I'm new to the list, so here's a little about me. I've been touring, commuting and riding recreationally for 30 years. I used to race as a Masters cat 3 and was a bronze medalist in the MN state crit championships. Over the years I've also gradually cultivated an interest in vintage bikes. I have about 15 bikes in my fleet and am especially interested in French bikes from the 1970s.
Of note, I have a 1972? Motobecane Grand Jubilee, set up as a racer with SC tubular wheels, a 1970 Mondia Special set up for randonneuring, a 1974 Schwinn Super Sport set up for touring and commuting, a 1978 Peugeot PX10, a 1977 Peugeot PRN10 (too big for me), and a 1972? Lambert set up as a single speed/fixie. I also have a repainted Flying Dutchman that is home to my collection of vintage Campy parts, a Libertas set up as a fixie and a 1996 Chris Kvale that I used to race. All of my bikes are riders, although the PX10 gets special treatment due to some slight front end damage that occurred on a tour from St. Louis to Minneapolis in 1986. All but one retain their original finish, but in most cases not all of the components are original, although I try to keep replacements period correct.
I picked up my most recent acquisition at a garage sale for $20. It is labeled "Arctic" and includes frame tubes with a triangular Columbus "3 tube renforces" sticker, chrome f+r fork ends, Campy dropouts, Wagner crown, and Bocama lugs. It's French threaded. On the seat tube there's a white panel with the name Arctic, world championship stripes above and below, and in small lettering the words: Custom made by Stella. The frame looks very much like the Stellas shown on CR, and according to the catalog on display, Stella did custom work using Columbus tubes and Campagnolo fork ends. I have no doubt that this is a Stella-made frame. My question is what is Arctic? A club? A brand name? Any insights into this question would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Pete Bernard
Minneapolis MN