paulkal

That is a good looking bike. How dit it end up in Mexico?

kroozer 

I bought the frame from a Polish Ebay seller last year. Shipping a bicycle frame to or from Mexico is problematic due to size restrictions, costs, and customs, so instead I had it shipped to my parents in Minnesota (USA). Shipping was only $40. I picked it up during a visit, repacked it, and bought it back to Mexico on the plane. That was another $40, but I packed another frame and a bunch of components along with it, so it wasn't so bad. The vintage bike options around here are pretty limited, although when something does come along there's no competition for it. I've bought locally a Masi Gran Criterium, a De Rosa Professional, a Motobecane Le Champion, as well as a 1940's Automoto. I think the 70's bikes were brought here from the US by local afficionados, and I have no idea how the Automoto got here. The Italian bikes were too small for me and I resold them, but I still have the other two.

rosan

Hi everyone, I have a new bike and I would like to ask for some help on the identification (and the frame number), as it is a frame-type that I have not been able to find anywhere else.



As you can see, the frame number is not very clear, I am only able to make out two digits.



Hope you can help me to figure out this frame, I can always make more pictures if necessary.


EDIT: I've located a similar bike just a couple of posts ago (#193), a RIH-Cové type? Still wondering about the odd tubes though.

Auke

Hi Rosan, that's a fine looking RIH you got there. I like this kind of frame design, it has a sportive lightness in it. I know Peugeot has had this design as well.
I'm not into RIH's history really, but the decal on the down tube says 60 years anniversary, so as RIH originated in 1921 that would make this a 1981 bike. That matches with some componentry too.

non-fixie 

Welcome to Bikeforums, @rosan! And to this RIH thread.

What you've got there is a Cové-built RIH. It looks like the mixte version (unisex!) of the 'Speciaal'. The '55' tubing was Cové's hi-ten designation I think. I agree with @Auke's calculation of the build date: '81 or maybe a little later.

You'll need to turn the bike upside down to find the serial number. It will be on the bottom bracket shell IIRC.

Apart from the broken front fender it looks pretty much OK and original. Which is not so strange, as this is a good quality bike that will outlive you if you take care of it.

Clean, replace grease, cables and bar tape and you're good to go.

olffie1

I have found a chromed RIH road bike in South Africa with a serial number C7260E.
Firstly could you assist with dating the bicycle and also who has decals for sale to
restore it?
regards
olffie1

non-fixie 

Welcome to Bikeforums! A fully chromed RIH? That sounds interesting. Do you have any pictures to share? The serial number format doesn't jibe with RIHs built in Amsterdam or Groningen.

For decals you could try RIH Sport in Amsterdam

olffie1

I have taken the frame in to have the rust chrome removed and see if there are any cracks or stress marks on the tubing. The frame also has the mudgaurd eyelets on the fork and the rear stay. I bought the frame from a Dutch friend of mine Albert Spaargaaren who rode in the same club as Fedor Den Hertog. Fedor actually spent two weeks in my home in the late eighties when he came out on holiday and also to watch the then South African Rapport Toer. I also have in my possesion an Eddy Merckx frame that Fedor rode with his name on the top tube and his bicycle shop decal on the rear stay which is still in original condition. Fedors name will always be synonymous with RIH bikes as many South Africans bought RIH's because he was one of the greatest amateur riders that ever lived.
Regards
Sven
Port Elizabeth
South Africa

olffie1

I have taken the frame in to have the rust chrome removed and see if there are any cracks or stress marks on the tubing. The frame also has the mudgaurd eyelets on the fork and the rear stay. I bought the frame from a Dutch friend of mine Albert Spaargaaren who rode in the same club as Fedor Den Hertog. Fedor actually spent two weeks in my home in the late eighties when he came out on holiday and also to watch the then South African Rapport Toer. I also have in my possesion an Eddy Merckx frame that Fedor rode with his name on the top tube and his bicycle shop decal on the rear stay which is still in original condition. Fedors name will always be synonymous with RIH bikes as many South Africans bought RIH's because he was one of the greatest amateur riders that ever lived.
Regards
Sven
Port Elizabeth
South Africa

olffie1

I am going to go to the chroming place tomorrow to take a photo before they strip the bike!

