Fred Rednor wrote:
...And now a question about ATAX/PHILIPPE: I seem to recall that their nicer bars were called "Franco-Belge." Did they have any real connection to Belgium? Or was that merely a way of appealing to the Belgian market? Or was it a way of associating themselves with the many great Belgian racers? Or was there a type of handlebar bend, generically refered to as "Franco-Belge?"
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I believe that was simply the model name for that particular bend. I have a different set inscribed: "FRANCO ITALIA" and below the additional model No. "D 532". These are very similar to a Cinelli "Giro d'Italia" bar.
Mine, in alloy, are probably from around 1970? and are also inscribed with a stylized top view of a racing cyclist below the inscription "Philippe Guidons" on the right side.
I do remember seeing a Franco-Belge model in chromed steel. Perhaps they were available in both materials? As I recall, the Franco-Belge were quite "square" - like a classic Maes/Kint bend. And this was perhaps the implied "Belgian" connection.
BOB HANSON, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA
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