Specification:
- Serial No: None
- Frame:
- Crankset: Stronglight cranks; Simplex chainrings:
- Pedals: Lyotard
- Gears: Simplex Tour de France rear derailleur, 4-speed; Simplex rod operated front derailleur.
- Wheels: Mephisto rims on Campagnolo Gran Sport SF hubs.
- Brakes: S.E.F.A.C
- Handlebars and Stem: AVA
- Saddle and Seatpost:
Comments:
The circa 1949 date ascribed to this bicycle is an estimate and therefore subject to revision should new information come to light. One basis for the estimate is the brake callipers marked S.E.F.A.C, According to a Daniel Rebour drawing published in June 1948 (scroll to bottom of page to view), this is “The new Follis brake fitted to the machines of the marque’s racers”, indicating that it was not available until 1948. Then circa 1950, this brake seems to carry Beborex marking in place of S.E.F.A.C.. If these brakes are original equipment, as is quite possible, it seems to narrow the date down to a couple of years.
The Simplex front derailleur too is an early type – not the earliest, but it does not include the upper stop to limit travel fitted to later derailleurs. The 4-speed rear derailleur also indicates a fairly early date.
The wheels were originally thought not to be original but further research has shown that this was a popular combination on French professional racing bikes. Stella also used the combination of Campagnolo hubs and Mephisto rims “à blocs”, literally “with blocks” referring to the wood inserts, on Louison Bobet’s racing bikes.
More Photos: (click on image to enlarge)
