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Follis ~ bicyclette française masochiste

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Follis ~ bicyclette française masochiste

Old 03-28-20, 08:09 PM
  #76  
merziac
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Originally Posted by crank_addict
+1
Is there a specific formula in clear silicone you would recommend?

On a Viscount project, I saved the same style half hoods that looked far worse. Viscount / Lambert had their own but now curious if the MAFAC type interchange. Looked like fungus growth plus splitting. Cleaned them in bleach and then made a slurry of shoe glue clear and some sort of thinner. I don't exactly recall and was just experimenting. Probably let them sit for 6 months before installing. They turned out pretty good and so far are lasting.

Viscount bars and preserved brake 1/2 type hoods
Not sure, last I did were black Campys and used automotive since I had some on hand. I feel half the battle is that it glues it to the lever and holds it together in place, can't imagine it being a big deal to peel off later.
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Old 03-29-20, 06:24 PM
  #77  
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Finally, a chance to ride with Pepé Le Pew. Though less than four miles and wind gust up to 40mph- (maybe more) getting blown into road traffic was enough for me.

Anyways, everything is dialed in and exceeded expectations. My fit is pretty good though a bit longer stem than I prefer, its going to work out and call it 'the French fit' thing.

The wheels roll as if on glass, but to be fair I've yet to test other road surfaces. These old Trimline tires are in excellent condition but of course this bike could benefit having new tire technology. Any chance someone may know the mfg? Panasonic National or IRC?

Bearings are fluid as my best from Campy. The Huret Duopar delivers absolute silk shifting- attempts to jamming by rapid shifting is seemingly impossible. Brakes with Kool Stops against these rims are spot on. Happy yet odd no squeaky happy sounds!

Last edited by crank_addict; 03-29-20 at 08:13 PM.
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Old 03-29-20, 06:56 PM
  #78  
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With this chrome, Pepé Le Pew wont attract Penelope Pooseycat


Clever derailleur is switchable for more or less desired chain wrap.
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Old 03-29-20, 07:17 PM
  #79  
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Accessorized with Zefal pump, TA bottle cage complete with plumbing strapping
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Old 03-29-20, 07:21 PM
  #80  
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Fine-looking build!
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Old 03-29-20, 07:36 PM
  #81  
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A few numbers-
Weight is 25.5 lbs as depicted.

170mm crank arms
101cm wheelbase / 43cm chainstay
57cm top tube / 110mm stem
57cm seat tube
140mm headtube (end to end)
230mm Pepé Le Pew tail


Thanks for participating and seeing a rescued skunk from Skunkworks~

1903 - 2007

Last edited by crank_addict; 03-30-20 at 11:16 AM.
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Old 03-30-20, 08:50 AM
  #82  
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That is a fine weight for a bike with "only" 3 main tubes Reynolds and a leather saddle (granted with the cut away it's on the light side for a leather saddle).

That bike looks great. Nice job.
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Old 03-30-20, 11:26 AM
  #83  
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Originally Posted by bikemig
That is a fine weight for a bike with "only" 3 main tubes Reynolds and a leather saddle (granted with the cut away it's on the light side for a leather saddle).

That bike looks great. Nice job.
Thank you, bikemig.

Saddle certainly has some heft. Its an original and survivor Brooks Swallow from 1958. Had considered using an Ideale 39 currently on another bike but this Brooks is racey for the drops and has patina to match the frame. The Swallow really isn't a cutaway and rather uses its leather as bridged and joined by rivet. Fortunately, it also has a reinforced underside. If without, this thing would be French toast. ;")

BTW: Do you still have that green Follis?
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Old 03-30-20, 11:32 AM
  #84  
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Originally Posted by crank_addict
Thank you, bikemig.

Saddle certainly has some heft. Its an original and survivor Brooks Swallow from 1958. Had considered using an Ideale 39 currently on another bike but this Brooks is racey for the drops and has patina to match the frame. The Swallow really isn't a cutaway and rather uses its leather as bridged and joined by rivet. Fortunately, it also has a reinforced underside. If without, this thing would be French toast. ;")

BTW: Do you still have that green Follis?
No, it was a 54 and I sold it. It was a repaint but likely 3 main tubes Reynolds.
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Old 03-30-20, 12:01 PM
  #85  
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That looks like a sweet ride! Well done!
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Old 03-31-20, 03:54 PM
  #86  
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According to one web page I found, Trim Line tires were made by Mitsuboshi. There were three tire makers in Japan in the 70s and 80s, Panaracer (really Panasonic or National), Mitsuboshi, and IRC. Only Panaracer survived. Tires are somewhat labor intensive, so the other companies lost to cheaper labor markets. They were all extremely good. We had Mitsuboshi tires here under the name of Specialized. They were light, reliable, had a good ride, and they had an extremely low defect rate. I can't remember a single defective Mitsuboshi tire, and I've had defects in most other brands, as I have a large sample size of many of them.
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Old 03-31-20, 04:23 PM
  #87  
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^ Most resourceful and thank you!

I've long had a preference for tires with Thailand sourced raw material of natural rubber. Without cost of production/ analyzing labor and material, these Trim Line tires are (were) great under the radar flyers. Would be a hoot if that tire test website tested vintage tires. Rolling resistance etc..

Perhaps its just luck, but it's scary how beautiful this bike rolls - at least on smooth road. Wheel bearings are silky and dialed-in. Tires are icing on the cake. Cheers~
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Old 03-31-20, 10:51 PM
  #88  
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Beautiful build as always Scott! Weight is good too. Clean and great conceptually. Glad it performs nicely!
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Old 04-01-20, 05:01 AM
  #89  
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Wow, that is came out nice! Time to take the skunk tail off, and tie a red bow on!
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Old 04-02-20, 08:33 PM
  #90  
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Nothing like a solo, peaceful ride through the forest.



Even at these prices, who needs it when riding a bike - cheers
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