Jerry wrote:
> As I usually advise anyone who asks me about French bike values, a French
> bike has to be pretty special to fetch more than $500. Doesn't make any
> logical sense, but that is the reality of the market. Actually, that is
one
> of the reasons I collect more French bikes than anything else - they are
in
> my opinion under-priced. Bad if you are selling, good if you are buying,
> which I usually am. I think the hassle of dealing with Frech threads puts
> some off French bikes, and the lack of Campy mystique is definitely a
> factor. Even in the tiny world of classic bikes there are those who have
> the narrow view that "Campy is the best, period". Those of us who know
that
> that is, at the least, a simplistic view, can pick up some bargains. The
> Japanese appreciate the virtues of French stuff, but this bike is too new
> for their taste.
This bike likely doesn't have any French threads to speak of. The rear derailleur is the same as Campagnolo. The BB is a cartridge if it truly is an SSC groupe. If I am not mistaken, the pedals were all ISO threaded. This only leaves the headset as a possible difficult spot, even though I believe it is likely that they had an ISO threaded one on this vintage. Besides the Mavic headsets are among the most long lasting in the world, far better than anything of the same weight from Campagnolo (the biggest problem is their Mavic specific headset wrenches). I love the Mavic SSC groupe, but am not too enamored with the Mavic stems and bars. Having said that, I would be interested in finding a set of Mavic SSC bars from the early 80's to complete my groupe (the original bars were mangled after one fall, so I decided at the time to replace with Italian bars) If anybody has any 40 cm Mavic bars, please contact me off list. I can trade a set of true NOS (still in the sleeve) old logo Cinelli Giro D'Italia bars.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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