Hello, This is my first use of classicredezvous, so hope this is OK.
I am restoring a French racing cycle. It is an ELECTRA believed made in Niort .
L'Atelier Electra [Ets A. Gaubert] 11, Rue Solferino Niort France
I would like any information on this marque & AN OPINION OF ITS AGE. My guess is c1925 but I'm not an expert !! I CAN E-MAIL PHOTOS TO ANYONE INTERESTED.
Some details : Original colour, black. Head badge, enamel on brass. Long wheel-base : 1165mm [46"]. Shallow angles, & a long sweep on the front forks. Size centre-to-top approx 545mm [21.1/2"] Frame No : 06762 M. Plating is nickel, not chrome. Wheels are 28" x 1.1/2"-1.3/8" nom. size. 36 spoke Endrick rims. [Spoke holes in rim almost 'in line' - not off-set as much as modern practice]. Rear wheel hub is single sided fixed, with a flip-top oiler. Drop handlebars & stem are brazed together - no clamp-bolt - can't adjust the angle. Handlebar grips are wooden.
Front chain-ring is detachable from crank by a large locking ring on the inside. Steel cable operated brakes. Calipers are pressed steel centre-pull. Stamped 'Le Paid' (???). Saddle - 'Pryma.'
For readers of 'Pro-Cycling' - in the recent article on 'Eroica' there is a similar style bike. Page 86, black bike in centre of top photo.
Hope someone out there can help. I am - ROGER STEVENS roger.stevens@cummins.com GRAVESEND KENT UK