Search results for:

Hi there, just to say I think you did a fantastic job! Well done.

On a side note, though I don't own a Thorn, I've always preferred the MK 1 versions to Thorn's later models - disc or no disk. The lovely fork here on your Nomad, the horizontal TT. It's just very classic and elegant. I think you got just the right model! Not to mention generous tyre widths.

.

Haha. Living in Germany myself (not exactly German - father is) and can confirm those types are very much about : ) Though in all fairness, it really does depend on personality here. I recently again asked a conductor if I could show my ticket (after all, I had paid and didn't want to feel like it was a waste) and he just shrugged, half-smiled and gave a a bit of a wave, responding with something like "nah, don't worry".

My pleasure! Curious to hear if anyone has any luck with this.

This thread caught my eye, because I sort of dream about cycling from the east to the west of France, through Paris (partly training it) it across to the Brest area at some point. Mind you, an acquaintance of mine and her 70 year-old mum cycled along French bike paths and canals from the French-Swiss border near Geneva down to south of France. They didn't use any trains, just a French website for bike paths (can't remember what it's called). So...I guess I should stop thinking about it and just go.

Hi there,

I'm looking for a Nitto R10 or Nitto NR21 (or similar) rear saddlebag rack.

It would have to be posted and payment would be by paypal, but I'd be happy to cover the paypal fees and your post office efforts. And naturally shipping costs.

Thanks.

Thought this link may be of interest to someone (yes, I'm a bit of a long-time admirer of the bikes on that site). Basically suggests using a German train app to plan French train journeys. I have no experience of this, but perhaps it is of help to someone.

https://www.lafraisecycles.com/news/2022/4/28/traveling-by-train-and-bicycle-in-france-how-its-done-no-you-dont-have-to-take-your-bike-apart

Ah, crow! Congratulations! A stunning bike indeed. Love the shape of the fork. With geometry like that and those wheels, it must be smooth, comfortable ride too.

Thanks for that! I've tried another brand with a similar 'Happy Stem' look from VO. It felt somehow a bit nervous to me.

The Cigne stem appeared outlandish at first now, but the more I look at it, it be something to consider.

(I have actually been in two minds about keeping the bike though.)

Hi and thanks for your quick help! You've just solved one of life's mysteries for me.

Must admit, I don't really understand the sense of the ahead system. It's seems so unsustainable. But perhaps I am missing something. Anyway, like you said, perhaps I can sell the old one.

Thanks again!

Hi there, I happen to have a (black) Cross Check myself and was hoping someone could help me.

The previous owner cut the fork as low as one could go and it's been a real issue for my neck/back area.

So my big question: is it safe to build the height up with spacers (assuming that's even possible...no experience with ahead parts)? Or would it be better for me to just buy a whole new fork?

Hi, I thought I might just let you know that there have been tests here in Germany (Stiftung Warentest - independent testing and reviews for consumers - something like the UK Which? perhaps) on Kryptonite locks, and while the security comes out tops - there are disturbing levels of Phthalates / plasticisers / DEHP in the outer plastic cover. The models tested (in 2021) were Kryptonite New York Lock LS and (in 2017...and 2013?) Kryptonite Evolution 4 LS. I can only assume it would be the same for the rest of their range.

In contrast, the brand ABUS had very low quantities and was rated highly.

Personally, I owned a Fahgettaboudit and the weight is absurd. I can't believe I lugged that monster about for so long. I now have an ABUS U-Lock Granit XPlus Mini. It's their max. strength at 15 and I highly recommend it. I think the mini is no longer available, but you might be lucky on ebay, etc.

To read the full tests it would cost a few €s at Stiftung Warentest, but the summaries can be found here (deepl might help translating..):
https://www.oekotest.de/freizeit-technik/12-Fahrradschloesser-im-Test_102928_1.html
https://utopia.de/ratgeber/fahrradschloss-sicher-fahrradschloesser-test/

A Guardian article on Phthalates:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis

Hi @RgrahamH, thank you for the thought! Sounds like a good idea.

To be honest, I haven't given the bike much more thought since my last comment here. I've seen that it is still available though. I think I found the same model and how it would have looked before it was painted grey-blue somewhere else: https://steel-vintage.com/follis-classic-650b-randonneur-1950s

Anyway, I'll look into the Sturmey. I remember as a boy that my mother had an old Raleigh ladies bike from the 50s or 60s. It was a really beautiful bike in dark green with a wicker basket on the front. Anyway, what I've never forgotten about that bike were the wonderful slow rhythmical 'clicks' it made. It sounded so elegant and calm. I've always wondered if it came from the Sturmey Archer gears or somewhere in the wheel. Well, I have fond memories of those gears.

Thank you for the link. Nice to have web translators these days.

Anyway, before others join in: please understand I have taken Clubman's advice! I am almost sorry I asked this question. It is true, it wasn't a considered one, but so it is.

I have written to the seller and told him I won't be buying it. He has another offer now too.

