July, 2011

Ok get your sleuthing caps on.

This old geezer turned up last week (the bike not the fella who brought it) and we’re having trouble identifying it in detail.

Click on the pic for some more.

We know it dates from 1940’s France when there were numerous small frame builders for the 1000’s of touriste riders in the country. The lugs in this picture have ‘Nervex 73′ cut into the top and bottom which denotes the angle in degrees of the head tube. It has Le Cyclo cranks, an Atax stem and a Radios front lamp. It’s had a makeover since new, probably two because the wheels are only a few years old, the front and rear callipers are different and the saddle is new.

Any information about this vintage bicycle would be greatly received.

Firth Cycles in France…well not quite. The limited edition (very limited) chainstay protector made it to France on the bike of Julie Jagger; a good friend of the shoppe and quality mountain biker.

Julie stayed in Chatel right near the France/Switzerland border. There were 7 of them in total all hailing from the excellent Rough Riders Mountain Bike Club and were guided by the good folks at www.holygrailmtb.com & went to take part in the event Passportes du Soleil.