non-fixie 

Thanks, Sven. Get as much detail as you can, please. And thanks for the story too. Fedor den Hertog was a special man indeed, both on and off the bike.

olffie1

Hi, okay I looked in the wrong place for the serial number.....as can be seen in the head tube photograph the serial number is 6841.....I have enclosed a picture of the number on the bottom of the bb which must be a part number for the bb manufacturer. The frame had the head tube RIH badge which I removed for the removal of the rusted chrome. Could you date it for me please?
Also, I raced a powder blue RIH track bike in the seventies and would love to find it again....I have a real soft spot for the brand because of the history with Fedor. I am also lucky to have book number 145 out of a 1,000 of Fedor Den Hertog.
Thanks so much for your input I Really appreciate it. I have about 40 bikes with Colnago and Daccordi being the main part of the collection.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Sven

non-fixie 

Thanks for the pictures! Based on those and the serial number I'd say late fifties. It would be interesting to compare the details to Martyl's slightly older example in post # 65.

WRT the code on the BB shell: I don't recall having seen that before. Could it be sizing information (as in 60cm frame, 72 degree HT angle)?

olffie1

Hi non-fixie, love your name because I hate what these guys do to classis I am afraid.....but thats my opinion and only mine! I looked at #65 post and it is exactly the same bike, the same lugs with the mudgaurd eyelets and oil hole on the bb. There is definitely a nimber on the bottom of his frame but the frame has been worked on with the bb on the ground so the number is distorted! Please assist on.....do you think I should paint the frame or rechrome and where in the world would I find RIH Sport decals to complete the restoration.
I have also attached pictures of the Fedor bike.
Regards
Sven

non-fixie 

I chose my handle for a more positive reason (I think): I like things that make the right mechanical noises. Fixies are boring in that respect.

Regarding the paint versus chrome question: that's a tough one. I'd try to find out what the story is with the chroming: who had it chromed and why, and decide based on that.

I suggest sending an e-mail to RIH Sport. The still have a lot of old records and may be able to tell you when the frame was built, for whom, and whether the chrome was done for the first owner. I'm pretty sure they'd welcome your questions. They may also be able to advise on the decals. I'm sure they've had that question before.

Miberstar

I would ne happy to ask about this number at RIH Amsterdam. There is a Fedor bike going around as well, will ask for some pictures of that as well. What is your conenection to Fedor?

eastbay71

Can anyone tell me about this frame? Is it a legit RIH?

Vintage RIH TVT Carbon Alloy Frame C C 51cm Greg Lemond Campagnolo Chorus | eBay

I was looking for a lugged carbon frame that didn't have a aluminum rear triangle. This popped up in my size and I bought it without doing a lot of research. The auction says it's a TVT carbon alloy frame by TVT badged as a RIH.

pullup

Hi eastbay

It is not a Dutch Rih for sure as they only made steel handcrafted bikes. It could be an Austrian Rih and i think the graphics also point to this Austrian brand but i am no expert on those.

eastbay71

Thanks @pullup. After some research I've found that it's a French made TVT 92 Carbone HR. I believe the paint and decals were someone's project.

KlaaZ

Hello, I just wanted to show you my RIH Super Course. I recently restored it. It is a 1966 Fongers RIH from Groningen, frame number 310Z. I bought the frame, handlebars and derailleurs as a set this year. The rest I found later.

pullup

Loving this one Klaaz

These babyblue Rih's are really something else and this one is in great shape and has been lovingly restired

non-fixie 

Very nice, @KlaaZ! I wouldn't mind some more pics of this bike. Thanks for posting it.

KlaaZ

Well thank you pullup and non-fixie

Here are some more pics.

non-fixie 

Thanks for the additional pics, @KlaaZ. Very, very nice bike.

qcpmsame 

Beautiful bike, KlaaZ, I am getting a new respect for these Dutch bicycles showing up here. that looks like a bike that you cold ride all day, to me.

Bill