Unexpected new winter project showed up! Belgian delight!
09-21-14, 08:05 PM
#1
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Unexpected new winter project showed up! Leon Cattrysse, Belgian delight!
During my usual Sunday morning scanning of Craigslist I came across this unusual Belgian bike. Pre 1970s European bikes just don't show up too often.
I really don't NEED another bike, but these lugs got my attention. What happened next? You know the sequence of events following the email to the seller...
Now I'm on the hunt for information. I know that it's from a bike shop on the coast of Belgium, but I have not been able to find one single image of a Leon Cattrysse, let alone a catalog. It's at least from 1959 or 1960 (because of the registration plate) but could be earlier.
Are these Nervex lugs?
More pictures to come...
I really don't NEED another bike, but these lugs got my attention. What happened next? You know the sequence of events following the email to the seller...
Now I'm on the hunt for information. I know that it's from a bike shop on the coast of Belgium, but I have not been able to find one single image of a Leon Cattrysse, let alone a catalog. It's at least from 1959 or 1960 (because of the registration plate) but could be earlier.
Are these Nervex lugs?
More pictures to come...
__________________
Last edited by b dub; 09-22-14 at 07:49 AM.
Likes For b dub:
09-21-14, 10:06 PM
#2
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
License plate
Oil port
Fenders
Missing chain guard, who knows what the original looked like.
Fixed / integrated rack
One piece handle bars / stem
Under the down tube are three small braze on loops, probably for a wire for the rear light.
__________________
Last edited by b dub; 09-22-14 at 07:53 AM.
09-21-14, 10:38 PM
#4
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
I'm going to take my time for a full resto. I have literately not done a thing to the bike yet. I'm expecting lots of surprises while tearing it all down. I did notice that the left crank arm is loose which confused me. I wonder if the bottom bracket spindle is broken which sounds crazy.
Tire size: 28 x 1 1/4 which might be difficult to find.
The seller didn't know much about its history and how it ended up on this side of the pond. I'm going to contact the shop, perhaps they have more information.
Tire size: 28 x 1 1/4 which might be difficult to find.
The seller didn't know much about its history and how it ended up on this side of the pond. I'm going to contact the shop, perhaps they have more information.
__________________
09-21-14, 11:16 PM
#5
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 422 Times
in
282 Posts
haha- Nice score and glad someone with appreciation got it. Another BF member tipped me to it. I tried numerous times in the CL email contact goofy thingamajing but never heard back from the seller. I don't know if replies emails get through anymore, so if the seller doesn't have a phone listed, its a crapshoot.
Anyhow, looks like a super fun project. Perhaps for a chain guard, go for a vintage Simplex. There was one recently on fleabay for $30ish. Are the tires 28 inch as in 700c? Or maybe they're the same as used on the Raleigh Tourist.
Anyhow, looks like a super fun project. Perhaps for a chain guard, go for a vintage Simplex. There was one recently on fleabay for $30ish. Are the tires 28 inch as in 700c? Or maybe they're the same as used on the Raleigh Tourist.
Likes For crank_addict:
09-22-14, 05:45 AM
#6
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
Very nice. Lots of beautifully done features. It's going to clean up splendidly. Aluminum rims? I'm pretty sure you'll find 700c tires fit just fine.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
09-22-14, 06:50 AM
#7
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,495
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7341 Post(s)
Liked 2,441 Times
in
1,425 Posts
Very nice. Unusual, at least for the US. When I was in France in 1981, I saw a lot of these single speed bikes in the countryside. I love the color of this bike. Yes, I believe those are Nervex lugs. Some people like them, some don't. Some thing they were overused for many years, but I still like them, no matter what.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
09-22-14, 09:24 AM
#8
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,793
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1390 Post(s)
Liked 1,322 Times
in
835 Posts
That lugwork caught my attention, as well. We shall expect a full report as the restoration progresses. 
