If your friend knows French or is going to learn some French for the trip t o try to converse at bike shops, he should learn French terminology for bike components. Seldom would you run across these terms in French class or a French book, so you have to learn them particularly. My first trip to Paris years ago, my French was useless in the bike shop because I didn't know bik e terms. On the other hand, if all you knew were the bike terms and little or no syntax, you could hold a pretty useful "conversation" at the bike shop.
I'm guessing Sheldon's site might have a list of cycling terms and components in French (with pronounciation guide?). If not, c'est incroyable.
Mitch Harris Little Rock Canyon, Utah
On 5/26/06, Peter Naiman <hetchinspete1@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> A freind from California who has just discovered vintage bicycles is
> visiting Paris this next week, and since I've never been over I'm not
> qualified to give advice as far as shops etc, to visit in the area. If
> anyone on the list has been over and can offer advice I'll pass it on.
>
> Best regards,
> Peter
>
>
> Peter W. Naiman
> Registered Ebay Sales Broker/ Trading Assistant
> Chairman-Larz Anderson National Bicycle Show
> Chairman-River City Vintage Velo Show & Swap
> Member: Cream City Cycle Club
> Coordinator- Cream City Cycle Club Century
> Glendale, WI 53217-5034
> Email: hetchinspete1@yahoo.com
> Phone: 414-967-0990