Show your French bikes!
#2876
Full Member
I would have posted this one in the French 3-speed thread, but ... it’s no longer a 3-speed.
I picked this one up from French eBay as a knock-around project. I think it was the chain guard that drove the impulse decision. It arrived either poorly packed or was the victim of US Customs searches (Customs tape all over the box). The front fender was crushed flat and the pump was about to escape through a hole in the box. I don’t know if the manufacturer was Mongilardi or if the bike just acquired some decals, but I really don’t care. It’s quite solid, yet light. Nervex lugs and bottom bracket shell. It came with a Simplex Prestige (mostly plastic) derailleur stuck on so that I had to disassemble it in order to turn the wing nuts to remove the rear wheel. There’s a rough area under the right chainstay that could be where there was a hole for a bell crate derailleur spring. Wheels were lovely chromed (heavy) Liotard steel. The 3-speed 20-26 freewheel provided an easy leisurely ride. Not really what I wanted. But it would not budge even with thermal wrench and punch and hammer treatment.
So I built some wheels with a set of Normandy Luxe competition hubs I had and some alloy rims and installed a 5-speed 14-26 freewheel. I replaced the ugly derailleur with a Campy Gran Sport. The Simplex shift lever will be replaced eventually. I didn’t have a prettier one in my parts box. So it’s no longer a 3-speed. It is a wonderful ride, very peppy and responsive to turn suggestions. But also very comfortable and stable. I added a front rack because I’m addicted to handlebar bags. So now I have my neighborhood cruiser with a French accent
I picked this one up from French eBay as a knock-around project. I think it was the chain guard that drove the impulse decision. It arrived either poorly packed or was the victim of US Customs searches (Customs tape all over the box). The front fender was crushed flat and the pump was about to escape through a hole in the box. I don’t know if the manufacturer was Mongilardi or if the bike just acquired some decals, but I really don’t care. It’s quite solid, yet light. Nervex lugs and bottom bracket shell. It came with a Simplex Prestige (mostly plastic) derailleur stuck on so that I had to disassemble it in order to turn the wing nuts to remove the rear wheel. There’s a rough area under the right chainstay that could be where there was a hole for a bell crate derailleur spring. Wheels were lovely chromed (heavy) Liotard steel. The 3-speed 20-26 freewheel provided an easy leisurely ride. Not really what I wanted. But it would not budge even with thermal wrench and punch and hammer treatment.
So I built some wheels with a set of Normandy Luxe competition hubs I had and some alloy rims and installed a 5-speed 14-26 freewheel. I replaced the ugly derailleur with a Campy Gran Sport. The Simplex shift lever will be replaced eventually. I didn’t have a prettier one in my parts box. So it’s no longer a 3-speed. It is a wonderful ride, very peppy and responsive to turn suggestions. But also very comfortable and stable. I added a front rack because I’m addicted to handlebar bags. So now I have my neighborhood cruiser with a French accent
Last edited by Honusms; 11-23-18 at 07:07 PM.
#2877
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
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What a beauty - very classy refurbishing! Those forks look like they have a good amount of offset creating a low trail setup. How does it handle with a front load?
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
#2878
Full Member
Funny you should ask! I had her out around the TCU campus this morning with a bag full of electronics and a heavy lock. Very stable handling. Oh - and the saddle is amazingly comfy!
#2879
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
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The French really knew how to do bikes right!
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
#2880
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175
Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A
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What a beauty Honusms.
That chain guard would have sold me as well. Very cool. The whole bike just oozes Frenchness and it would be right at home on the streets of Paris, or of course, the campus of TCU as well!
That chain guard would have sold me as well. Very cool. The whole bike just oozes Frenchness and it would be right at home on the streets of Paris, or of course, the campus of TCU as well!
#2881
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
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Here is a PFN 10 that had wheels that match what was on the PF 60, the PFN was supposed to have maillard hubs on mavic rims but this had maillard hubs on Wolber super champion gentleman.
