I know I have posted a lot on this build but it is my first attempt and building up a C&V bike somewhat properly. 1970's Jeunet 620 upgraded with mostly none French components




I added changed Suntour AR shifters,Suntour 5speed freewheel, nice Dia-Compe center pull brakes(canti levers don't fit the frame it takes long brakes), Sugino Custom Crank, nice SR stem and drop downs,Wolber/Super Champion 700c wheels. All Vintage from the 70's and 80's. Mainly for the reason I wanted components that worked. It rides near perfect right now. Is this bike not C&V because I used parts that worked I have most of the vintage correct parts for this bike simplex or older campy shifters, Mafac brakes, sachs 6speed in a box in my closet?

Also as a note this bike is almost all from salvage, I have only bought one cable new everything else is likely older than the mid 80's except for the tires and tubes which I got out of a dumbster.

I don't know anyone else sees this, but it's not that easy to find good French components for this period. Several years ago, I did see some French parts even at the local bike co-op, but the only place I see them now is on eBay.... at pretty stiff prices!

I have found the same thing I may dig the set of simplex shifters derailers out of the closet which I consider all but worthless as bike parts and see if some one will pay a stupid price for them. I just can't beleive people pay for this stuff.

I think the non- french components used on this build represent really good choices, especially the Suntour AR Friction Shifters and a new stem . I believe I got mine with the "death stem", and similarly styled paint, only a faded green and rust combo that turns heads wherever it goes, when it goes. Right now I'm working on removing a frozen cotter pin before I have to give in and drill it out.

I have heard the term death stem what stem does this refer to I have a couple of French stems and sure don't want to use a death stem on a future build?

I believe there are a couple of existing threads here in the forum on this topic, but when I was shown a death stem, it was an AVA, with a hollow back to the stem, made of an aluminum alloy, it appeared. These were called "death stems" for their time honored practice of breaking into two "death stem " pieces at the most inopportune moments . From what I could tell , the alloy had a tendency to crack . I hope metallurgy has come a long way since then .