I have a Duravia frame. This was evidently one of a number of French companies with experience in the aircraft industry which branched out into bicycles just after WWII. My frame is aluminum and Ray's appears to be the same. I imagine "Dur" refers to dural, the aluminum alloy, and "avia" to the aviation origin of the firm. I have heard that there were some French aluminum frames made by aircraft-connected French companies evn before WWII. Ray's looks a very fine example, probably just post-war like mine.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
oroboyz@aol.com wrote: Very, VERY neat bike, Ray! Thanks for showing it to us.
I have never heard of that marque but obviously a pretty unusual early aluminum model.
Looks like maybe the chain rings were reassembled at some point in reverse?
No obvious marks from f. der mounting so I have no idea on that count.
I am interested to see what others say.. (I love this list just for such moments!) Dale Brown Greensboro, North Carolina USA
-----Original Message----- From: rgoudey@mac.com To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2007 4:32 PM Subject: [CR]Metal Aviation Duravia
Newbie question here. I primarily collect Balloon Tire bikes from the late 30's to the early 40's. But I am becoming interested in the touring bikes that era (approximately).
Getting to my question. I recently picked up a "what appears to be" a French touring bike. The head tube badge reads Metal Aviation Duravia. The seat and the grips were replaced as the brake cables and shoes. Any information about this bike would be greatly appreciated. Year made? It looks like early 50's ? Correct seat? Ideal...if so what model? Type of grip? Light? Is it missing a bezel? Would it have had a Simplex Front Derailleur? I have the aluminum guard that mounts to the chain ring.(not pictured)
Click on link for pictures.
http://homepage.mac.com/
Thanks for time,
Ray
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Ray Goudey Illustration
4017 Crescent Point Rd.
Carlsbad, Ca 92008
760-729-8173