Toni Theilmeier wrote:
>
> Am I right in saying that in Europe in pre-WWII days, there were races
> to which riders were only allowed to bring their own saddles and
> handlebars? The rest of the bike would be furnished by a sponsoring
> cycle maker. I have heard that this method was used in the twenties in
> the Tour of Germany. Confirm, anyone?
Yes and no... the riders supplied their own bar and stem and saddle and the Tour de France organizer supplied the bikes, every last one painted the same yellow. No sponsoring bicycle manufacturer; that was the point. Desgrange felt the bike companies were getting too big for their britches so no Peugeots, Automotos, Alcyons, etc.!
http://www.velo-retro.com/
I don't remember the years when this "rule" was in effect. Anyone know? Anyone want to do the research?
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
.