Re: [CR]French lightweights?

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2005 08:20:46 -0800 (PST)
From: "Fred Rafael Rednor" <fred_rednor@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]French lightweights?
To: CPOTZ@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <2b4.130a80f.30c181e9@aol.com>


Steve,
     This might not be a satisfying answer, but I suppose the only way to really determine this would be to remove all the parts from the frame and weigh it. Of course, you might leave the headset cups in place. :-D
     Anyway, a true lightweight frame would weigh less than 5 pounds for a 21" frame (perhaps 5.5 pounds for a touring bike.)
   I would also note the following about French bikes from that period. First, I have seen French bikes that were quite light but were using seamed tubing. Perhaps this isn't even a bad thing. I.e. you _can_ get high quality seamed tubing and it might be that economic conditions in France during those years made them less snobbish about that sort of thing.
     Next, do not be surprised if the fork is relatively heavy when compared to the main frame that is really light. Apparently, the French bicycle makers assumed you would be riding on badly paved (or pavé paved) roads.
     Amitiés,
     Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia - USA


--- CPOTZ@aol.com wrote:


> how do I find out if my old French 1940's(late) Semper tourer
> is lightweight
> tubing or not...I seem to recall the chap mentioning Vitus
> but can't be
> sure..there are no transfers save a rectangular dark blue one
> on the seat tube
> bottom it is about 20mmx45mm with silver wrighting on it but
> it is illegible
> due to nearly all lettering being worn off..it could be a
> makers address
> transfer. the seat post is just under 27mm. the whole bike is
> fairly light
> considering it has steel rims/hubs,cranks,pedals,rear rack
> and is fitted with full
> alloy guards and lighting/dynamo it is much lighter than my
> early 30's
> Hercules 'sports'.
>
> Steve Chambers
> Chesterfield
> England
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>

__________________________________________
Yahoo! DSL – Something to write home about.
Just $16.99/mo. or less.
dsl.yahoo.com