phillyrider

I purchased a winter project. It's is a bit of a rust bucket, but should clean-up well for my use.

The serial # is 67191. In the C&R frejus serial registry, it may put this bike in late 1950s, early 1960s. However, there is only one other bike in this serial # range - as listed.

I own a few frejus frames - but did not buy them as complete bikes. This one look's to be original. Question I have is based on parts/photos - does early 1960's/late 1950s seem about right?

Another interesting thing is that the bike has a poland sticker. The seller implied that the bike was in a few races. Could be - but I am interested in any comments you all may have (aside from good luck with the rust...)

Thanks!

devinfan

The only comment I have is that I can't wait to see it cleaned up! Beautiful frame. Don't repaint it! Those hubs look original, there should be a date code on the lock nuts?

auchencrow

+1 Yeah! Great project! I'm jealous

iab

Without close ups of the components for a better answer, I'd say yes, late 50s, probably prior to 1961. GS derailleur plus the Balilla side pulls would be right for the 50s. Closer shots with details could help. Does the rear GS have a cable adjustment screw? Do the shift levers or skewers have an open "C"? etc. etc.

phillyrider

Thanks...No, I don't plan to repaint...I also have a copper colored frame as well - mid 1960s. Same seat binder bolt set up...It is my favorite ride/fits like a glove and the frame is super light.

Probably a mistake - but to negotiate a good price/keep shipping down - I bought the bike without wheels. I just have so many wheels already. The hubs were not frejus stamped - so, I carved them out of the deal.

phillyrider

The pics are from the ebay auction. I have not yet received the bike, so the fuzzy pics are what I have to work with.
I did get a deal - I think - at $250, it gives me some room as a fun winter project...
Thanks

iab

$250 is a good deal. But you will find sourcing parts from the 50s will put a good dent in your wallet.

phillyrider

Thanks for the help/feedback. With any purchase on-line, the hope is that the frame is straight/no-issues, but you don't know until it's in hand...It is part of the hunt for a project. I tend to be low-key and look just to clean-up the bike, replace cables, ect, and ride as-is. I have some olaxic acid to find...

jettore

I don't know where you are at in Philly but I get my wood bleach(OA) at Kesslers Hardware on 1200 block of Girard.

fender1

Nice project. If you need any help, feel free to give me a shout. I am Berwyn.

randyjawa 

Though I am not really sure there is such a thing as a "Grail" bike for me, if there was one, a Frejus would be it. Nice find and I agree about sourcing fifties components - big bucks sometimes. That said, you don't have to have just the right stuff to get the bike road worthy and safe to ride. In fact, keeping an eye open for that last elusive whatchamacallit is part of the fun, in my opinion.

JPZ66

I think you done good ! Can't wait to see some better photos.

Joe

non-fixie 

+1. Subscribing.

rootboy 

+1 me too. Nice find. So, did the bike come from Poland? Seeing the picture of those wheels and front tire you might have done the right thing declining them, but if those are No Record hubs, I'm not sure. The paint and decals look to be in good condition. Too bad about the chrome and I'm hoping it is salvageable for you. The chrome on my Frejus also suffered, from being left outdoors one season.
I'm going to take a wild guess and say that is probably the "Corsa" or "Tour de France model.
I too eagerly await more pictures. I like the color.

bloom87

are those campy DOs ?
i have a very similar (same era) torpado chromovelato.

kroozer 

I remember seeing that auction as well, it looks like you have a fun project ahead of you and a really nice bike when you're done. The paint and decals look good, and rusted components can be rechromed or replaced, but what do you do if the chrome on the frame is shot?

phillyrider

Thanks Fender - A few years back you helped me with my wife's panasonic rebuild. It is a smooth ride - she really enjoys it. I will likely take you up on your offer since I am familiar with your workmanship (better than my lbs)...

I will probably keep the poland sticker. I am not sure if someone was fond of their homeland or if it is team/practice related. I can also refer to this bike as my frejuski I did ask the seller for some info on where they got the bike - we'll see (I don't think they know for sure).

Thanks Jettore for the info. I did see deck wash, which I think is similiar to wood bleach. I will need to research the water ratio to see.

Yes - I was on the fence on the wheels since there was maybe value with the hubs. The frejus models I look for have the grease ports in the headtube and bottom bracket. What's interesting is that sometimes frejus head badges are the torino version and some are campione del mundo 1932-32,48,51-53, etc... I am not sure if this means anything...

Thanks all for the comments/feeback.

iab

Remove the rust. Cover the bare metal with wax.

Or.

Rechrome.

dbakl

I'd think the steel crank places it in the 50s. Cool color!

dbakl

Yeah, but looks like all the parts are there!

spacemanz

Congrats on your newest Frejus. I have one in the basement, but honestly, since I got the Miele frame (Columbus SL), the Frejus (Reynolds 531 & much heavier), has moved to the back burner. But the Miele is almost ready to ride now, just needs the shifter cables & chain installed, so I'll need the Frejus, for something to wrench on.

phillyrider

Thanks again for comments...I am about a week away in terms of having the bike. I will take some better before pics -although it is hard to not immediately pull out the choreboy to go after the rust as soon as I pull it out of the box.

The seller indicated that the bike has been sitting for a long time. We'll see...

phillyrider

The bike arrived yesterday. I think the feedback on parts/period holds up.

It was a good thing that I did not get the wheels. The frame was loose in box (without any padding). The fewer items floating around the box - the better...I had a feeling with this seller - but all is ok. Here are some before pictures of components:

phillyrider

Some more pics...

phillyrider

I am interested in any additional comments...what I have found so far...


The good:
The frame is straight - no issues
Crank moves well and headset seems ok
Deraileur cleaned up pretty well.

The bad:
Chrome is likely shot - I started with barkeeper's friend, which has some light olaxic acid. Rust did not move much. It will probably need a dip.
Seatpost looks to be stuck
Handlebar stem bolt does not want to move either.
Pedals don't match. One is sheffeild and other is super rusted/can't tell (I guess this was rider's preference).
Brooks seat is toast (which one could tell in the original photos)


I have oil soaking in some areas. I guess this is why this is called a project...can't wait to get it on the road.

Thanks.