[CR]1950s red French Randonneur

(Example: Bike Shops)

From: "Norris Lockley" <norris@norrislockley.wanadoo.co.uk>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2006 01:43:29 +0100
Subject: [CR]1950s red French Randonneur

Just remembered that Reyhand also used the hellenic wrap-over cluster as did Longoni...I have frames by both these builders but all are lugless throughout and use two-plate frok crowns. None of the frames has a head-badge..and while I dont think that Reyhands ever changed from that design ..and his frames were all made in the 30s it is possible that Longoni did. did he use a head-badge later in the 50s?

The frame that I have seen that oddly uses head-lugs but a lugless bracket and seat cluster is a COLIBRI...made near Paris, I was told. I have only ever seen the one and cannot remember whether it had a headbadge, but I could find out, particularly if Joel sends that measurement.

I have just checked another randonneur in my collection, an Alphonse Thomann. The paint finish and in particular the lining on the top of the fork crown, together with that on the tubes is almost, if not identical. But I suppose there must have been patterns in common usage. Thomann also had two different types of head-badge..at least that's all I've collected to date.

Norris Lockley..Settle UK