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
09-22-14, 10:29 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,223
Bikes: 2012 Moots VaMoots-74 Peugeot Mixtie U018-73 Peugeot U018
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
7 Posts
Great find! Send us progressive photo's as you restore your gem!
__________________
Moots VaMoots 2012-Peugeot Mixte 1974-Peugeot Mixte 1973
Moots VaMoots 2012-Peugeot Mixte 1974-Peugeot Mixte 1973
09-22-14, 11:33 AM
#10
All Campy All The Time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 1,417
Bikes: Listed in my signature.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 177 Post(s)
Liked 114 Times
in
63 Posts
Neat hand pinstriping, too! For some reason, it looks as if the chain guard was removed recently. Perhaps the seller has it lying around his workshop. Kinda fun to note that someone at the factory in Belgium, over 50 years ago, placed the headtube decal on crooked, and it's annoyed perfectionists on two continents ever since.
__________________
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
09-22-14, 12:00 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Capestang, France
Posts: 1,341
Bikes: Lots of French, some British and a couple of Italian
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 247 Post(s)
Liked 130 Times
in
65 Posts
Great find. I think if I ever found something worthy of a full resto like that I would be too impatient.
09-22-14, 01:39 PM
#12
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 10,997
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 279 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2192 Post(s)
Liked 4,580 Times
in
1,762 Posts
Nice one, b! Looking forward to the results. If you post it the Belgian Bikes thread you might get some more feedback from our Belgian members.
09-22-14, 05:37 PM
#13
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Done! Thanks non-fixie for the suggestion.
__________________
09-22-14, 09:08 PM
#14
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Spent an hour tonight on the bike, I can't help myself. I was pleased to find out that the seat post came loose no problem. The stem hasn't budged yet.
Both the rims and fenders are alu.
I took a look at the bottom bracket up close:
- Serial number: V483
- Do you know what these bolts are for? Is it actually holding together the bottom bracket shell?
Another question: pedaling backwards makes the wheel spin. Does this mean that the coaster brake is broken or is it a freewheel problem?
Both the rims and fenders are alu.
I took a look at the bottom bracket up close:
- Serial number: V483
- Do you know what these bolts are for? Is it actually holding together the bottom bracket shell?
Another question: pedaling backwards makes the wheel spin. Does this mean that the coaster brake is broken or is it a freewheel problem?
__________________
Last edited by b dub; 09-24-14 at 10:34 PM.
09-24-14, 10:31 PM
#15
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Unexpected new winter project showed up! Belgian delight!
Quick update: I attempted to remove the cotters, wasn't hard at all. I have to admit I used a cotter press but still.
Perhaps the fact that I first loosened the two pins under the bottom bracket helped take off the pressure off the entire assembly which made it all easier.
The removed spindle gave me another surprise:
I'll take more pictures over the upcoming weekend.
Perhaps the fact that I first loosened the two pins under the bottom bracket helped take off the pressure off the entire assembly which made it all easier.
The removed spindle gave me another surprise:
I'll take more pictures over the upcoming weekend.
__________________
Last edited by b dub; 09-28-14 at 05:47 PM.
09-28-14, 07:45 PM
#16
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Update:
1. While I don't see any weak spots due to rust the finish is littered with service rust. The top tube, rack and chain stay in particular are worse than I thought at first. Aluminum foil and WD-40 are not doing it! A complete repaint is not an option for me, so not sure what to do yet.
2. I've tried to clean up the cream colored area around the head badge but nothing is coming off.
3. There are six small eyelet braze ons along the bottom of the frame, three below the down tube and three below the left chain stay. Am I right that this is for a wire for rear lights? I would love to see a picture of a bike with a similar setup.
4. Last but not least, there was one more unexpected surprise. Now I know why the rear wheel was set crooked. The right dropout is totally bent.
I have to say I'm a bit discouraged.
1. While I don't see any weak spots due to rust the finish is littered with service rust. The top tube, rack and chain stay in particular are worse than I thought at first. Aluminum foil and WD-40 are not doing it! A complete repaint is not an option for me, so not sure what to do yet.
