This handsome bike was my most recent weekend project, an attempt to build up a classic French randonneur from various bits in my parts bin and a very mysterious vintage frame.  Read on for details and more pictures.

I acquired the frame recently from a fellow collector in my neighborhood.  Despite discussion among the experts on the Classic & Vintage forum, no-one was able to positively ID the brand or builder of the frame.  On one hand, it’s built using a classic French Nervex lug set often seen on the high-end Peugeot PX-10.

However, the drop-outs are Shimano SF, which suggests it’s not European.  The seat stays and fork don’t match the other famous Nervex-lugged bike, the Schwinn Paramount.  The tubing is unknown, and a bit on the heavy side although it’s fully chromed under the paint.  Despite having relaxed geometry (16.5″ chainstays and a 39″ wheelbase), it doesn’t have any mounts for fenders or racks.  Under the bottom bracket is mysterious serial number: “HTR 320”.

The previous owner gave it a beautiful paint job, so all I had to do was build it up.   I re-used the Huret Jubilee derailleurs & Simplex shifters from the Medici, as well as the Viscount crank arms.  I swapped out the Viscount chainrings for a drilled Stronglight set, and polished everything.  The brakes and levers are new-old-stock Huret center-pulls, which are actually the rare CLB-2 Course with Huret logos.  I’ve never seen another set like this since.  It has Pivo handlebars with the graceful randonneur bend and a Motobecane stem.  The modern Alex rims and Hutchinson Nitro tires are understated and fit nicely with the otherwise all-vintage build.

I gave the bike a head badge in the shape of France, wishful thinking perhaps but it fits well.  While I was able to knock out this build in one day, it wasn’t without its challenges: the shifter bosses had to be filed a bit to fit the Simplex shifters flush with the downtube, and it took a while to get the brakes calibrated correctly.  The Huret Jubilee group really shows off the beauty of French components – shifting is amazingly smooth and quiet, and the brakes stop on a dime.  I set up the gearing with long rides in mind: 48/42 in the front and 12-28 in the back.  It also has a removable front carrier for a handlebar bag, an essential randonneur accessory.  The seat tube is 53cm center to top and the top tube is 54cm center to center.

This was a fun project and I’d like to take it for some long rides along the Hudson.  Unfortunately, I currently have a serious surplus of bikes in my stable already, so I will probably be looking for a new home for this one soon.  Check out the lovely pictures in the gallery below.