Re: [CR] 1959 Rene Herse

(Example: History)

In-Reply-To: <5e2a4e9c0212c111e7651418674ac832.squirrel@webmail.sonic.net>
References: <5e2a4e9c0212c111e7651418674ac832.squirrel@webmail.sonic.net>
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:28:10 -0700
To: thteach@sonic.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Jan Heine" <heine94@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] 1959 Rene Herse


I believe the frame was modified. I bought a "sister" frame... which had been modified even more. So some of the odd details are just that - non-Herse modifications. Interestingly, we later found out that the "original" owner had bought the bikes second-hand, and then had them modified to resemble each other. So they were pretty standard Herse bikes originally.

This is not to detract from Ray's frame - the modifications on his frame are easy to put right, especially since it's not painted.
>The derailleur tab may be a modification.

It was brazed on later. It's interesting that some sort of Campagnolo hanger was used...
>
>The right
>inside dropout is interesting. It looks like it it might be ready for a
>chain rest, but there is no chain rest.

That dropout indeed is for a chainrest. The chainrest must have been removed. You need a special axle for the Maxi-Car hub that has been shortened a bit...
>It looks like it had a Herse Bottom Bracket.

The BB shell for an Herse bottom bracket has shoulders machined into it, to retain the bearings, and only very short threaded sections for the dustcaps/retaining rings. Ray's bike looks like it has standard threads. If that is the case, any French-threaded BB should fit.

Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
2116 Western Ave.
Seattle WA 98121
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com