My annual plea for "VALGAN" French bike info.
01-29-12, 07:10 AM
#27
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Valgan
I read your full original inquiry and I stand corrected on a few points. Yes they were AVA Bars and stem, Maillard Pedals and I forgot to mention those tasty Gold Anodized Mafac Competition Brakes. I'm a little rusty after all the years. I was the 1st shop with them as Tony Gance was a family friend. Quit my job as a Porsche mechanic to open the shop. Started with Valgan, great product but the supply was limited and delivery schedule unpredictable. Tony used the garage at his house as his warehouse. All the Big Name brands were taken by established shops, so to meet demand we added Jeunet, St Etienne, Mercier, Stella and finally Austro Daimler.Mid 70's was agreat time with an amazing bike boom and dizzying array of Euro brands to meet that demand.
01-29-12, 12:44 PM
#28
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Amazing bike, and so nice that every two years there's a new development to the story 
wonder what 2014 will bring! Any plans on returning it to original spec?
wonder what 2014 will bring! Any plans on returning it to original spec?
01-29-12, 01:00 PM
#29
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Love it, glad this thread gets zombied!
04-20-14, 01:38 PM
#30
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Valgan purchased 2nd hand in Pittsuburgh about 1989
I have a Valgan that I purchased 2nd hand in Pittsburgh PA in 1989. I have only ridden it a few times.
Jim
Jim
04-20-14, 02:21 PM
#31
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10-28-14, 05:34 PM
#32
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Picked up a Valgan 10 speed for $5.00 at a yard sale.. guy said it was a french bike and that I should take it and clean it up.. I said ok, then went to looking it up. I was so happy to learn a little of the history and now I'll keep it after reading this forum!!
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://s1374.photobucket.com/user/sonnyboy7777/embed/slideshow/Valgan%20Bike"></iframe>
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://s1374.photobucket.com/user/sonnyboy7777/embed/slideshow/Valgan%20Bike"></iframe>
Last edited by sonnyboy7777; 10-28-14 at 06:14 PM.
03-29-17, 12:05 PM
#33
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Your bike was likely sold at my shop Two Wheel Transit Company in Endicott, NY between 1974 and 1977. There were only a couple of us who sold them. The importer was Anthony Gance. Combining 1st 3 letters of his last name with his French Partner Andre Valenta and you get Valgan. Would love to share any info you need. I sold about 90% of those that were imported.
Hi RD! I remember your shop well. I lived in Endicott and bought a Vita-sprint from you. My brother had a Valgan. The Valgan is long gone but I still ride my 40+ year old Vita-sprint. I had you replace the wing nuts on the axles with Atom quick release skewers before I bought the bike. All my friends had Peugots, I wanted something different.
03-29-17, 12:14 PM
#34
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Your bike was likely sold at my shop Two Wheel Transit Company in Endicott, NY between 1974 and 1977. There were only a couple of us who sold them. The importer was Anthony Gance. Combining 1st 3 letters of his last name with his French Partner Andre Valenta and you get Valgan. Would love to share any info you need. I sold about 90% of those that were imported.
....and my bike still has the Two Wheel Transit Co. sticker on it!
12-10-18, 05:39 PM
#35
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Zombie thread rises again!
I just picked up this Valgan. Probably the lowest on the totem pole with steel rims and cottered cranks, but it does have Mafac Racers. It'll be a fix n' flip.
I just picked up this Valgan. Probably the lowest on the totem pole with steel rims and cottered cranks, but it does have Mafac Racers. It'll be a fix n' flip.
12-10-18, 06:17 PM
#36
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Best Thread!
This thread is just the wildest, coolest thing I have experienced on BF. The bike is just plain class! I would love to hear more of the story and see more of the bike.
09-20-21, 08:16 AM
#37
Newbie
Would love to have more info from you on the VALGAN bikes and your bike shop. I just picked up a white VALGAN and would like to get in back in shape.
09-20-21, 08:26 AM
#38
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Picture Assistance?
If you upload (larger) pics of the drive side, (the other side with the chainrings, gearing and derailleurs), to your Album, some kind soul will post them here for all to see!
09-23-21, 03:12 PM
#39
Newbie
Thanks for the recommendation. I will try to post more photos shortly.
09-27-21, 07:03 AM
#40
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Valgan history
Good morning. As to your Valgan; I was one of the 1st US dealers and can probably help you out. It's been many years, but I can still recall most of the model names.
Morlaix, Briancon, Fontenay, Vendome and Chambord in order of quality Morlaix at entry level and Chambord being their jewel in the crown.
Each was available in only a single color (if memory serves me). Morlaix (Can't recall), Briancon (Sky Blue), Fontenay (not sure), Vendome (White) and Chambord (Golden Orange).
They all came with some version of Simplex Deraileurs, Nervar or Stronglight cranks, Mafac Brakes, Normandy or Maillard Hubs (36h), and Ideale Saddle
Given the color, I believe that yours is a Vendome: Simplex Headset, Normandy Lux Hubs high flange 36h hubs, Ideal 2002 Saddle, Simplex micro-adjust seat post, Mafac Competition Brakes, Simplex Super LJ derailleurs and shift levers, Stronglight 93 Crank (52/42), Atom pedals and Full Super Vitus frame and fork, Simplex Drop Outs.
