[CR]Favorite modifications

(Example: Racing:Jean Robic)

In-Reply-To: <CATFOODsGKeD59KuERI00000817@catfood.nt.phred.org>
References:
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 14:56:52 -0800
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Jan Heine" <heine@mindspring.com>
Subject: [CR]Favorite modifications

My favorite modifications come from the various constructeurs in France:

- Maxi-Car hubs with extra-large flanges riveted on. Advantage: You can replace spokes without pulling the freewheel. (Of course, standard 36 hole Maxi-Car hubs also allow this, with keyhole spoke holes...)

- Braze-ons for Mafac centerpull brakes. Looks a lot cleaner, works a bit better, weighs a bit less.

- Chainrest on frame, and modified Maxi-Car axle so it ends flush with the freewheel. Wheel removal is a snap (unlike other bikes with wingnuts, where the long axle end never seems to come out of the chain loop.) (See Vintage Bicycle Quarterly 1.)

- Simplex seatpost modified with internal expander. A Singer specialty.

- Wingscrews on taillights, so you can undo them and replace bulbs without needing a screwdriver (see Herse catalog from 1950s). Even better, some lights (especially fronts) had a holder inside for a second bulb. When a bulb goes (always at night, of course, because you don't use the lights during the day), it's nice not having to dig for the spare bulb and tools!

- The toolkit attached to the handlebar plugs on the Faure in Vintage Bicycle Quarterly # 2. It's just so cool!

- And to finish, an American one: Matthauser mtb pads in Mafac brakes. No squeal, great braking power, what more could you ask?

Jan Heine, Seattle