A dude called Spoke Sniffer has developed a reputation for finding an impressive string of obscure bicycles. When I started looking at his pictures of the details I figured these must be pre WW I or maybe shortly after. Look at the hand work in those tubes. I'd call them trailing arms but I'm sure that's not right.
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I just picked up this interesting pair of frames which appear to have been made in the 50’s for a Parisian shop by an unknown contract maker of much better than average skills. The first frame has more elaborate details such as the fork crown cuts, seat stay reinforcements and chrome socks. Both feature amazing elaborate box lining. The second frame is more pedestrian in details but both feature very clean brazing and construction details given the era. They will be left as is and converted to city bikes…details pending.
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What? The 50’s? I’m amazed.
Then I got to thinking, in the period I had guessed, things were mostly hand crafted, and the Industrial revolution was just gaining steam beyond textiles. The Great depression and mass unemployment caused many to get by from their old skills.
Cars were expensive and distances short in Europe so unlike the US, mass automobile production didn’t put a dent in the bike or horse as the family transportation. In the ramp up to WW II the US built an industrial juggernaut, to win the war in the Pacific, plus supply the Russians and Allies with much materiel. Post war that industrial juggernaut was raring to supply, or even create, mass markets. Of course there were devoted bikers here but for most Americans… Bikes? Sure after we move to Levittown we’ll buy one for Jr and one for Sissy.
How do you like my new Ford?
So I figure that’s why the old school craftsmanship was alive in 1950s Paris.
This whole diatribe is from my head and could be completely wrong. It certainly doesn’t represent the views of this site or the management thereof... therein... Toad.
I've been up for 39 interesting hours, the Everclear is working it's magic, so take it for what it's worth.
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