The additional pics reinforce my earlier opinion that this is late 60's/ early 70's French, probably Follis or Bertin. In that era on French bikes, the half-chromed forks and stays were seen primarily on models built with 531 DB throughout, or at the very least 531 DB main tubes like the Follis model 172. The French thread, added to the other details, makes it about 90% certain this is a French bike. The main drawback of this frame is that it clearly needs restoration, and It may be difficult to establish beyond a doubt exactly what marque and model it is. Some people would be reluctant to spend the money on a proper restoration based only on an educated guess as to marque and model.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
L Travers <lat7575@swbell.net> wrote: After three long weeks away from home, I was able to pick up the "Rapallo" I had purchased off Craigslist. As suspected by several listers, the bike is a bogus repaint. I did a cursory cleaning and found red paint under the black. What I found interesting is the fork is all chrome. There is a marking on one of the lugs "BCM", which is Bocama, is it not? Stronglight BB and unidentified headset are French thread. The seat tube ID is 26.2mm. Frame size is 56cm. The finish of the frame at the rear drops is smoother than that of my favorite Lejeune. Pics at link below in the Rapallo/Follis folder.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/
All that said, I did not buy the frame to keep. It has rust, but does not seem to be major. Chrome is peeling in some places and is lightly pitted. It would probably make someone a good winter bike or fixed gear. Spindle on the BB is Stronglight 118 and has seen some use. The bearings are kind of strange; they are in a race, but looks like it was made with half the balls it should. I would bet whoever will end up using loose balls anyway. Headset included also.
Free to a good home. You pay shipping.
To give the digest people a chance, the offer is valid only after the digest appears .
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Lynn Travers
Hazelwood, MO