It seems that every time I take Arielle out for a ride, I see other pretty bikes.
Today's trek was no exception. On my way to Point Lookout, I wasn't even a mile from my apartment when I saw this gem locked to a signpost:
At first glance, it might seem like just another bike-boom era French mixte bike. But, as I passed it, the white pinstriping on the lovely blue fork caught my eye. When I turned did an about-face to get a look at it, I noticed some nicer detailing than one usually finds on such a bike:
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If those aren't Nervex lugs--which they probably aren't, given that the frame is built of regular carbon-steel tubing rather than, say, Reynolds 531 or Vitus 888--they are a reasonable facsimile. More to the point, some care seems to have been taken in joining and finishing them.
Also, you might be able to see the brazed-on pump peg and shift levers. The components were typical of bikes from that era: steel cottered crank, Huret Luxe derailleurs, Normandy hubs and RIgida steel rims. Everything, it seemed, was original equipment except for the tires and the brakes. The latter component had a label that read "centerpull," but no brand name. Bikes like these usually came with Mafac or Weinmann centerpulls; I am guessing that this bike came with the former, as the bars sported Mafac levers.
The steel "rat trap" pedals are also, I suspect, original equipment. They are a variation I've seen only on a few bikes:
It looks like a cross between a cage and a platform. I've never tried such a pedal, but I suspect it would be more comfortable with soft-soled shoes than the steel cages on pedals found on similar bikes.
Even with such lovely details, I couldn't help but to chuckle at the bike's brand name:
If you've ever been in a boulangerie, you know that a ficelle is a long, skinny loaf of bread. (Not all French breads are baguettes!) Actually, "ficelle" means "thread" or "string"; it's the diminutive of "fiche", or strand.
I've seen only a few of these bikes, even in France: They seem to have been a small regional manufacturer. I can't find any recent information about them, so I don't know whether or not they're still in business. Perhaps they were taken over by a batard like Peugeot.
Today's trek was no exception. On my way to Point Lookout, I wasn't even a mile from my apartment when I saw this gem locked to a signpost:
At first glance, it might seem like just another bike-boom era French mixte bike. But, as I passed it, the white pinstriping on the lovely blue fork caught my eye. When I turned did an about-face to get a look at it, I noticed some nicer detailing than one usually finds on such a bike:
.jpg)
If those aren't Nervex lugs--which they probably aren't, given that the frame is built of regular carbon-steel tubing rather than, say, Reynolds 531 or Vitus 888--they are a reasonable facsimile. More to the point, some care seems to have been taken in joining and finishing them.
Also, you might be able to see the brazed-on pump peg and shift levers. The components were typical of bikes from that era: steel cottered crank, Huret Luxe derailleurs, Normandy hubs and RIgida steel rims. Everything, it seemed, was original equipment except for the tires and the brakes. The latter component had a label that read "centerpull," but no brand name. Bikes like these usually came with Mafac or Weinmann centerpulls; I am guessing that this bike came with the former, as the bars sported Mafac levers.
The steel "rat trap" pedals are also, I suspect, original equipment. They are a variation I've seen only on a few bikes:
It looks like a cross between a cage and a platform. I've never tried such a pedal, but I suspect it would be more comfortable with soft-soled shoes than the steel cages on pedals found on similar bikes.
Even with such lovely details, I couldn't help but to chuckle at the bike's brand name:
If you've ever been in a boulangerie, you know that a ficelle is a long, skinny loaf of bread. (Not all French breads are baguettes!) Actually, "ficelle" means "thread" or "string"; it's the diminutive of "fiche", or strand.
I've seen only a few of these bikes, even in France: They seem to have been a small regional manufacturer. I can't find any recent information about them, so I don't know whether or not they're still in business. Perhaps they were taken over by a batard like Peugeot.
Like you, I often look for interesting and unique bikes while I am out riding. Since I don't live in the city, there aren't as many "cool bike sightings". However, once in a while I do have good fortune and get to see some fun stuff. I always enjoy your postings about the unique bikes you find.
ReplyDeleteThat bike looks great! I've never seen pedals like that. Thanks!
ReplyDelete