[CR]Frejus for Sale

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 22:26:08 -0500
From: "John T.Pergolizzi" <jtperry1@verizon.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Frejus for Sale

Dear List,

I had recently put this bike up on e-bay, but after a non paying bidder, I want to "rock" her out! I've lowered the price by 25%. So.......

I offer to you a wonderful Frejus Track Bicycle, circa 1956. Serial number is 71744. Size is 57 (22.5 inch) seat tube x 55.5 (21 7/8 inch) cm. top tube all measured center to center with a 42.5cm chain stay, 101.5cm. wheelbase, and 28cm. (11inch) bottom bracket height.

Tubing is Columbus for the main triangle ( oval marks as seen through the chrome on the front side of the top tube and down tube) and Liebelulla “Dragonfly” special over size 24mm round fork blades, specially shaped oval seat stays and swaged down chain stays.

This classic frame has a resplendent chromed finish. A translucent blue head tube and translucent blue down tube panel with white lettering complement the chrome. She still sports her original head tube badge which reads: “Frejus Torino, Campione del Mondo, 1932,48,51,53,54,55”. These numbers refer to the dates that The World Championships were won by a rider using a Frejus machine.

The badge dates and her component mix has lead me to my ascertation of her era of manufacture. The original chrome finish has stood up very well for all her years with only very minor pitting and no dents or dings. As viewed in the photos, only the downtube “FREJUS” panel exists and beautifully shows the patina of age. The usual seat tube panels have either been removed at some point, or since there is no indication of their presence, may never have been applied.

Importantly, this bike has all the “right stuff” for her era. Components include: Campagnolo 2ed generation headset with the “domed” locknut, Campagnolo 2ed generation seatpost ( she is scratched), ********Campagnolo “Con Denti” chrome steel track pedals********, Magistroni steel cottered 170mm cranks with a 50 tooth steel chainring and Magistroni bottom bracket cups. Rear wheel is a Campagnolo “No Record” high flange 36 hole, with Stella spokes laced in a cross 4 pattern on a correct vintage Ambrosio rim. The front wheel is a Campagnolo High flange “Record” 36 hole, with Stella spokes, laced cross 4 on a correct vintage Ambrosio rim. Front wheel is fine and fully rideable, the rear is not straight and cannot be ridden or improved, but is fine for show. Both rims have the remnants of their old Ambrosio labels ; the rear more. A correct ‘Italia” leather saddle (small split at left front rivet) as was furnished with a Frejus of this vintage is provided. At the front an Ambrosio “champion” alloy handlebar and 12 cm. Ambrosio “champion”alloy stem to hold. Tires are shot and look as they’ve been around a very long time. A Campagnolo wheel spanner wrench is included.

This bike is a time capsule. I would recommend not touching the rear wheel; leave this one for show; use a different rear wheel to enjoy this classic on the road which is where she will really shine. I have ridden a Frejus track bike on the road for over 25 years. The longer wheel base allows them to be more compliant and Frejus Track bikes of this era are truly a joy to ride.

The fork is drilled for a brake. All of the Frejus track bikes I have come across have been drilled up front; so I believe this to be a factory standard.

I offer this bike to the list for a greatly reduced price of only $995.00. I believe that the total some value of all her components, her “breakup” value so to speak, exceeds my asking price by 20 to 25% on today’s market. I will not break her up. She is a very nice classic track bike for your enjoyment and pleasure.

Please take a look at the photos of her I have posted on The Wooljersey site:

< http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/album296 >

And then..........ride in Italian splendor………..Imagine yourself waiting for the starters gun to fire while on the line at the Vigorelli Track in Milano, Italia. 4,000 meters of sheer agony stare you down. The blue silk jersey of Italian National Champion hugs your skin and your chest heaves in anxious anticipation. You are destined to catch the rider waiting opposite the track. YOU will be World Champion! .

Payment via PayPal ( with a 1 ½ % surcharge as to split the fee), personal check, money order, or cash. Shipping via UPS Ground at actual cost. Free packing.

Thank you and enjoy,

John T.Pergolizzi
Brooklyn, New York