I recently bought a bike that has apparently been re-decaled with entirely
different decals and is not what it appears to be.
It has all '68 components on it, has French threading, chrome fork tips and
perhaps most importantly the serial number is stamped quite noticeably (it's
about 3 " long!) into the drive side of the seat tube, about an inch or so
below the seat cluster lug. I have never seen such a strange placement for
such a prominent number.
Oddly enough it has a full set of apparently properly applied decals. The
decals are from Matt Assenmacher and he is stumped, too, as he is very
fussy about letting them out.
I asked a list member renowned for his knowledge of French bikes, even
sending him pics and he is as stumped as I am. These are top line
components on this bike, although it is a bit crudely made as was so often
the case during this period. Nuovo Record, TTT Grand Prix stem and TTT bar,
Universal Special 68 brakes, Fiamme red label tubular rims on Record HF hubs
with butted spokes.
Anyone want to take a guess? I have pictures for those who would like to
see it. Sadly, if I can't identify it soon, I'll be parting it out, as it
is a bit too small for me and I can't be comfortable selling it if I don't
know what it is.
Thanks all,
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi