Dale,
I was so intrigued by this bike - and so surprised by the
crankset - that I spent a long time studying the photos. Which
is to say that the chainrings _appear_ to be assembled in the
correct sequence. You have to look very closely as the shape
of the mounting "tangs" on the rings, as well as the munting
bosses on the inside of the crank arms.
Here's my theory: since there's no front derailleur on this
bicycle, the chain is moved from ring to ring - by hand - when
the bike is stationary. In this sort of situation, I think the
task would be more easily performed when the smaller ring is on
the outside. Also, is it possible that the crankset came with
only a single chainring and that the smaller ring was added
later? Or was there once a front derailleur that has been
removed and misplaced over the years?
Cheers,
Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA)
> 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
> --
> Ray Goudey Illustration
> 4017 Crescent Point Rd.
> Carlsbad, Ca 92008
> 760-729-8173
>
>
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