[CR]Early 70's Frejus - Warning! Long message.

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

From: "Richard & Shelvie Robinson" <robin25@konnect.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 18:54:18 +0900
Subject: [CR]Early 70's Frejus - Warning! Long message.

Hello all,

I have a question for all of you vintage Italian experts out there. I just received my latest project, an early 70's Frejus. This frame is identical to the frame on the D'Oro web site, silver/champagne with red accents. The paint is in o.k. shape but the red accents and transfers on the seat tube are shot. It also is has the reminiscences of a Reynolds 531 straight gauge tubing transfer on the top tube near the head lug. The frame is constructed identical (seat cluster, fork crown, brake and chain stay bridges) as the Legnano being offered by Brian Blum on this page. The frame has the following braze-ons: rear derailleur cable stop on chain stay, two rear brake cable stops on top tube, Campagnolo BB cable routes for front and rear derailleurs. Both the brake and chain stay bridge are lugged (?). The rear brake bridge having nice cutouts filled with red accents. Both the front and rear drop-outs are Campagnolo w/eyelets. The only chrome on the bike is the fork crown; still in great shape. S/N on the BB is 1780 and an 'R'. The frame came with its original NR (pat. 71) and Record derailleurs, Strada no date cranks, Record BB and headset, Record pedals with strap loop and old logo Christophe Special clips, Universal 61 brakes, TTT Record stem and bars.

My question to the list is, what model is this Frejus? I thought it might be a Tour de France, but lacks the TdF transfers. Because it has no chrome on the head lugs and stays/fork tips I don't believe it's a top end model, or is it? Is it worth while? The parts alone are worth more than I paid for it. All but the top model of Frejus I've seen uses Flack tubing not Reynolds 531. Does anyone know whose photo that is of the Frejus on the D'Oro web site? Finally, I would like to place a set of Universal Super 68's on the bike vrs. the original 61's. Would this be appropriate? Also what about an Everest Oro freewheel? Or would this be better left on the shelf?

Thanks for your time as I know this was a long post. If you have any insight as to the model or any other information about early Frejus bikes please post it to this site or email me directly.

By the way I already have the Frejus catalog from Chuck. A little too late in the 70's I think.

Regards, Rich
Okinawa, hot and humid as he!!, Japan