What's so special about French bikes?
12-12-18, 10:21 AM
#126
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I started this thread almost 2 years ago. It turns out that 2018 was the year of French bikes, at least in Des Moines. You'll have to excuse the crummy pics given that it's winter but I will have 3 French bikes to build next year:
1983 Peugeot PXN 10. The bike is close to factory spec and really does not need much if any work as it comes from forum member, [MENTION=353902]Steve Whitlatch[/MENTION]
1973 Motobecane Grand Record.
1970s Mercier 300.
It looks like I'm set for an Eroica ride,
And no, I'm not looking for a Gitane TdF . . . .
1983 Peugeot PXN 10. The bike is close to factory spec and really does not need much if any work as it comes from forum member, [MENTION=353902]Steve Whitlatch[/MENTION]
1973 Motobecane Grand Record.
1970s Mercier 300.
It looks like I'm set for an Eroica ride,
And no, I'm not looking for a Gitane TdF . . . .
Last edited by bikemig; 12-12-18 at 10:30 AM.
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12-12-18, 11:24 AM
#127
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Heres my first Frenchie, '78 PR10 (I think) from local CL back in August. I've got Italian, British, American-Taiwan, and now French. It has great ride quality, 531 main triangle, and racy geometry. Similar to my Super Course, but feels more lively somehow.
As bought, funky brake levers, missing FD, stripped pedal thread, but beautiful!
Now, Campy aero levers, Sugino 52/34 crank, Shimano Exage FD, still beautiful!
As bought, funky brake levers, missing FD, stripped pedal thread, but beautiful!
Now, Campy aero levers, Sugino 52/34 crank, Shimano Exage FD, still beautiful!
Last edited by Slightspeed; 12-12-18 at 11:28 AM.
12-12-18, 05:43 PM
#128
Senior Member
I started this thread almost 2 years ago. It turns out that 2018 was the year of French bikes, at least in Des Moines. You'll have to excuse the crummy pics given that it's winter but I will have 3 French bikes to build next year
It looks like I'm set for an Eroica ride, And no, I'm not looking for a Gitane
It looks like I'm set for an Eroica ride,
And no, I'm not looking for a GitaneYou sure about the TdF? If you are coming to Eroica, I’m looking to get rid of a swap meet find for well less than the $40 i paid. Problem is the fork and i keep thinking about fixing the fork or finding another fork and building it up. You would save me from my primal urges.
Joe
12-12-18, 07:12 PM
#129
I thought I had my fill of French bikes for a while, with two Peugeots, a Vitus and a Gitane, but the French N+1 bug bit me again last night when I put a bid down for a very nice condition 1984 Gitane Supercorsa frameset at eBay. Did not really make sense cause I already have my 1984 Gitane TdF and the frames are pretty much identical except for a bit of chrome on the DS stays and dropout on the SC and the quintessentially 80's Gitane blue paint on it (Which frankly, could be what pushed me over to bid on it), but there I was, last night, bidding on the French frameset....
A bit glad in the end the bids went over my max and did not win the auction as I think I need a break from full builds for a while and really do some maintenance work on my bikes this winter......
, but it just proves that a Francophile C&Ver can never have enough French bikes....
A bit glad in the end the bids went over my max and did not win the auction as I think I need a break from full builds for a while and really do some maintenance work on my bikes this winter......
, but it just proves that a Francophile C&Ver can never have enough French bikes....
12-12-18, 09:01 PM
#131
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You sure about the TdF? If you are coming to Eroica, I’m looking to get rid of a swap meet find for well less than the $40 i paid. Problem is the fork and i keep thinking about fixing the fork or finding another fork and building it up. You would save me from my primal urges.
Joe
.
12-13-18, 03:37 PM
#132
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I looked back to see what I had said on this thread.
In case anyone is wondering, that bike did end up in my garage. It's back at the Atelier now as I've asked [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] to give it a little more Gugificazione. Is it possible for a craftsman of Italian descent working on a bike in America to make the bike even more French than it was originally? That's kind of what we're going for.
Since [MENTION=8403]ollo_ollo[/MENTION] shared his lovely Stella, I'll also share some pics of its near twin.
A few of my favorite details will help answer the original question of what's so special about French bikes.
(Tour de France? Yeah, a Stella rider won a couple of those.)
(Why, yes, that is a Columbus decal with French text. The seat stay wraps are pretty cool too, no?)
