[CR] French technical trials

(Example: Production Builders)

In-Reply-To: <CATFOODWN6Rd5z60Fn3000028f9@catfood.nt.phred.org>
References:
Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 12:30:14 -0700
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Jan Heine" <heine@mindspring.com>
Subject: [CR] French technical trials


There is too much to bore the list... Issue 3 of my newsletter will be dedicated to the trials. Photos, interview with a Singer rider, reports from "Le Cycliste," etc. In the Japanese Herse book, there are a few photos of amazing trials bikes. No complete bikes visible, just parts...

Constructeurs and fabricants (like Peugeot, etc.) entered bikes (separate categories for each), which were ridden by their riders, usually four stages on bad roads. Least points won. Points for weight, for anything that broke or didn't work, if you didn't make the average speed, etc. Bikes were very special, with every component reworked. Tubes were superlight 0.3 mm. Resulting bikes were more like 16 lbs. with lights, racks, fenders, etc. Not designed to last more than two or three events.

Hope this piques your curiosity even more...

Jan Heine, Seattle


>A couple of times on this list and in the Rivendell Reader you've mentioned
>trials where randonneur bikes were shown that were amazingly light (esp. for
>the time). I believe you mentioned something like 19 lbs complete with
>racks, fenders, lights... How did they accomplish this ? What "tricks" did
>the constructeurs use to make these flyweight bikes ? Ultra light tubing ?
>Aluminum tubesets ? Special components ? Were these practical bikes or
>pretty much "show" bikes ? How were these trials judged ? Do you have any
>pictures or info you'd be willing to share with the list ?