2. I've tried to clean up the cream colored area around the head badge but nothing is coming off.
3. There are six small eyelet braze ons along the bottom of the frame, three below the down tube and three below the left chain stay. Am I right that this is for a wire for rear lights? I would love to see a picture of a bike with a similar setup.
4. Last but not least, there was one more unexpected surprise. Now I know why the rear wheel was set crooked. The right dropout is totally bent.
I have to say I'm a bit discouraged.
__________________
Last edited by b dub; 10-02-14 at 09:58 PM.
09-28-14, 08:03 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chicago, the leafy NW side
Posts: 2,477
Bikes: 1974 Motobecane Grand Record, 1987 Miyata Pro, 1988 Bob Jackson Lady Mixte (wife's), others in the family
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 154 Times
in
78 Posts
You are welcome to the oxalic acid tub I have going at present, b dub! Current occupant should be vacating it by the end of day Tuesday. I can't guarantee it but suspect your frame would fit. If not, might be possible to expand it a bit.
__________________
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
09-28-14, 08:19 PM
#18
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Hi Al, that is so nice of you to offer. Let me send you a PM.
__________________
09-28-14, 10:46 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,242
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3802 Post(s)
Liked 3,324 Times
in
2,170 Posts
thanks very much for this update b dub; i'm enjoying this thread! 
wrt the frame's finish: was wondering if a clear coat might be an option, just an idea.
did you find any markings on the crankarms or chainwheel?
can anyone tell us what the GW logo on the mudguard stands for? i'm thinking non-fixie will know!
wrt the frame's finish: was wondering if a clear coat might be an option, just an idea.
did you find any markings on the crankarms or chainwheel?
can anyone tell us what the GW logo on the mudguard stands for? i'm thinking non-fixie will know!
09-29-14, 06:06 AM
#20
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 10,997
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 279 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2192 Post(s)
Liked 4,580 Times
in
1,762 Posts
09-29-14, 06:26 AM
#21
Pining for the fjords
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Brussels
Posts: 709
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 130 Post(s)
Liked 443 Times
in
150 Posts
Fietshuis Cattrysse aan de kust - De Haan
09-29-14, 07:03 AM
#22
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Unexpected new winter project showed up! Belgian delight!
Besides the bottom bracket spindle I did not find any other markings.
The right rear drop out does have a second serial number:
I emailed the grand son at the bike shop about a week ago but haven't received a reply.
The right rear drop out does have a second serial number:
I emailed the grand son at the bike shop about a week ago but haven't received a reply.
__________________
09-29-14, 07:07 AM
#23
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,495
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7341 Post(s)
Liked 2,441 Times
in
1,425 Posts
Straightening the dropout will be easy enough.
You can clean the rust off with oxalic acid. Then if you don't want to invest any more, just keep the frame oiled.
You can clean the rust off with oxalic acid. Then if you don't want to invest any more, just keep the frame oiled.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
09-29-14, 07:32 AM
#24
Senior Member
I wouldn't be discouraged at all with that. That is some nice and very worthy patina. Straighten out the dropout and clean the frame up the best you can. I think it will be a beautiful bike. And have fun with it.
__________________
Semper fi
Semper fi
09-29-14, 07:50 AM
#25
CL Addict
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 1,067
Bikes: '50s Leon Cattrysse - late 50s Raleigh Lenton Sports - 1960/61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - '72 Canadian Tire Company Supercycle - '74 Raleigh International - '83 Nishiki Cresta - '84 Centurion Turbo - '86 v. Herwerden (Chesini) - '87 Specialized Sirr
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
59 Posts
Unexpected new winter project showed up! Belgian delight!
Thanks for your encouraging words. How would you approach fixing the dropout?
And the reason why I said a repaint is not an option is because I want to preserve all the hand painting. Thanks to Chicago Al this baby is going to take a bath!
And the reason why I said a repaint is not an option is because I want to preserve all the hand painting. Thanks to Chicago Al this baby is going to take a bath!
__________________
