Jeunet Captivante Restoration
 

Dropped off a Jeunet Captivante frame and fork at Southwest Frameworks and had a nice chat with Mr. Cheaklas today.

The bike: Jeunet Captivante 'gas pipe' straight tube frame. My guess is it's a Jeunet 600 (or lower) model. Unversel crankset, French threaded, claw derailleur hanger, Huret (I think) rear derilleur, and pictured below with Modolo Speedy levers from my Peugeot.

History: Purchased new by my father in 1973 for $135 at the Tainan BX (Base Exchange) while stationed overseas in the Air Force during Viet Nam. Bike was then transported by the Chinese Air Force (what a different time it was then!) to the Pescadores radar site he was assigned to. There he used the bike as transportation around the island. Once on his way to the site he caught the eye of a grazing water buffalo that decided it was anxious to meet my father resulting in an offroad excursion for my dad into a benjo ditch (the water buffalo was unharmed). When my father's tour was over he had the bike transported back to the states where the bike sat in storage until I took an interest and started riding it as a teenager in the 80's where at one point I was hit by a car denting the downtube and taco'ing the front wheel. After replacing the front wheel I continued to ride the bike until I could buy my own, a Peugeot PSN10, also under restoration, but that's another story.

The bike has hung unattended in my father's storage shed for the last 30 years or so. Time has not been kind to it. As my interest in cycling has renewed, due in no small part to no longer being able to run, and I've caught up on other bike projects, I'm moving forward with restoring the bike.

The bike isn't worth anything to anybody but myself and my father. I will travel down the path of a fool and spend exponentially more than the bike was ever, or could ever be worth. But she has history with us. More to come on this journey...


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ae8e786e68.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...785970e85a.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f4ffc3f68a.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d752bf9344.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c040d1c33f.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cdc70b7b29.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4c2ad3317d.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...48345e92ba.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...76c648432b.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b24eff486f.jpg

Yellow Bikes are Nice. Put 39,000 miles on mine.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dd5d7c323c.jpg

Nothing like a bike with a great back story.

Great pic! You've got the fast yellow! :)

When I was a snot-nosed, dumb teenager I referred to the Jeunet's color as 'cat-sh**' yellow. Now I associate all the memories with it and look at it with a reverence.

Funny how 40 years can change one's opinion.

9000 mile mark
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d8fb8dc71.png

This is a build thread worth reading. Great back story. Plus I love old French bikes.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...nch-bikes.html

Thank you for the link, sir, you hit the nail right on the head! The darn thing confounds me while at the same capturing my attention. And history aside, I have no idea why.

It looks like you're fixed for parts on this bike. If not, WTB in the CV for sale thread will help you locate any parts you may need. "Lower end" French bikes ride very well especially when they have have great backstory like this one does.

Original Component List
 

I used some steel wool so I could read the lettering on the components:
Universel crankset, cottered, ofc. (grr)
RFG bottom bracket (French threaded)
Huret claw derailleur hanger
Huret front and rear derailleurs (confirmed) though I can't quite make out the model
Huret clamp on downtube shifters
Racer centerpull brakes, I've never even heard of this brand
Gran Prix hard plastic shell saddle bearing the rash and scars earned by both father and son
Pivo quill stem, again, no idea and probably the only aluminum part on the bike

When I disassembled her in preparation for Southwest Frameworks I couldn't help noticing the lack of aluminum, almost all steel and all corroded and... loose ball bearings. I guess the kickstand is aluminum but I honestly don't remember it being there when I rode it and it couldn't have come stock, could it?

I recall weighing her on a bathroom scale back in the day and tipping the scales at darn near 30lbs! I did weigh the frame and fork before dropping off: Frame 2495g, Fork 840g. Yikes!

Other details, as mentioned, clamp-on FD and DT shifters BUT braze-ons for a frame pump (pump long lost I'm afraid but probably useless anyway) and what looks like spot welded cable stops on top of the top tube and chain stay. I haven't seen any other Jeunets with this setup, they usually have either clamp on cable stops or brazed-on the bottom of the TT.

I'm going to clean up, remove all the rust, and lube the parts because I think they deserve to be but I'm not sure I'm going to reinstall. I don't know the final build yet but am open to suggestions.

Finally, I heard from Mr. Cheaklas today and similar to my research, the head tube decal is nowhere to be found, just the chrome version that seems to be on the majority of Jeunets. I have some ideas, will need to get creative...

Anyways, pictures of really old and rusted parts for posterity. Will post the 'after' pictures at a later date.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...db306dd95c.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...70bfd19481.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...973e6279e6.jpg

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thanks so much for sharing this cycle and history with the forum!

fittings -

UNIVERSEL brand chainset is manufactured by the firm of A. Duprat

RACER brakes are a product of the brand CLB

pedals are Lyotard Model Nr. 36

RFG marking stands for the firm Roulements Freres Gargatte

front gear mech is Freres Huret model 700

rear gear mech is Freres Huret model Svelto

drive chain is likely to be SEDIS brand

https://velobase.com/CompImages/Cran...294E5A0B2.jpeg
https://velobase.com/CompImages/Cran...648BCB50A.jpeghttps://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fa41108cde.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d2dbbc304.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e31099051b.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d24dbb66e8.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d49a289a95.jpg

take your time and enjoy the process of this project. ;)

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Sir, I am, um, speechless. I mean, wow, just wow! Thank you so much for the info and pictures! Now I know what they are supposed to look like after rust removal and polish (and even disassembly!)!

I hate to ask but do you have any info on the 'Captivante' model? It looks like it may have been made in Dole Jura as printed on the head decal.

