I dug up I would say a late 40's early 50's (judging from the huret components) touring bike. A builder I've been searching for information about "R. Tavernier" is written on the frame. I would imagine he was a small village frame builder who did not make too terribly many bikes. The components are unusable, and the paint has a bit of a rusty color to it, but I imagine it's still a gem to someone. Hand pinstriping down the tubes, a nice rack set with a front light cage, tempered fenders with a Soubitez Catalux 6 embedded on the rear one, randonneur(sp) bars, and the huret rear derailleur which had the chain similair to a three speed hub which i guess is an indicant that it was built around that time. I also believe that it is fit for 650B rims, but am not certain and by no means an expert.
My question is has anybody heard or seen of a R. Tavernier touring bicycle? I will most likely be selling this bike once I figure out a little more information about it. The only things salvageable is the frame, fork, racks and fenders. I put a new french bottom bracket and headset as I was planning to fix this up to ride it, but its far too small (48-50cm).
If anybody has any info on this frame, I'd love to hear more about it. Like I said I'll probably put it up for auction in a week or two. Also does anybody know roughly how long a fork fit for 650B wheels would be or if there is a way to gauge this? Thanks so much.
Ross Guillory