Show your French bikes!
#3726
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 243
Bikes: 1985 Roberts SLX, Mercian 531, 1984 Torpado SLX,1981/82 Peugeot PSV-10, 1978 Charlie Roberts full touring, 1970 Charlie Roberts 531 road.
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an old picture of the PSV-10. They do ride nicely!
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#3727
rmfrance
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: SW France
Posts: 108
Bikes: 1968 Peugeot PX10, 1974 Peugeot PX10, 1964 Peugeot PX10, 1977 Peugeot PSN10, 1975 Gitane Super Olympic, 1978 Gitane Vuelta, c1958 Gitane Competition(?), 1983 Mercier?, 1981 Peugeot PF10, 1985 Peugeot PH501 Ventoux, 1965 Moulton M4 Speed
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1972/3 Peugeot AE 8
Very nice work, with obvious meticulous attention to detail.
I'm not being sniffy - honestly - but the current quill stem extension worries me, security-wise. Leaving aside the contradiction that it's raised and combined with dropped bars, I fear you're risking a structural failure with it set so high, and with possibly little inside the steerer tube.
I don't subscribe to Sheldon Brown's slightly sensationalised vision of 'the death stem' BUT I've seen even shiny premium stems develop cracks from expander slots whose upper ends were squared, rather than rounded-off. I always round-off any I find like that, using a round needle file - a quick and simple fix.
I look forward to seeing the finished bike!
I'm not being sniffy - honestly - but the current quill stem extension worries me, security-wise. Leaving aside the contradiction that it's raised and combined with dropped bars, I fear you're risking a structural failure with it set so high, and with possibly little inside the steerer tube.
I don't subscribe to Sheldon Brown's slightly sensationalised vision of 'the death stem' BUT I've seen even shiny premium stems develop cracks from expander slots whose upper ends were squared, rather than rounded-off. I always round-off any I find like that, using a round needle file - a quick and simple fix.
I look forward to seeing the finished bike!
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#3728
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,564
Bikes: '72 Peugeot PX-10 '78 Motobecane Le Champion '83 Motobecane Grand Jubile '85 Trek 830 '88 Merckx Team ADR Corsa Extra
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I don't subscribe to Sheldon Brown's slightly sensationalised vision of 'the death stem' BUT I've seen even shiny premium stems develop cracks from expander slots whose upper ends were squared, rather than rounded-off. I always round-off any I find like that, using a round needle file - a quick and simple fix.
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#3729
Full Member
80's Haral
I bought this parts mule of a bike last winter from Ebay. It's become my trusty commuter and does the job very well.

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#3730
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,516
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
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Very nice work, with obvious meticulous attention to detail.
I'm not being sniffy - honestly - but the current quill stem extension worries me, security-wise. Leaving aside the contradiction that it's raised and combined with dropped bars, I fear you're risking a structural failure with it set so high, and with possibly little inside the steerer tube.
I don't subscribe to Sheldon Brown's slightly sensationalised vision of 'the death stem' BUT I've seen even shiny premium stems develop cracks from expander slots whose upper ends were squared, rather than rounded-off. I always round-off any I find like that, using a round needle file - a quick and simple fix.
I look forward to seeing the finished bike!
I'm not being sniffy - honestly - but the current quill stem extension worries me, security-wise. Leaving aside the contradiction that it's raised and combined with dropped bars, I fear you're risking a structural failure with it set so high, and with possibly little inside the steerer tube.
I don't subscribe to Sheldon Brown's slightly sensationalised vision of 'the death stem' BUT I've seen even shiny premium stems develop cracks from expander slots whose upper ends were squared, rather than rounded-off. I always round-off any I find like that, using a round needle file - a quick and simple fix.
I look forward to seeing the finished bike!



SR stem in my 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc

Another SR stem in my 1976 Supercycle Excalibur (nee Bridgestone)

