Hm,
Those bearings shown in the ad with the Alpin hub auction are standard cartridge bearings, and most definitely not the ones used on Maxi-Car hubs. And otherwise, too, they do not at all resemble Maxi-Cars. However, I think the sellers is indicating that these are similar to Maxi-Cars, but made by a different company. So the mystery remains.
I never have heard of Alpin hubs, but I do know of a set of Sifem pedals - they are on a Rene Herse from 1974 (which is featured in the next VBQ). They look neat - sort of like a TA pedal, but with a cage resembling a campy pedal. I don't know what is inside, but from the barrel shape, it looks like cartridge bearings of sort.
But I have no further info on these pedals. I asked Ernest Csuka, who
did not remember these. Where did you come across yours? Also on that
Motobecane?
--
Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
http://www.mindspring.com/
Bonjour Listers and Listees,
A couple of months ago I posted a question to the list about the origins of Alpin Hubs and Sifem pedals. There were no responses so I assumed that the CR Obscure Collective Knowledge Engine and Database (aka CR-OCKED) was void of any info on these components. I recently was able to solve the Alpin Hubs mystery, thanks to eBay.
Check out Ebay Item 3640470835 under Vintage Alpin Hub French. The seller claims it's a Maxi Car derivative and very rare.
BTW, I'm still looking for info on the Sifem pedals. Anyone?
David Allen Marietta, GA near the Big Chicken Owner of a $20 Thrift Shop Motobecane Le Champion with a $100 set of Alpin/Maxi Car Hubs.