Raphael Geminiani "olympic" frame?
 

hello!
just curious about these frames....most specifically, what the seller is deeming an "olympic" model. reynolds 531....

i understand from good ol sheldon that they made a number of models, from low to top end....trying to figure out which end this frame is. sorry, really all i got is the seller is calling it the "olympic" model and its made of reynolds 531. ill continue my googling, but thought i would ask you guys....

thanks!

btw it has nervex lugs, if that helps at all...

Just like "Merckx" branded bikes from the 70's it can be a lot of different levels. 531/Nervex might make it decent but no gaurantee of greatness (Raleigh Super Course, and Gitane's are a good example of that). This actually might be a rebranded Gitane? If you can post good clear shots of the lugs, BB, Fork, and drop-outs, I'm sure some people here could evaluate it for you.

Unless somebody is familiar with the model, which I'm not.

Something like this? Poor quality pic from the seller's ad, I'm afraid, but I jumped and now have it stripped for a calm restoration - a '59 Gitane Competition, as I understand it. If so, it's the predecessor to my '72 Gitane Super Olympic (Corsa in North America). Campagnolo Record-equipped, and I had a 1950s Gran Sport RD to replace the later Shimano unit. The seat pin and saddle are later mods, too, so will be replaced.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0a56246240.jpg

This is a cool bike; nice find.

Now stripped and cleaned, with a '50s Gran Sport RD I've been saving. Seems to date from c1957-8, and it only requires a seat pin (26.6) to make it rideable...

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3e51c4ca0c.jpg
The build has begun...

-----

Looking most handsome is Raphael! :thumb:

Thanks for the update.

If you are going for a period correct build you might want to keep and eye out for the old style MAFAC levers with the brass pivot and slender lever -


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9d3f75315a.jpg

-----

Lovely frame...that foil seat tube decal look 60s to me...up to 65 (+/-). Somebody hacked off the pump pegs too, eh?

Thanks for the comments, guys. I do have a pair of those period-correct brake levers, although the half-hoods are shot and replacements are crazy prices.
I also found the correct Philippe stem, which is now mounted.
Also, the seat tube has a 'real' chromeed band, not the faux-chrome decal found on slightly later bikes (I have an early-60s TDF Gitane with those and the same tricoleur seat-stay cap paint job.
Final point for now is the pedals, which are well-worn Campagnolo Pistas (Con Dentis, I think) with short threads, so c1958/9.

TdF or Champion du Monde? I have a CdM from mid-60s: 531, Nervex Pros, Campy dropouts. It’s a European model with no chrome whatsoever. No pump pegs either. Has later foil decals.[img]blob:https://www.bikeforums.net/711d7450-6ccf-43cd-82e5-c954143eddaf[/img]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...aa3ff28ae6.png