Also so here is my newly cleaned Raphael Geminiani.
Also so here is my newly cleaned Raphael Geminiani.
#2882
Newbie
I have to say I'm very impressed with the ride. Normandy Lux Comp. Hubs w Supra Corsa Tubulars. I still need toe clips and straps.
I'm running Vittoria Supra Corsa Tubulars.
Brooks Profesional
Last edited by Cycologist; 11-26-18 at 01:35 AM.
#2883
Full Member
I would have posted this one in the French 3-speed thread, but ... it’s no longer a 3-speed.
I picked this one up from French eBay as a knock-around project. I think it was the chain guard that drove the impulse decision. It arrived either poorly packed or was the victim of US Customs searches (Customs tape all over the box). The front fender was crushed flat and the pump was about to escape through a hole in the box. I don’t know if the manufacturer was Mongilardi or if the bike just acquired some decals, but I really don’t care. It’s quite solid, yet light. Nervex lugs and bottom bracket shell. It came with a Simplex Prestige (mostly plastic) derailleur stuck on so that I had to disassemble it in order to turn the wing nuts to remove the rear wheel. There’s a rough area under the right chainstay that could be where there was a hole for a bell crate derailleur spring. Wheels were lovely chromed (heavy) Liotard steel. The 3-speed 20-26 freewheel provided an easy leisurely ride. Not really what I wanted. But it would not budge even with thermal wrench and punch and hammer treatment.
So I built some wheels with a set of Normandy Luxe competition hubs I had and some alloy rims and installed a 5-speed 14-26 freewheel. I replaced the ugly derailleur with a Campy Gran Sport. The Simplex shift lever will be replaced eventually. I didn’t have a prettier one in my parts box. So it’s no longer a 3-speed. It is a wonderful ride, very peppy and responsive to turn suggestions. But also very comfortable and stable. I added a front rack because I’m addicted to handlebar bags. So now I have my neighborhood cruiser with a French accent
I picked this one up from French eBay as a knock-around project. I think it was the chain guard that drove the impulse decision. It arrived either poorly packed or was the victim of US Customs searches (Customs tape all over the box). The front fender was crushed flat and the pump was about to escape through a hole in the box. I don’t know if the manufacturer was Mongilardi or if the bike just acquired some decals, but I really don’t care. It’s quite solid, yet light. Nervex lugs and bottom bracket shell. It came with a Simplex Prestige (mostly plastic) derailleur stuck on so that I had to disassemble it in order to turn the wing nuts to remove the rear wheel. There’s a rough area under the right chainstay that could be where there was a hole for a bell crate derailleur spring. Wheels were lovely chromed (heavy) Liotard steel. The 3-speed 20-26 freewheel provided an easy leisurely ride. Not really what I wanted. But it would not budge even with thermal wrench and punch and hammer treatment.
So I built some wheels with a set of Normandy Luxe competition hubs I had and some alloy rims and installed a 5-speed 14-26 freewheel. I replaced the ugly derailleur with a Campy Gran Sport. The Simplex shift lever will be replaced eventually. I didn’t have a prettier one in my parts box. So it’s no longer a 3-speed. It is a wonderful ride, very peppy and responsive to turn suggestions. But also very comfortable and stable. I added a front rack because I’m addicted to handlebar bags. So now I have my neighborhood cruiser with a French accent
#2884
Full Member
Those are Grand Bois Hetres (42mm). Very nice ride on a variety of surfaces.
#2885
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Hayward, CA
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Bikes: 1983 Peugeot PSV10
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I like how these pictures turned out so wanted to share although some of you guys might be tired of seeing these bikes lol sorry
#2886
Senior Member
#2888
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 92
Bikes: 1980 Peugeot PFN-10, 1989 Bridgestone MB-3, 1988 Univega Alpina Uno, 1974 Velosolex Saint Tropez, 1995 Trek 830, 1986 Lotus Odyssey, 1987 Schwinn Mirada, 1987 Raleigh Elkhorn
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197? Velosolex Saint Tropez
This was a CL find that I grabbed for $50 because I noticed the Reynolds 531 decal. Put a lot of elbow grease into fixing this up.
