Please help in identifying a Lejeune and Follis Frame
 

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could help in identifying the (year/model) of two French frame-sets that I am in the process of acquiring.

Lejeune
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmstast...7634756354490/

Follis
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmstast...7634749945973/

Both frame-sets appear to be made of Reynolds 531. The Lejeune frame is in rougher shape than is the Follis frame. I am still debating how I will approach "restoring" these two bicycles. I use that term loosely as I am not sure how "vintage" I will to keep either these.

Because of the condition of the Lejeune and the fact that it has Campagnolo dropouts and appears to have been built up in the past with Campagnolo components, as evidenced by the headset, I may be more inclined to build the frame up with a modern group-set. If I was go this route, would the need to run a French stem and handlebars limit me to the group-set or would it be better to sand down a modern stem to 22mm to accommodate a newer set of handlebars. Would a French seat post accommodate a newer Brooks (or similar) saddle or would it be best to again get a newer stem. Would anyone be able to identify the proper type of decals for this frame? Would anyone know what "Regis" means on the top-tube?

For the Follis, however, because of the Simplex dropouts, I am leaning to keeping this as more of a vintage, all-around, bicycle as it appears to have fender/mudguard mounts. Would this frame be suitable to a 650b conversion? Are there vintage Mafac brakes with the proper reach that would allow for this or is it best kept at 700c?

I would appreciate any assistance and/or comments.

Thank you.

I would keep the LeJeune. Assuming both fit. The LeJeune is near top of the line at the time, after 1974 when those lugs arrived, but the fork crown is a bit later and is quite nice.
I would paint it LeJeune red with the white LeJeune transfers of the same type style. Disclosure, my LeJeunes are some of my favorite bikes to ride.

The Follis is a bit earlier, say 1972-1973 or so, probably third down from the top, but still a full Reynolds frame. No idea if it would be a good 650b project.

I think Regis personalized his frame with his name.

Thank you both for the responses. Regarding the Follis dropout, would either of you know of a way to use a non Simplex derailleur with out extensively mangling the dropout

Ah...so you bought the eBay frame. Not a bad price.

I would put the Lejeune mid 70s. That seems to be when they started moving away from red for their good frames yet it is still without braze ons. As for a model. No way to know. The same frame being used for several different models with the actual model dependent on components. And even then there were options within the models. It is a near top of line frame as indicated and has the wood plug one often finds on 531 Lejeune frames. It is possibly Bernard Carré built. What you can do for the stem is get a stem adapter (eBay) and run whatever bars you wish.

I will add my caveat....I am a Lejeune addict.

Yes, I bought the frame. :)

Thank you for the information. I have been wanting a vintage French frame for a while. So what do i do but go for two. :P

Since the Lejeune is in pretty rought shape, I don't feel so bad about making the build somewhat my own as opposed to getting a frame in fairly good to pristine shape and feeling that I would need to keep it vintage outright. While I wait for the frame to arrive, it will give me more than enough time to contemplate what to do as I would rather do this to meet my needs rather than have a vintage tour de force.

Would this be the adapter you are referencing, if not is there another?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231017024492...84.m1423.l2649

Agreed on the "possible Carre built" comment. The seatstay caps (tho' not stamped w/ his name) and rear derailleur cable loop on the right seatstay are trademarks of his work. And a lot of the high-end Lejeunes did come from his shop. Even with the "beyond patina" finish, that'n's a keeper!

SP
OC, OR

Personally, I would never put something like that on a nice, vintage French frame. French sized stems are out there. Not too hard to find.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SR-SAKAE-85M...item3a8314d02c
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Atax...item460c5aa60e
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pivo...item460c6be0a6
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Stem-fre...item3a8319b0b3

Not a big mangling deal: you just run a tap (10M x 1, a fine thread not a standard 10M) thru the hanger and the DO can still be used with Simplex "bolt from behind" RDs, you just wouldn't use the threads.
Do run the tap carefully to keep it square plus use plenty of oil or tap fluid.

Nice haul! The LeJeune is the star but I like the Follis, too! :thumb: