[cr] Urago on Ebay

(Example: Racing:Jean Robic)

From: "Peter Weigle" <jpweigle@sbcglobal.net>
To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [cr] Urago on Ebay
Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 10:51:56 -0500


I agree with Dale, Uragos are special bikes! I can't believe more hasn't been said about them on this list. I am steward of John Fletcher's 1938 here in my shop and the workmanship is very, very good. The layout of the frame is timeless, no super slack angles here! John, who is no longer with us, ordered it new in 38, Gene Portuesi, of Cyclopedia fame ordered one also.Apparently they were friends and possibly partners for a short time. John put many thousands of miles on his Urago, he always said the frame was lively and spry!

I have another old French bike from the early 50's, when I ride it, and shift through the gears,( all three of them pushed by the cyclo under the chainstay) I try and think how excited the 1952 owner would have been having this great new technology at his finger tips(yesterdays version of ergo 10 speed if you will) and this great bike beneath him. I ride and enjoy it for what it is....... That old bike has taught me the true meaning of simple pleasures of the road!

If I need a 'modern' bike I'll ride something current and marvel at the new technology beneath me.

Back to the Urago, I'd try and clean it as Dale suggested and put the Tour de France back on, and yes change the rims. After that, ride it and enjoy it for what it is. Who knows, she may teach you the simple pleasures of the road.

Peter Weigle
Lyme Ct.