I took the bus up to Jan's house today and there was a big box from Paris in his back yard. I took the bike out and assembled it (adding a NOS Ideal 90 saddle) in about 10 min, then rode down to the ferry and across to Bainbridge Island, narrowly missed giving it a shakedown cruise in the rain. It rides like a dream - somewhat more lively than the old one, but equally solid and reassuring. Many interesting small details that reflect hand craftsmanship and attention to detail.
http://www.petry.org/
The order form reads :
1 cadre sur mesure, raccords faconnes a la main, en tubes Reynolds 7/10, entierement emaille bleu, sertis or, changements de vitesses Huret Jubilee, freins Mafac Racer, garde boue Dural, potence Alex Singer, per bagage AV Poly long, porte bagage AR demontable, porte bidon TA, avec pair de roues completes, pedalier TA triple plateux.
Translation - Frame to measurements, Reynolds heavy guage tubing, Singer French Blue (medium blue / gray) with gold trim, Huret Jubilee derailleurs, Mafac Racer brakes, alloy fenders, Singer stem, front and rear racks, TA bottle cages, TA cranks.
The bike also has a Simplex seatpost, Mafac rims, and "toute francais" setup including howling front brake! I'll have a look at that over the weekend.
I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to own a true modern classic, sublime in every detail, modern sculpture, rare and beautiful. Thanks Jan for making it possible and for your attention to every little detail.
===================================================== Mark Petry 206.618.9642 Beautiful Bainbridge Island, WA mpetry@bainbridgeisland.net
===================================================== Be quick, be quiet, be right. Especially right.
- Kelly Johnson =====================================================