My interest isn't French vs English, but I am just looking for a bike that can take at least 32cm wheels, with some lowish trail in the front and a vintage age. I love oldish things in general - the 60s furniture, the 1972 record player (though digital is wonderful thing too), and so on. So my interest in keeping things as original as possible is sincere. As Skülly knows, I came to this forum regarding a wonderful Bob Jackson offer I had and he was extremely generous with his help! I really appreciated that.

In my readings I began to understand that the master craftspeople of the 40s, 50s, and 60s, probably understood more about geometry and load-bearing than many today. This is a strong statement based purely on subjective opinion. I am no framemaker myself, but I trust writers on the topic. So I imagine (could be wrong) I think that that Bob would have had 'wheel flop' in the front because the forks weren't shaped for any real baggage there. The high trail vs low/ish trail interests me.

So, whether its French or British - I seek one I can afford and keep for the rest of my life. I am no collector.

Ok, please know I'm taking Clubman's advice. Topic closed.

I am all for originality myself. In fact, it should be said that the seller or someone else most likely resprayed the frame, which did actually disappoint me. I didn't think changing the gears (and keeping the old ones) would be such a serious or permanent intervention, but perhaps I hadn't considered the situation properly. Anyway, I came to get your inputs and I thank you all for that.

And thank you Clubman for taking the time to explain the gearing to me. I have appreciated your expert and very helpful advice in the past on another frame.

Hi baguette, thank you for your amazing posts. Had a good chuckle too, here and there : )

Ask me how I now and I'll reply in Atom/Maillard/Normandy tinged
curses

Hah! Excellent. This may be the fastest way to learn French yet ; )

Your considerations make it clear to me just how tricky this may be. I've seen one or two French bikes where the old cyclo derailleur was exchanged for a more 'modern' (still vintage) one. But there must be so many variables here: brand, frame, simple one or two speeds vs more, etc. The bike is a Follis, by the way. 650b, no less. Wonderful randonneur (or is it a randonneuse?!).

Well, another day to think about it. Maybe a Gillott, Hobbs, or similar pops up down the line for sale, and then I don't have to concern myself with such uncertainties.

Thank you! Personally, I would prefer to change the crank set to triple (possibly vintage Stronglight), and swap out the cassette and rear derailleur (to old Suntour Cyclone). I'd like to keep the vintage aesthetic somehow, and wouldn't change anything about the rest. Then it would be perfect for me. He wants me to make an offer, so I guess there's that question still too.

Do you think it's possible to keep the 5-speed cassette (if that's what it is), but change the crank set to a triple one? I mean, in terms of spacing.

Thanks. I imagine one would have to widen the dropout width slightly too for the cassette. The first question I asked myself was whether there was even enough space for a hanger and adapter/claw.

I didn't have the heart to ask the seller this question, after he had clearly taken pains to get it up and running in its mostly original form. From what little I can find about the cyclo, I've read how immensely complicated it is to set up. I see some French cycle enthusiasts still use them, but I've haven't seen it used long distance. Anyway, my 51-year-old knees simply need the extra gears for climbing hills. No way I can get around that.

Absolutely no info on the web on this topic that I can find. Or at least in the English language. A big step though for me, not being that technically experienced.

Hi and thanks for your reply! Well, ideally I would like to get an oldish Suntour deraileur hanger and attach it on the wheel axis/nut - so where one would usually attach it. I'd need an adapter 'claw' (I think you call it).

I'd remove this one on now.

Close up.

Just firstly to say how much I enjoy this thread!

And then a question for you fellow 50s bike fans: have any of you had experience converting a French bike with a cyclo deraileur to a 'modern' (70s or 80s) rear derailleur? Jan Heine said somewhere that they collect a lot of dirt for some reason (don't really understand why it would be any different). Anyway, I have an idea that they are not ideal.

I'm considering a bike for sale, but want to really use it for longer trips, camping too. So, just wondering if its possible to convert. Here's a photo.

Thanks for your very helpful reply. The seller very kindly gave me the background to the bike - it was built for a woman too. She delivered the post and this was her winter training bike.

The seller communicates really well and I could certainly do business with him. But you are right, the bike should fit properly and meet my needs. And there are other good builders. I've admired others too.

Maybe better to sit this one out.

Hi Clubman, thank you!!

I was hoping you would answer because I had seen that you have a 26" Gillott with 700 wheels. From the photo, it seemed quite a tightish clearance. As you say, this would have to be tested.

It is otherwise exactly my size. Of course, with 26 wheels it would be too small. A bit wary to take the chance on a frame that may not work. The owner told me it was built for 26, but hr had tried 27 on the rear, which worked. I dont know if that allows for mudguards or tyre width options.

Hi there,

I have long wanted a Gillott as my main bike to use. Been something of a dream and have been checking ebay daily. That lovely green frame has just popped up and I was wondering if I could ask you fellow fans with more technical experience than I: would a 26" wheel frame allow 27" wheels and mudguards? If so whats the mac tyre width that could fit - 28 or 32?

Would really appreciate anyone's help!

On second thoughts, I don't think I need to deal that that level of 'debate'. It's just another silly forum thread after all and I probably have a life