Bill wrote:
> The Singer shop in Levallois (western side of Paris; easy Metro
connection)
> is definitely worth a visit, IMHO. It is certainly one of the most
> interesting and beautiful shops I've ever seen and that covers a lot of
> places over the years. Unlike so many others these days, the Singer shop
is
> not given over to profiting from the latest cycling trends. Instead, it
> maintains a very narrow focus and is aimed without apology at serving the
> cycle touring and randonneuring communities. (Actually, there was one
Singer
> set up for racing when I visited the shop years ago; since its components
> were all French, it was interesting in its own way--but Mr. Csuka seemed
to
> pass it over rather quickly in favor of showing me the touring/rando
bikes.)
Back 20 years ago, there were about 20 shops on the Avenue de la Grande Armée. This is the continuation of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées beyond the Arc de Triomphe. They have almost all disappered now to less pricey locales but the last time I was there, there still were a few. One I remember in particular was run by two older women. They had inherited the shop from their father who had passed away. It was chock-a-block with ever imaginable part, from all eras. The first time I went there was in 1982 and I ended up spending the whole day with the women. I helped them look after a customer in a pinch by building up a set of wheels. They then gave me the full run of the place and then invited me for dinner. It was great to hear all of the stories from the pre-WWII years (the shop had been there that long!!) They sent me a yearly New Year's card until the sister I spoke to passed away some time in the late 80's. I spoke with the remaining sister in what I believe was the early to mid-90's for the last time. On all the following visits I only found a young shopkeeper who worked for her after that. I don't know if the shop is still open, but it is worth going to check it out. I can't be sure of the address or the address, but I believe it was Cycles Etoile at number 26. Another one just across the street is Cycle Boisis at about number 13.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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