Original steel stem in my 1956 Royal Nord President

Original stem in my 1972 CCM Turismo.
. Seat and bars level is what I try to achieve and sometimes change to a taller stem (SR made some great ones!) on my bikes to suit my refined and older riding style. For context, I have shown the original sales info, and a number of my other bikes of the era with properly inserted taller stems.
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We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#3731
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Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: UK, New Forest
Posts: 215
Bikes: 1980 Gitane sprint,1977 Motobécane C4, 1977 Carlton Clubman, 1959 Claud Butler European
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https://www.highcalibrecoatings.co.u...or-motorcycles
#3732
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Whittier
Posts: 754
Bikes: 1973 Colnago Super, Litespeed Classic , Automoto , Pinarello Gavia TSX,Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra,Eddy Merckx EMX-5 , 1982 Moser SL, Concorde TSX, Vitus 979 KAS. Diamant SLX,60's Meteor
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Before and After pictures of my "really old" 3 speed Automoto. After this picture ,I added some Rigida wheels with Normandy hubs ,Found out my rear hub was not True so i have a wheel rebuild in store, I installed some white bar tape . Im fixing the front Gloria caliper and then after that it will be road worthy.
If I remember correctly , the serial # makes it an early 50's bike,, but its been awhile since I looked it up so I forgot the exact year.
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#3733
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 8,466
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
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^ Cool chainring.
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#3734
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,090
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
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Before and After pictures of my "really old" 3 speed Automoto. After this picture ,I added some Rigida wheels with Normandy hubs ,Found out my rear hub was not True so i have a wheel rebuild in store, I installed some white bar tape . Im fixing the front Gloria caliper and then after that it will be road worthy.
If I remember correctly , the serial # makes it an early 50's bike,, but its been awhile since I looked it up so I forgot the exact year.
If I remember correctly , the serial # makes it an early 50's bike,, but its been awhile since I looked it up so I forgot the exact year.
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#3735
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Location: Bottom of Alps
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https://i.postimg.cc/kg8gfyqp/20221024-185258.jpg
This is my Motobecane Federal, in Reynolds A tubing, 650 b maxicar / super champion wheels, simplex groupset and TA crankset.
I found it 4 years ago in my local recyclery. After a complete overhaul and cleaning here it is.
I only changed the crankset and the shifters, added NOS Weinnman brake levers.
Brakes are Mafac Raid, 6 speed freewheel, dynapower sanyo, Philippe Randonneur bar, TA front rack...
Last edited by George Abitbol; 08-24-23 at 03:05 PM.
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#3736
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Whittier
Posts: 754
Bikes: 1973 Colnago Super, Litespeed Classic , Automoto , Pinarello Gavia TSX,Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra,Eddy Merckx EMX-5 , 1982 Moser SL, Concorde TSX, Vitus 979 KAS. Diamant SLX,60's Meteor
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#3737
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Northern California
Posts: 134
Bikes: 1970 Peugeot PX10, 1977 PX-10, 1978 Peugeot UE8, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P15-9, 1970 Raleigh Competition, 1985 Centurion Ironman, 2012 Trek Madone 4.5
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1970 PX-10, finished earlier this year

1978 PX-10 on the day I bought it, I am about halfway through this build now

1978 UE8--in the queue for restoration
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#3738
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Join Date: May 2021
Location: London
Posts: 431
Bikes: Motobecane C41, Matsu$hita Nashonaru
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Nice collection!
#3739
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,090
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
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Thanks to our colleague, @juvela, I was able to identify a vintage French bag for my handlebars. Does anyone know whether-or-not Lafuma made a matching saddle-bag?

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#3740
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Thanks to our colleague, @juvela, I was able to identify a vintage French bag for my handlebars. Does anyone know whether-or-not Lafuma made a matching saddle-bag?


yes, i would think so but have no hard information
you could check french ebay and the lafuma web site
as recalled, panniers are offered as well
your handlebar example, made of nylon fabric, is later than the lafuma products with which am familiar
me "mind" always pictures their cotton canvas models of an "earlier age"

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#3741
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,090
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
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-----
yes, i would think so but have no hard information
you could check french ebay and the lafuma web site
as recalled, panniers are offered as well
your handlebar example, made of nylon fabric, is later than the lafuma products with which am familiar
me "mind" always pictures their cotton canvas models of an "earlier age"
-----
yes, i would think so but have no hard information
you could check french ebay and the lafuma web site
as recalled, panniers are offered as well
your handlebar example, made of nylon fabric, is later than the lafuma products with which am familiar
me "mind" always pictures their cotton canvas models of an "earlier age"

-----
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#3742
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Yes, it seems Lafuma has a long history. I did get a look at some of their earlier, more-substantial sachels. Happened-upon the asian Zimbale bags, as-well. I talked to Lafuma, but they could offer no advice to me. I'll keep my eye peeled for a matching saddle-bag. I see this model came in a red, too. It really holds quite a bit of kit.
do not know about modern times but in the past Lafuma was a contractor to the French army, supplying back packs, duffels and an assortment of storage bags
some of these items come up on ebay.fr from time to time
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#3743
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Northern California
Posts: 134
Bikes: 1970 Peugeot PX10, 1977 PX-10, 1978 Peugeot UE8, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P15-9, 1970 Raleigh Competition, 1985 Centurion Ironman, 2012 Trek Madone 4.5
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That's what I'm planning to do with Motobecane. Have three: blue, white and red (well bleu regate, cream / pearl and red metallic). I still haven't figured out how to store them with my limited amount of space though
Funny thing is that when I was getting into vintage and classic bicycles, I was looking for a Peugeot. Ended up with a Motobecane and still very happy with it 
Nice collection!