(In case you wondered what other races have been won by someone riding a Stella...)
(I still haven't gotten around to taking a picture with the head badge that [MENTION=73614]rhm[/MENTION] made for me installed.)
I think the word "panache" could be properly applied to what I'm getting at with these pictures.
You should make an offer on this before it ends up in my garage: https://www.flickr.com/photos/115397...h/32209277963/
Since [MENTION=8403]ollo_ollo[/MENTION] shared his lovely Stella, I'll also share some pics of its near twin.
A few of my favorite details will help answer the original question of what's so special about French bikes.
(Tour de France? Yeah, a Stella rider won a couple of those.)
(Why, yes, that is a Columbus decal with French text. The seat stay wraps are pretty cool too, no?)
(In case you wondered what other races have been won by someone riding a Stella...)
(I still haven't gotten around to taking a picture with the head badge that [MENTION=73614]rhm[/MENTION] made for me installed.)
I think the word "panache" could be properly applied to what I'm getting at with these pictures.
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12-13-18, 03:57 PM
#134
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So I've got that going for me.
"The Butcher of Beaverton"
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
12-13-18, 06:06 PM
#135
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In answer to the original question: in comparison with other 1970s factory-manufactured steel frame bicycles, the French frames seem to be lighter and their bicycles have a more pleasing road feel for many aficionados. The mid-range offerings were superior values in their performance-to-cost ratio.
Replacement parts in French thread (headset, bottom bracket, French hub cones) are relatively less common and can be more expensive than their BSC counterparts. Stems are less common, smaller outside diameter on the quill, and you can easily sand a 22.2 diameter aluminum alloy stem to fit correctly in a 22.0 French steerer.
If you are curious about vintage French bikes, I hope you will try one.
Replacement parts in French thread (headset, bottom bracket, French hub cones) are relatively less common and can be more expensive than their BSC counterparts. Stems are less common, smaller outside diameter on the quill, and you can easily sand a 22.2 diameter aluminum alloy stem to fit correctly in a 22.0 French steerer.
If you are curious about vintage French bikes, I hope you will try one.
12-13-18, 06:21 PM
#136
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In answer to the original question: in comparison with other 1970s factory-manufactured steel frame bicycles, the French frames seem to be lighter and their bicycles have a more pleasing road feel for many aficionados. The mid-range offerings were superior values in their performance-to-cost ratio.
Replacement parts in French thread (headset, bottom bracket, French hub cones) are relatively less common and can be more expensive than their BSC counterparts. Stems are less common, smaller outside diameter on the quill, and you can easily sand a 22.2 diameter aluminum alloy stem to fit correctly in a 22.0 French steerer.
If you are curious about vintage French bikes, I hope you will try one.
Replacement parts in French thread (headset, bottom bracket, French hub cones) are relatively less common and can be more expensive than their BSC counterparts. Stems are less common, smaller outside diameter on the quill, and you can easily sand a 22.2 diameter aluminum alloy stem to fit correctly in a 22.0 French steerer.
If you are curious about vintage French bikes, I hope you will try one.
12-13-18, 08:57 PM
#138
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In answer to the original question: in comparison with other 1970s factory-manufactured steel frame bicycles, the French frames seem to be lighter and their bicycles have a more pleasing road feel for many aficionados. The mid-range offerings were superior values in their performance-to-cost ratio.
Replacement parts in French thread (headset, bottom bracket, French hub cones) are relatively less common and can be more expensive than their BSC counterparts. Stems are less common, smaller outside diameter on the quill, and you can easily sand a 22.2 diameter aluminum alloy stem to fit correctly in a 22.0 French steerer.
If you are curious about vintage French bikes, I hope you will try one.
Replacement parts in French thread (headset, bottom bracket, French hub cones) are relatively less common and can be more expensive than their BSC counterparts. Stems are less common, smaller outside diameter on the quill, and you can easily sand a 22.2 diameter aluminum alloy stem to fit correctly in a 22.0 French steerer.
If you are curious about vintage French bikes, I hope you will try one.
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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.
12-13-18, 10:48 PM
#139
Senior Member
I've see the light
Well, it may be heresy to admit I once did not appreciate French bikes, but my eyes have been opened. Though maybe not as impressive as other posters pics, the attached shows a couple details that have caught my attention.
12-13-18, 11:43 PM
#140
Senior Member
I have owned a Gitane TdF, Peugeot Triathlon and I currently own a Look 585. I haven't been too impressed with any of them. If it was asked "What's so special about Italian bikes?" I would be on board.
