[CR] Helyett Speciale on French Ebay

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

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Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:18:32 +0100
From: "Norris Lockley" <nlockley73@googlemail.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] Helyett Speciale on French Ebay


I have a few Helyett catalogues but none to cover the period when it was likely that this frame was made. Earlier pre-Anquetil catalogues show a very full range of frames, while a later one, around, 1961 lists Professional, Racing , and Sports models only.

As Joauen has stated there was not too much difference between the various Speciale model frames...mainly the type lug pattern and the fork-crown. I think it is reasonable to assume that the Speciale was the top-of the range model.

Earlier Speciales had the Nervex-made lugs but with a slightly different pattern on the head tube - there was a slight V-type cut in the central feature - Anquetil's Helyetts had this feature. Slightly later Speciale's had Nervex Pro lugs and fork crowns. These frames also had the earlier rivetted-on large pressed and anodised headbadge with the cut-outs either side of Marianne's head, showing the frame's enamel through them. This printed self-adhesive head-tube sticker is the last of the line model

Top eyes varied throughout the years without any real pattern, but it does seem that the deeply pressed and fluted eye with the radiused top, seen on the last two Ebay Helyetts must have been a later model.Earlier models had a similarly pressed flute but those alcked the care in rounding off the top..and were pretty crude looking. Meanwhile one of my Speciales made in 1957/58 has the Nervex Pro lugs and crown with a standard oval flat plat for a seat-stay cap. This frame also has braze-ons for the Simplex JUY 543 rear mech that bolts on to the forged Simplex 1752 drop-outs The Professional model in the 61 catalogue actually has the Simplex vertical drop-outs.

The very attractive fork crowns of these two Ebay frames were in fact a cheper option to the Nervex Pro one with its two idiotic short prongs. The crown was known as the Italian-style model. Perhaps it does have a passing resemblance to one used by MASI...not that I know much about Masi frames..

In 1962 Helyett sold off their Orleans factory - the one where the Ebay frame was made -to Robert Griffon, for the production of his Griffon bikes, but retained their Sully-sur-Loire factory until they were taken over by Gitane in 1966. I have it on very good authority that this factory was still standing until quite recently...and I must have passed it by on many occasions without realising the fact. Large stores of tubing and lugs were found....and dumped in the skips.

Among top riders of the era ie the 50s there were very many misgivings about the quality of the frames. Often Reynolds-tubed frames were made of inferior tubes and it was well-known for the frames to crack across the seat-tube just above the bracket. (possible problem with the frame-jig) Last November I had the good luck to meet up with Alan Ramsbottom a Pro with Anquetil's team in 1960, and Brian Robinson a Pro with Anquetil in 1961. Both were suppposed to ride Helyett's, but because of the relatively poor quality Alan rebadged a Harry Quinn and Brian rode an Ells-Briggs. In March, I met up, during the Paris-Nice with Gianni Marcarini the former domestique to Anquetil, Merckx and a few others. He confirmed, as had Alan Ramsbottom, that it was Bernard Carre who built the peronal frames for Anquetil and the other riders who wanted them. Gianni should know..Carre was the Best Man at Gianni's weddng.

Norris Lockley
Settle UK