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0050.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0045.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/DSCF0007.jpg

Fantastic!

Look's great...For the cost of a tune-up you could probably get the rest done.
I have a number of bikes where I'll take it so far, and then let the local bike shop do the rest.

Enjoy the ride and getting it on the road - that's the best part.