[CR] Paris 1980's Re-Birth

(Example: Framebuilding)

From: "Mick Butler" <pariscyclesuk@hotmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Paris 1980's Re-Birth
Date: Sat, 29 May 2004 09:06:56 +0000


Hi all, Several people have been asking about the later Paris frames. Hope this can fill in a few gaps. These are the words from the Paris Lightweight Cycle Company press release February 1982 and March Cycling. The Paris Galibier is back. The unorthodox frame design as introduced by Harry Rensch of Stoke Newington, London in 1946, but the business folded in 1952. Now Paris enthusiast Mr. Michael Kemp. A Century club member has brought the rights to the Paris Lightweight Company. With Harry Rensch's former apprentice Tom Board now a frame builder for Condor Cycles who will be the main UK agents, they will produce the range of the Paris frames. The Galibier is an exciting cantilever design. It uses larger dimension tubes, with twin top tubes to provide greater strength. The overall advantage is a shorter wheel-base- 37" is possible-giving a stiffer ride. Harry Rensch pioneered bronze welding and lug lamination, and the Galibier model is a bilaminated lugless frame that "exhibits" excellent aerodynamics without the "whip" associated with current oval tubes. The only improvements to the original design suggested by the new company, is the use of Campagnolo ends and a micro-fusion fork crown. Frame builder Tom Board has also made one other important change. "The only thing different from the original (main frame) is the use of a steel called T45 (this has a breaking strain of 45 tonnes). This is used for the drop tube (vertical tube housing the bottom bracket). "This improves the design and is considerably stronger than 531, but twice the price". There was considerable further information on sizes, angles colours etc. It closes Michael Kemp said "The Paris Galibier is a beautiful frame. It is great to ride, very comfortable. I am delighted to have been able to buy the rights to the company because I'm sure there is a lot of interest in this design. The press release closes. In addition to the Galibier, we manufacture the full range of Paris frames, i.e the Tour de France in lugged or welded. The TDF is more conventional frame with an inch and eighth top tube. (Usual size is an inch). This frame is also bilaminated. The Professional and Dame will also be manufactured. Finally the directors are Mr. Michael P.Kemp, Tom Board, M.Young (Monty Young Condor Cycles), S.Mobley and D.Katesmark. Issued with the press release and catalogue were many photo copies of old articles about Paris/Rrensch from the British Cycling journals of the 1940's/50's. Interestingly in the Cycling of March 26th. it states that the Galibier had been in limited use since 1938/39 for both touring and racing purposes. My references Cycling March 6th.1982 frames feature and Paris Lightweight Cycle Company Ltd. Press release February 1982. Best wishes and be lucky. Michael Butler Huntingdon UK.

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