12-14-18, 05:33 AM
#141
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You know you haven't really tried drinking the French kool aid until you've rebuilt a classic gas pipe Frenchy like a UO-8. Just sayin. . . .
12-14-18, 08:59 AM
#142
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I've owned a bunch of PX-10s, a PR-10, two Gitane Super Corsas and three Gitane TdFs. I keep coming back to them because there is just something about how French bikes ride that I really like. It may be the metric tubing dimensions, I'm not sure. My latest revelation has been a humble gaspipe Liberia that I bought for the Clunker 100 Challenge this summer. I made period-correct parts changes - replacing the rusted Samir Saminox steel rims with some used Weinmann alloy units and completing the switch from worn Simplex Prestige to alloy SunTour derailleurs and shifters (which came stock on a '75 Motobecane GT!) and I was shocked by how well this bike rides. I keep meaning to replace the crap tires with some Paselas to see where that gets me. It's all in the frame design and the tubing dimensions, I think ...
12-14-18, 09:44 AM
#143
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Yep, I am another person who discovered how nice old French bikes are to ride! My old AO-8 triggered my fascination with how good cheap French bikes could be, and I now have two bottom of the line Motobécanes, a even more bottom of the line Astra, a couple other low end Peugeots, etc . . .
[MENTION=342124]rustystrings61[/MENTION], definitely try out good tires on your Liberia. I use Compass tires on my AO-8, and they are perfect.
[MENTION=342124]rustystrings61[/MENTION], definitely try out good tires on your Liberia. I use Compass tires on my AO-8, and they are perfect.
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12-14-18, 10:09 AM
#144
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Tires make a huge difference in the ride and overall weight also. Here's my entry level 1973 Gitane mixte from the same Clunker challenge.
As pictured, with the 45 y.o. Michelin tires on steel rims, and Pryma saddle, it had surprisingly good handling and ride. Weighed about 30 pounds. After Substituting alloy wheels and new Kenda tires, but also changing back to the original, sprung saddle, it was only a few ounces lighter.
Better stopping power in wet conditions was offset some by a poorer ride with the cheap Kenda's. It was still good for an entry level bike, but with the better Michelins, this "Gypsy Lady" compared quite well with my much lighter, and much more expensive Grand Jubile mixte. One of my "best bang for the buck" rides for sure.
My grand daughter gets the bike this Spring. Mods so far are Co-op stuff: a more comfortable Avocet touring saddle + pedals with reflectors. Don
As pictured, with the 45 y.o. Michelin tires on steel rims, and Pryma saddle, it had surprisingly good handling and ride. Weighed about 30 pounds. After Substituting alloy wheels and new Kenda tires, but also changing back to the original, sprung saddle, it was only a few ounces lighter.
Better stopping power in wet conditions was offset some by a poorer ride with the cheap Kenda's. It was still good for an entry level bike, but with the better Michelins, this "Gypsy Lady" compared quite well with my much lighter, and much more expensive Grand Jubile mixte. One of my "best bang for the buck" rides for sure.
My grand daughter gets the bike this Spring. Mods so far are Co-op stuff: a more comfortable Avocet touring saddle + pedals with reflectors. Don
12-14-18, 11:01 AM
#145
Take my lowly Peugeot PH10s that I owned in the 80's, made with Peugeot's Carbolite 103 tubing. Lugless construction with stamped dropouts and stem shifters, basic model Simplex derailleur and rat trap pedals.
I did mod it up with better wheels and components, but it was the frame that provided the magic on that bike. It remains one of the best riding bikes I ever owned. Even compared to the top of the line bikes I now have. Sure it did not handle like a criterium or stage race bike, but there was just something about how it "sings" under you, when you are motoring at speed on the road. And you feel a nice twang from the frame when you put the hammer down that felt really good plus it tracked laser straight and quiet. It also had a satisfying "whoosh" to it when you stand on the pedals and accellerate.
Should have never sold that bike!
I hope it's still alive out there bringing smiles to its owner everytime it is taken out for rides.
12-15-18, 02:55 AM
#147
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What are you doing with that new-fangled electronic shifting on the C&V forum? 
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12-15-18, 06:04 AM
#148
Death fork? Naaaah!!
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(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
12-15-18, 06:52 AM
#149
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12-15-18, 07:28 AM
#150
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Another thing so special about French bikes
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