I remember this bike. It was brought to Kopp's Cycles, Princeton, NJ, for an overhaul. This was about 25 years ago, give or take a few. At the time, they were stretched thin, and asked me to reassemble it. I installed the front DiaCompe Cantilever brake, since it was missing one arm of the original Herse. I may have changed one chainring, too, as it got munched.
One glory of this bike is the frame. I don't remember which of the tubes are oversized, but I clearly remember that it is fully lugged, including the BBs, which are connected by an oversized elliptical boom tube (if I recall correctly). Perhaps memory is fuzzy, but the bike was simply one of the most beautiful I had ever seen, with beautiful component integration and lots of thought before the torch came to play. I only did a short test ride, so don't remember the handling.
If Susan had maintained her interest in tandem riding, I would be tempted to see how it fitted and suited us. Alas,... I keep no bikes that aren't part of my riding fleet.
This message not sponsored by Rene Herse Bicycles, Ray Homski, or any other commercial interest.
harvey sachs
mcLean va usa.
++++++++++++++++++
Ray Homski wrote:
>
> For Sale, early 50s Rene Herse Tandem bicycle. Measurements are all C to
> C, Captains down tube 56.5 cm while the top tube is also 56.5 cm. The
> Stoker down tube is 53 cm while the top tube is 57 cm. I have had this
> tandem for a few years now and do not use it so it is better with someone
> who will. I initially thought that I could use some of the parts from it
> for my single RH builds but that was not the case. The bike is as I
> received it, complete with the following.
>
> * Front and rear RH stems
> * Mafac brake levers
> * Rear Rene Herse cantilever brakes
> * Front DiaComp cantilever brakes
> * Rene Herse cantilever hanger pulleys
> * 650B Maxi Car tandem hubs
> * 3 Stronglight crank arms and rings
> * 1 right rear Rene Herse crank arm
> * Cyclo 5V-2.38 push pull rear shifter/derailleur
> * Rene Herse front lever changer
> * Mephisto A-Blocs 650B rims 36 front, 40 rear with wired and
> soldered spokes at cross
> * Wolber Super Randonneur 650 tires
> * Front and rear Rene Herse racks
> * Bell on front stem minus striker
> * Stronglight headset
> * 3 Bell wingnuts 1 other brand
> * Several braze ons for generator and lights
> * Unique pump braze ons under frame plus old aluminum pump
> included.
> * Ideale #5 front and Ideale #38 rear saddles
> * Chain slap guard braze ons for the chain stay
> * Water bottle braze ons for Captain & Stoker
> * Lyotard pedals
> * Durex RBN aluminum fenders with original blue stripe
> * Luxor front light
> * SKF BB on stoker
> * What looks to be a Rene Herse seat post on Captains saddle
>
> I hope this text is coming out okay as I edited this message several times
> before sending and my email system has a habit of disjointing edited text.
>
> More photos than you will have time to scrutinize but check them out
> anyway. Hi-Res of these same shots avail upon request. See them here\u2026
>
> http://www.flickr.com/
>
> Now for the issues...
>
>
> * Wiring for lights still in the frame holes but not complete and
> not hooked up (see photos)
> * No rear reflectors or lights
> * Light pitting in chrome on frame. Not bad as you can see in the
> photos.
> * Chrome worn behind both BBs especially the stoker, light
> surface rust in this area (see photo)
> * Braze on guides for rear brake cable worn through (see photos)
>
> Final observations:
>
> This is a nice rider and is sturdy and very nice looking. The
> lug work is stunning as the photos will show. A lot of
> neighbors stopped by as I was taking these photos to remark on
> the bike and its condition for its age. The chrome is typical
> for that period. The pitting is there but not bad overall. I
> have taken a lot of photos so you can see for yourself. As
> mentioned, I can send a hi-res of any photo should you want to
> blow it up and examine things closer
> yourself. The bike is pretty light for a tandem at just 38 to 39 pounds.
> There are no serial numbers on the frame or fork. I was told that this
> might mean it was made for a close friend or family member but I cannot
> say that for sure as I just don't know what it means. I
> believe a fellow list member has worked on this bike with its past owner
> and if he wishes to chime in he may have additional information about
> the bike.
>
> I will work with anyone on shipping terms and options. This
> bike can be delivered to T-Town on Saturday or at Le Cirque in June. If
> my wife rode, this bike would not be leaving me as I have grown fond
> of it. I greased all the bearings and movable areas. I just cannot see
> it sit around and collect dust anymore. I have dusted it, maintained the
> saddles with proofhide and pumped up the tires to many times for
> something I do not ride.
>
> My asking price is $5000 and delivery free to T-town, Le Cirque or a 75
> mile radius from Elizabeth, NJ. All other delivery options to be
> discussed prior to purchase. Here is your chance to avoid international
> customs and shipping charges on top of the bike cost. Please contact me
> off list at Wheelman@nac.net if interested. All questions will be answered
> and all comments considered so don\u2019t be shy.
>
> Ray Homiski
>
> Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States