Nice collection!


#3744
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20
Bikes: 1993 Trek 5500, 1983 Peugeot PSV-10, 1984 Torpado Super Strada, 1994 Giant ATX 890, 2015 Scott Scale 740, 1982 Peugeot PH10S
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Peugeot PSV10
Bought mine new, love the ride, will never part with it

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#3746
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1972 Bertin C-37
Much the same as my first road bike 51 years ago.
saddle correct appearance, an idealé 90 in same now is not reasonable in cost.
originally came with Campagnolo bar end controls, felt vague. Went to downtube type.
this has clinchers, original were Super Champion professionals.
this bike was a Craigslist rescue.
butterfly bars and a mattress saddle.
original was 3ttt bar and stem.

saddle correct appearance, an idealé 90 in same now is not reasonable in cost.
originally came with Campagnolo bar end controls, felt vague. Went to downtube type.
this has clinchers, original were Super Champion professionals.
this bike was a Craigslist rescue.
butterfly bars and a mattress saddle.
original was 3ttt bar and stem.


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#3747
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,090
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
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Much the same as my first road bike 51 years ago.
saddle correct appearance, an idealé 90 in same now is not reasonable in cost.
originally came with Campagnolo bar end controls, felt vague. Went to downtube type.
this has clinchers, original were Super Champion professionals.
this bike was a Craigslist rescue.
butterfly bars and a mattress saddle.
original was 3ttt bar and stem.
saddle correct appearance, an idealé 90 in same now is not reasonable in cost.
originally came with Campagnolo bar end controls, felt vague. Went to downtube type.
this has clinchers, original were Super Champion professionals.
this bike was a Craigslist rescue.
butterfly bars and a mattress saddle.
original was 3ttt bar and stem.
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#3748
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thank you, a few years ago, it was in a very confused state. 27” Superchamp Gentleman rims, spokes too short… akimbo jointed adjustable stem, Sting-Ray type bars, thumb shifters, sprung vinyl mattress saddle.
‘Campagnolo brakes and SL pedals stuffed halfway into the French thread cranks, no clips. 20mm tires.
I serviced it pretty quickly the missing element were the half hoods. A red pair purchased here and just fitted made the bike basically photo ready.
I went with Ambrosio Elite 19 rims, sent gratis to protect a nice pair of tubular rims I bought. Fresher set of tires awaits. Not looking forward to mount them.
very close to what I had in 1972. This bike uses a 26.6 seatpost, my original 59cm used a 26.4. Bike rides pretty well, better than I recall. Passes the downhill hands off the bars stability test.
this bike has received the most attention form “normal folk” while out riding. It is I think a personification of an era.
‘Campagnolo brakes and SL pedals stuffed halfway into the French thread cranks, no clips. 20mm tires.
I serviced it pretty quickly the missing element were the half hoods. A red pair purchased here and just fitted made the bike basically photo ready.
I went with Ambrosio Elite 19 rims, sent gratis to protect a nice pair of tubular rims I bought. Fresher set of tires awaits. Not looking forward to mount them.
very close to what I had in 1972. This bike uses a 26.6 seatpost, my original 59cm used a 26.4. Bike rides pretty well, better than I recall. Passes the downhill hands off the bars stability test.
this bike has received the most attention form “normal folk” while out riding. It is I think a personification of an era.
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#3750
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,090
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
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thank you, a few years ago, it was in a very confused state. 27” Superchamp Gentleman rims, spokes too short… akimbo jointed adjustable stem, Sting-Ray type bars, thumb shifters, sprung vinyl mattress saddle.
‘Campagnolo brakes and SL pedals stuffed halfway into the French thread cranks, no clips. 20mm tires.
‘Campagnolo brakes and SL pedals stuffed halfway into the French thread cranks, no clips. 20mm tires.
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