1977? Peugeot U-08
This one is my beater/commuter. Has a great ride and a lot of random parts. Got it on CL for $60 in awful condition complete with nasty gold spray paint job that I actually kind of like.
This was a CL find that I grabbed for $50 because I noticed the Reynolds 531 decal. Put a lot of elbow grease into fixing this up.
1977? Peugeot U-08
This one is my beater/commuter. Has a great ride and a lot of random parts. Got it on CL for $60 in awful condition complete with nasty gold spray paint job that I actually kind of like.
#2889
TXHC
This thread has earned its place as my current favorite. I just picked up a matching pair of Lejeunes. One a Professional which the previous owner switched over to NR at some point and the other a matching 531DB track bike. Both have quite rough paint so pictures will have to wait. They also have matching Ideale 2001 saddles with equally rough leather covers. Has anyone recovered one of these? I’d prefer not to toss them.
#2891
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,658
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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^
#2893
Member
#2894
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,041
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
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This thread has earned its place as my current favorite. I just picked up a matching pair of Lejeunes. One a Professional which the previous owner switched over to NR at some point and the other a matching 531DB track bike. Both have quite rough paint so pictures will have to wait. They also have matching Ideale 2001 saddles with equally rough leather covers. Has anyone recovered one of these? I’d prefer not to toss them.
Our very own @rhm is the saddle guru and can undoubtedly advise.
#2895
Member
#2896
Member
[QUOTE=wtgrantham;10401879]Didn't start out to collect French Bikes, but they just keep finding me!
hahahaha i know how that feels, i must have had 15 bikes at once at some point!
hahahaha i know how that feels, i must have had 15 bikes at once at some point!
#2897
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
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#2898
Full Member
#2899
Member
Here is the Elvish bicycle that made me fall in love with cycling. It was given to me from a coworker that had it sitting in his garage. It came from his dad, but he didnt talk to him to anymore, so i was never able to get some piece of history from the previous owner. That bike litterally changed my life... I had been biking to commute in Montreal for years, but that bike was so smooth and fast, i fell in love. Also i have to admit i find her quite pretty.. I started pedaling for fun, loving Montreal's climbs, got in better shape then i had ever been. Biking in the townships on weekends, I discovered i was a natural climber.. I could keep going on that love story but i wont haha! Lets get to more technical stuff
She went through some upgrades along the years. Got her with all Shimano 600 12 speed 1985 groupset, upgraded with dura ace 2x9speed. Frame was streched to fit a larger cassette. Upgraded the original Rigida wheelset to Campy nucleon. It has Campagnolo dropouts. Reynolds 531 tubing. French threaded cranks were retapped by Marinoni to fit standard thread clipless pedals(currently speedplay). BBcups are still french thread Shimano600, but axle was replaced. Unfortunately, i have never found the serial number on this bike, but it feels older than the 85 groupset i got it with.
She went through some upgrades along the years. Got her with all Shimano 600 12 speed 1985 groupset, upgraded with dura ace 2x9speed. Frame was streched to fit a larger cassette. Upgraded the original Rigida wheelset to Campy nucleon. It has Campagnolo dropouts. Reynolds 531 tubing. French threaded cranks were retapped by Marinoni to fit standard thread clipless pedals(currently speedplay). BBcups are still french thread Shimano600, but axle was replaced. Unfortunately, i have never found the serial number on this bike, but it feels older than the 85 groupset i got it with.
Last edited by jboisleduc; 12-02-18 at 01:59 PM.
#2900
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cardinal Country
Posts: 5,580
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
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Oh my!! That is a stunner. And on closer inspection it is likely Carré and likely a Lejeune despite the Elvish markings. I know of another. Small wonder you like the ride.
Last edited by CV-6; 12-02-18 at 05:08 PM.