Got a (JP) Routens
09-05-19, 10:22 PM
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Got a (JP) Routens
I received this fillet-brazed Jean Paul Routens a couple days ago and spent some time tonight disassembling and cleaning the frame.
It definitely looks like an early or mid 1980s model, so built by JPR and not his father Jo. The tubing transfer says 531ST, which was introduced in around 1980, and the brakes that came with the bike are the uncommon MAFAC GT with the quick release lever, which were also introduced around that time period. Father and son Routens used a variety of styles of decal over the years - this blocky gold one I have seen on bikes from the 70s and 80s.
This one is built for light touring, with 3 sets of rear mounts and mid-fork eyelets. Some nice features are the brazed-on centerpull mounts, the threaded mounting hole under the fork crown for a fender, and internal routing for the rear brake cable and for dynamo light wiring. Unfortunately the original custom racks and decaleur are gone. I will clean up some of the other components and post more pictures as I rebuild it, and I'll also build new racks for it. I've been talking to @gugie's favorite bagmaker Waxwing about making some bags for it down the line.
It definitely looks like an early or mid 1980s model, so built by JPR and not his father Jo. The tubing transfer says 531ST, which was introduced in around 1980, and the brakes that came with the bike are the uncommon MAFAC GT with the quick release lever, which were also introduced around that time period. Father and son Routens used a variety of styles of decal over the years - this blocky gold one I have seen on bikes from the 70s and 80s.
This one is built for light touring, with 3 sets of rear mounts and mid-fork eyelets. Some nice features are the brazed-on centerpull mounts, the threaded mounting hole under the fork crown for a fender, and internal routing for the rear brake cable and for dynamo light wiring. Unfortunately the original custom racks and decaleur are gone. I will clean up some of the other components and post more pictures as I rebuild it, and I'll also build new racks for it. I've been talking to @gugie's favorite bagmaker Waxwing about making some bags for it down the line.
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09-05-19, 10:27 PM
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As far as what the original racks would have looked like - I found this picture of a very similar bike JPR made from the same time period. I love the rear rack - it keeps the bags low to the ground and away from the heels, and also serves as the fender mounting point. Notice the taillight mounted to it as well.
09-05-19, 11:12 PM
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That is a very nice thing!! I'm excited to see the rack build.
How does the dynamo wire go? Exits at the BB for an under-BB style generator?
How does the dynamo wire go? Exits at the BB for an under-BB style generator?
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09-06-19, 01:32 AM
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That's fantastic! I'm smitten. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. Do you have the matching rear MAFAC GT caliper? Will this require a seat binder mounted hanger for the rear brake?
09-06-19, 02:22 AM
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This is the kind of French stuff that lights my fire 
Awesome pick up - and you're right, the lowrider rear racks look cool and complement the front well. I wonder if a certain somebody on this forum could duplicate them for you - or do you mean you'll build them yourself?
This will be a build to watch.
DD
Awesome pick up - and you're right, the lowrider rear racks look cool and complement the front well. I wonder if a certain somebody on this forum could duplicate them for you - or do you mean you'll build them yourself?
This will be a build to watch.
DD
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09-06-19, 06:50 AM
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@gaucho777 Yes it came with the rear GT caliper. It was fully built as received but I'll be changing the cockpit.
@Drillium Dude I'll be building the racks myself from stainless tubing. I'm a welder by trade.
@Drillium Dude I'll be building the racks myself from stainless tubing. I'm a welder by trade.
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09-06-19, 06:56 AM
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I'm curious what went to the upper bosses on the seat stays and the lower bosses on the forks.
09-06-19, 08:03 AM
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Gorgeous bike...probably going to be awfully fun. So many ways to go with a build like that.
. It's pretty much a full-on camping bike!
09-06-19, 11:14 AM
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I'm curious if you have any ideas for the BB dynamo control lever boss. My Koga Miyata Randonneur has one too, and I'm definitely not using the old BB dynamo.
I've considered modifying a shifter to use for switching hub dynamo powered lights on and off.
I've considered modifying a shifter to use for switching hub dynamo powered lights on and off.
09-06-19, 11:22 AM
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One idea that I had if you're not using a BB dynamo is getting a top pull mountain bike derailleur from the early 90s (Deore XT or XTR) and shifting it using that lever boss. Could be a cool experiment!
09-06-19, 11:23 AM
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subscribing!
Dave’s fantastic to work with. You’ll love his bags.
Dave’s fantastic to work with. You’ll love his bags.
09-06-19, 12:09 PM
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09-06-19, 12:43 PM
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Whoa.
Sweet.
Sweet.
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09-06-19, 02:02 PM
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Can't wait to see this. Nice that you have a model for the racks. That is an incredible example of a French camping bike from a period not often seen.
BB generators were the thing then. Theoretically, it's still the best. No drag when you don't need it, and they work with light tires, even sew ups.
BB generators were the thing then. Theoretically, it's still the best. No drag when you don't need it, and they work with light tires, even sew ups.
09-06-19, 07:14 PM
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that's a very special bike !
Corey Thompson can probably build you racks from the picture. He'd probably want the bike for a week or so for final fitting.
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
Corey Thompson can probably build you racks from the picture. He'd probably want the bike for a week or so for final fitting.
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
09-06-19, 07:24 PM
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I'm equal parts really happy for you and extremely envious of such a special machine (glad I don't fit it!). Glad it's in your hands for the racks. Looking forward to seeing your custom build for the replacements.
-Kurt
-Kurt
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09-08-19, 10:11 PM
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Simplex controls.
I polished up the 26.6 JPR seatpost. It's a one bolt post unlike the more iconic 2 bolt JPR posts. Unfortunately it's going to be slightly too short for me so I will sell it.
I polished up the 26.6 JPR seatpost. It's a one bolt post unlike the more iconic 2 bolt JPR posts. Unfortunately it's going to be slightly too short for me so I will sell it.
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09-09-19, 05:44 AM
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Beautiful.
IIRC, aren't the non-marked Retrofrictions rebadged Simplex for Mavic? Not sure, but that's what I've been told in the past.
-Kurt
IIRC, aren't the non-marked Retrofrictions rebadged Simplex for Mavic? Not sure, but that's what I've been told in the past.
-Kurt
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