Yes, I've picked up another French bike. This one is called a Sutter and I'm hoping some list memebers can offer any info on the brands history and this model along with its' place in the line-up of the period. I'll get pics to Dale so he has something to post on his blank web page.
This particular bike appears totally original except for a replaced rear hub and rim. Other than flaking chrome on the rear stays, she is in excellent original condition. Frame is full Reynolds 531DB, 1/2 chrome on forks and stays. Paint is a pretty robbins egg blue. Components are very similar to a PX10LE. Simplex metal badged seatpost, Ideal 80 saddle with nice "Ideale" stamped in each copper rivit, Mafac Competition brakeset, Stronglight 93 crankset 42/52, Normandy Lux Competition hubs with Mavic Mod E2 rims (I'm guessing the rims are not original but switched from tubies to clinchers), Stronglight Competition headset, Simplex Criterium rear and Competition (non-push rod but real parallel arms) front derailleur, the shift levers are like all Criterium levers I've seen except are made from cast aluminium not chromed steel, nicely engraved Belleri bar and stem. The frame work is very nice for a French bike; very long point Prugnat lugs (I'm pretty sure) and decent brazing, paint quality, etc.
So, was this their top of the line bike or did they have better? Who imported them as I've never seen nor heard of them before?
Any info or comments appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Eric Elman "no I have not told my wife yet; the bike's still in my truck" Somers, CT
PS - Dale, I'll get some pics to you this weekend along with the others I promised recently.