Again, incredible info, thank you! My father has no idea what I'm planning (he's 82) and I think he'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

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Captivante is a marque owned by Jeunet

in the U.S. it is pretty much unknown

it is widely seen in Europe, often by itself rather than in conjunction with Jeunet as on your bicycle

a wide assortment of models produced under the Captivante name: road, touring, juvenile, folder, tandem

can post some Captivante brochures...

the U.S. agent for the Jeunet marque at the time of your bicycle was a company called Beacon Cycle & Supply Co.


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Thanks, Juvela! As usual, very helpful.

I haven't found many references online for Captivante, mostly Franche Comte.

“The bike isn't worth anything to anybody but myself and my father. I will travel down the path of a fool and spend exponentially more than the bike was ever, or could ever be worth. But she has history with us. More to come on this journey...”


[/QUOTE]Investing in treasured memories and the delight your father will not lead you down the path of a fool. This bike is a perfect candidate for restoration. Great story! Looking forward to the results.

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1960's era headplate -

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...24de1ae665.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...77f0ba452f.jpg

late forties Super Captivante -

​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...4228&mode=view
https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...?id=394230&t=1
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...?id=394236&t=11950's Super Captivante -

​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...?id=401468&t=1
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...?id=401469&t=1
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...?id=401470&t=1

circa 1960 -

​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...hp?id=4814&t=1

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1973 Jeunet Galibier

domestic european model one step up from your bicycle

frame is constructed of Durifort tubing and the crown is forged rather than welded

​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...?id=405784&t=1
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...5783&mode=view
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...5782&mode=view
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...5781&mode=view
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...5780&mode=view
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...5779&mode=view
​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa....php?id=405775

model roughly parallel to the Gitane Interclub and Peugeot PA10 of this date


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Wow! I can't thank you enough for the information. My father will positively freak out when I show him all this! He's 82 now and has trouble moving around so it's great remembering how he used to tear a$$ around on this bike. :)

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1973 Jeunet - Captivante randonneur modele Nr. 105 -

​​​​​​https://forum.tontonvelo.com/downloa...p?id=57932&t=1(only image)


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UPDATE:

Got THE email from Mr. Cheakas last Friday, she's ready!!! Unfortunately, due to college visits for my son (sooo much more involved in college admissions than in my day when all ya needed was the app, transcript, SAT and DONE) I won't be able to make the drive up to Dallas until EOM at the earliest.

It's funny, the wait to this point didn't bother me a bit and true to my word to Mr. Cheaklas I never once inquired for status, I didn't want to be THAT guy. But now that she's ready this wait is absolutely killing me.

In the meantime here's the original build sheet order. There was quite a bit more info in the 'Paint Details' field but you get the idea.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a06bce793e.jpg

can't wait to see it assembled.

Of all the bikes that have passed through my hands, only one was equipped with a Huret Svelto. It was a Jaubert, purchsed at a White Front Discount store in the late 60s for $49.95. I got it second hand and flipped it pretty quickly. It was purple, had wing nuts and small flange hubs, nothing remarkable at all. As best I remember, the Svelto shifted pretty well, the freewheel was a corncob. I haven't thought about that bike in a very long time until I saw your Svelto!

This is a such a great thread. The receipt you attached for the repair which I copied below says that the frame and fork had minor damage from an "interaction" with a water buffalo. Inquiring minds would like to know more about the interaction . . .

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f67f8d38d1.jpg

Wing nut small flange hubs? Check.
Corncob freewheel? Check. (This cracks me up, I've never heard of a freewheel referred to as a 'corncob' before but it is oh so fitting)
Huret Svelto RD? Check. I didn't even know that was the model name until Juvela educated me. Memory is a funny thing, I hadn't ridden it since the 80's but I don't recall the shifting ever giving me any problems and working pretty well really.

When I disassembled her for restoration I was impressed with the Svelto's small size and simplicity, and seemingly devoid of any aluminum. :)

Recap:
"History: Purchased new by my father in 1973 for $135 at the Tainan BX (Base Exchange) while stationed overseas in the Air Force during Viet Nam. Bike was then transported by the Chinese Air Force (what a different time it was then!) to the Pescadores radar site he was assigned to. There he used the bike as transportation around the island. Once on his way to the site he caught the eye of a grazing water buffalo that decided it was anxious to meet my father resulting in an offroad excursion for my dad into a benjo ditch (the water buffalo was unharmed). When my father's tour was over he had the bike transported back to the states where the bike sat in storage until I took an interest and started riding it as a teenager in the 80's where at one point I was hit by a car denting the downtube and taco'ing the front wheel. After replacing the front wheel I continued to ride the bike until I could buy my own, a Peugeot PSN10, also under restoration, but that's another story.

The bike has hung unattended in my father's storage shed for the last 30 years or so. Time has not been kind to it. As my interest in cycling has renewed, due in no small part to no longer being able to run, and I've caught up on other bike projects, I'm moving forward with restoring the bike."

My father swears he dented the DT from the water buffalo incident. My, admittedly flawed, recollection was that I have that dubious honor from a Buick. In either case, although Mr. Cheaklas could easily repair the dent we elected to keep it as is. I know, we're weird.

The poor bike has been crashed by both father and son. Worse, my own son is champing at the bit to ride her. Hopefully we don't have a hat trick. Toldya we were weird.

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thanks very much for sharing this memory of your Jaubert! :thumb:

IIRC White Front originally had them at a price of something like 69.95 when some manager decreed they should be "cleared out" and the price was reduced to the 49.95 figure

ironic that your example purple. on a visit to the home of a local bike rebuilder friend ca. 1980 he offered me one he had which was also of the purple hue

the White Front chain closed in 1969-70

the location of the branch nearest me home became a furniture/homewares store

thanks again for posting ;)

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