We sold these in the mid 70's, so I am really reaching back in my memory banks. I hope this is helpful. Feel free to reach out with any other question.
Morlaix, Briancon, Fontenay, Vendome and Chambord in order of quality Morlaix at entry level and Chambord being their jewel in the crown.
Each was available in only a single color (if memory serves me). Morlaix (Can't recall), Briancon (Sky Blue), Fontenay (not sure), Vendome (White) and Chambord (Golden Orange).
They all came with some version of Simplex Deraileurs, Nervar or Stronglight cranks, Mafac Brakes, Normandy or Maillard Hubs (36h), and Ideale Saddle
Given the color, I believe that yours is a Vendome: Simplex Headset, Normandy Lux Hubs high flange 36h hubs, Ideal 2002 Saddle, Simplex micro-adjust seat post, Mafac Competition Brakes, Simplex Super LJ derailleurs and shift levers, Stronglight 93 Crank (52/42), Atom pedals and Full Super Vitus frame and fork, Simplex Drop Outs.
We sold these in the mid 70's, so I am really reaching back in my memory banks. I hope this is helpful. Feel free to reach out with any other question.
Last edited by Piepoli1; 09-27-21 at 07:04 AM. Reason: Typo
10-21-21, 02:36 PM
#41
Newbie
Thanks for the advice. I have some new photos but I am unable to load them due to my 'Newbie' status.
10-21-21, 02:48 PM
#42
Newbie
Wow, That's great information and pretty damn good recall...
My Valgan has a 'Briancon' label on the cross bar so maybe a few came in white? I have it running and all gears working at this point. I owned an old Peugeot PX-10 and this bike seems to ride much smoother - It may not be a Chambord but I am impressed with it so far. I just need to do a bit more maintenance (like cables) at this point and it will be a reliable road bike. Appears to be all original with Nervar cranks, MAFAC brakes, and Simplex derailleurs. Will compare with your list to see what's what.
I will try to post more photos when the site allows me.
I really appreciate the info!!!!!
My Valgan has a 'Briancon' label on the cross bar so maybe a few came in white? I have it running and all gears working at this point. I owned an old Peugeot PX-10 and this bike seems to ride much smoother - It may not be a Chambord but I am impressed with it so far. I just need to do a bit more maintenance (like cables) at this point and it will be a reliable road bike. Appears to be all original with Nervar cranks, MAFAC brakes, and Simplex derailleurs. Will compare with your list to see what's what.
I will try to post more photos when the site allows me.
I really appreciate the info!!!!!
10-21-21, 05:00 PM
#43
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You can wait until you have 10 posts (max 5 per day) or you can open your profile and create an album and post here and someone will move the photos
10-22-21, 04:57 AM
#44
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Good morning. They must have come in white as well. It has been many years and my memories of my Bike Shop days aren't as clear as I'd like. Does it still have a sticker from the bike shop where it was purchased? Would be below the front derailleur.
These bikes had exceptionally built frames, enjoy!
These bikes had exceptionally built frames, enjoy!
10-22-21, 06:27 AM
#45
Newbie
Unfortunately, there is no shop sticker below the derailleur. There is a 'Tee & Ski Ann Arbor, Mi.' sticker below the seat above the front derailleur. I looked up the shop and it is no longer in business - I doubt they were selling bicycles? By the way, do you recall the approximate cost of these bikes when they were sold new?
10-22-21, 12:48 PM
#46
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Unfortunately, there is no shop sticker below the derailleur. There is a 'Tee & Ski Ann Arbor, Mi.' sticker below the seat above the front derailleur. I looked up the shop and it is no longer in business - I doubt they were selling bicycles? By the way, do you recall the approximate cost of these bikes when they were sold new?
Found this pic....
Tee & Ski, Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1977...... taken during a typical dark, dreary Michigan winter's day, it looks like....
I suppose, it was primarily a Golf and Ski shop.......
Last edited by Chombi1; 10-22-21 at 12:52 PM.
10-22-21, 12:56 PM
#48
Newbie
Thanks, I took some more photos this morning to prove I actually have a Valgan and also proving I can't take a decent photo... . Assuming I can replace photos if I get a better shot.
. Assuming I can replace photos if I get a better shot.
04-30-22, 06:41 PM
#49
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Just have to add to this thread (which seems to be the sole repository of any and all Valgan info)! I picked up a very rough Valgan this afternoon in Vestal, NY.
Not sure what my plan is for it....
Vitus 'extra legere' 971, Mafac Competition brakes, SLJ mechs (though inner cage is missing from the rear... :-(
Not sure if any of the wheels are original- maybe the front with the Malliard 700 hub.
Not sure what my plan is for it....
Vitus 'extra legere' 971, Mafac Competition brakes, SLJ mechs (though inner cage is missing from the rear... :-(
Not sure if any of the wheels are original- maybe the front with the Malliard 700 hub.
Last edited by ehcoplex; 05-01-22 at 08:31 AM.
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