I was given this bike by a co worker who was cleaning out his garage. I have searched here and other forums trying to figure out what i have as well as history of the brand. Its very complete but needs some love and id like to get it rideable. How can i tell what year and model it is? Im aware that its not a high end bike but Is it worth my time to put effort into making it use-able again? Thank you for your time and i would greatly appreciate any information or advice you can give!
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Looking for some info and advice on my Louison Bobet
- Thread starter veewee25
- Start date
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Eric Amlie
Wore out three sets of tires already!
Hmmm, sorry to see that you're not getting any help here.
I think you should try posting this over on Bike Forums; Classic & Vintage.
I think you should try posting this over on Bike Forums; Classic & Vintage.
Classic & Vintage - Bike Forums
Classic & Vintage - This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.
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juvela
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
-----
Bobet was sponsored by two manufacturers during his racing career.
Both produced cycles bearing his name.
They are Stella & Mercier.
Your example clearly Mercier.
Cycle a base model hailing from right near to 1965.
Plusses:
all original
completeness
without damage
Minus:
base model
the cycle's non-resident pedals were likely to have been Lyotard model 36:
-----
Bobet was sponsored by two manufacturers during his racing career.
Both produced cycles bearing his name.
They are Stella & Mercier.
Your example clearly Mercier.
Cycle a base model hailing from right near to 1965.
Plusses:
all original
completeness
without damage
Minus:
base model
the cycle's non-resident pedals were likely to have been Lyotard model 36:
-----
Thank you!! Thank you for the education, How can you tell the date or range of dates? I have the pedals, they were removed for storage. I think im going to clean it up and service everything. My local shop has the press for the cotters so I wont have to stress over those. Even though its a base model do you know, do they ride well?
juvela
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
-----
Frame -
lug pattern: BOCAMA 51/I
fork crown & cap: BOCAMA
bottom bracket shell: RGF (Raccords Gargatte Freres)
dropouts: NERVEX Ref. 1028
tube set: Mercier house branded hi-tensile termed "LUXTUB"
Fittings -
here are some manufacturer catalogue pages illustrating a few of the cycle's components:
non-original bits present: saddle, saddle clip, wheel reflectors, rear reflector
---
Louison Bobet -
in this image he is seen in the yellow leader's jersey during the TdF of 1954; he went on to win the event
he is astride a Stella cycle in this case
poster of him doing motor-pacing on a Stella, 1953 -
competing in the TdF of 1953, which he went on to win -
long after his retirement there were also some Louison Bobet badged cycles produced by the firm Meral
---
Dating -
no easy answer to your question here
in some cases it can be a paint or transfer which was employed only for a brief time
in other cases it can be a particular fitting which enjoyed but a brief production life
in this case it is a combination of several clues
two date bracketing components are the Normandy Sport hubs and the Huret Allvit 600 front gear mech
---
the gold rectangular transfer at the top of the seat tube appears it may be from a cycle shop
would be interesting to know how it reads
first word appears it may be "San" which suggests a possible origin with one of the shops on Stanyan Street in San Francisco
one national seller of Bobet bicycles at this time was Gene Portuesi, proprietor of the Cyclo-Pedia mail order catalogue, originally based on Michigan Avenue in Detroit and subsequently relocated to Cadillac MI
----
Frame -
lug pattern: BOCAMA 51/I
fork crown & cap: BOCAMA
bottom bracket shell: RGF (Raccords Gargatte Freres)
dropouts: NERVEX Ref. 1028
tube set: Mercier house branded hi-tensile termed "LUXTUB"
Fittings -
here are some manufacturer catalogue pages illustrating a few of the cycle's components:
non-original bits present: saddle, saddle clip, wheel reflectors, rear reflector
---
Louison Bobet -
in this image he is seen in the yellow leader's jersey during the TdF of 1954; he went on to win the event
he is astride a Stella cycle in this case
poster of him doing motor-pacing on a Stella, 1953 -
competing in the TdF of 1953, which he went on to win -
long after his retirement there were also some Louison Bobet badged cycles produced by the firm Meral
---
Dating -
no easy answer to your question here
in some cases it can be a paint or transfer which was employed only for a brief time
in other cases it can be a particular fitting which enjoyed but a brief production life
in this case it is a combination of several clues
two date bracketing components are the Normandy Sport hubs and the Huret Allvit 600 front gear mech
---
the gold rectangular transfer at the top of the seat tube appears it may be from a cycle shop
would be interesting to know how it reads
first word appears it may be "San" which suggests a possible origin with one of the shops on Stanyan Street in San Francisco
one national seller of Bobet bicycles at this time was Gene Portuesi, proprietor of the Cyclo-Pedia mail order catalogue, originally based on Michigan Avenue in Detroit and subsequently relocated to Cadillac MI
----
Last edited:
Jesper
Wore out three sets of tires already!
Saddle, rims, tires, geometry, riding posture, intended use, etc....
Im totally blown away by all the knowledge you are bringing to this conversation. All of the brochures, I cant believe that you have this at your disposal. Thank you so much!!
I realize that was a very broad and open ended question. It is my frame size and i can see places that will need to be changed to fit me. The bars seem very narrow.
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