Jesper
Wore out three sets of tires already!
Here's an odd "Gallic" bike from yesteryear: BAGGI type "Champion Olympique et du Monde". Although I don't know if this particular model was raced to any prestigious titles; this marque certainly gained some reputation when raced by Ottavio Pratesi, a rather underrated cyclist during the pre and post WW1 eras (his 1912 Tour de France exploits are incredible!). Always raced as an "isolati" in 5 TDF's winning that category in '23 & '24; I believe riding a BAGGI-SAMYN both years; definitely did in '23. An old French bike with old French parts. Amazingly, all components are in very good working order; bearings spin cleanly with very little play, and I have yet to overhaul anything. I am not going to alter anything on this bike; just clean up the frame and possibly touch-up the paint and the hand painted "BAGGI" down tube logo. The frame is fairly lighweight for its time; I will get a weight on it after stripping the last parts off, curious as to what it will come in at. It utilizes a Simplex 3 speed rear derailleur system ("Selection Standard/Professional" type) with idler pulley/tension arm. Speciale freewheel (15,17,19T), unknown (but very cool!) crankset (46T), Gloria brakes, Lyotard 36 pedals, Maxi (Maxi-Car?) hubs, Rigida "Deco" "C" rims, Campione alloy stem, and a nice unbranded alloy bar. Brooks Professional saddle and steel post (27.0mm) are not original, though the Ideale saddle clamp may be. Unbranded headset and bottom bracket assy's. Paint is actually of high quality aside from its near century of wear and tear; the lug work is very clean and of very good workmanship. Headbadge decal held up quite nicely, especially having it partially overlap the lugs due to a smaller size frame (my size!). I only see myself installing an alloy seat post of French/European manufacture with an Ideale saddle (I have one already for it) on top; other than that it's staying as it was ridden back in the day. I do have the original fenders, though not in photos. If anyone can provide more insight regarding this marque and/or its components l would be very thankful (and buy you a pizza!).
Take care,
Jesper
Take care,
Jesper
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