[CR]Velo OLYMPE

(Example: Framebuilders:Masi)

Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 02:52:08 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Norris Lockley" <norris.lockley@yahoo.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Velo OLYMPE


What I think you have there..or had there, Amir, before you so gfenerously gave the bije away, is a fairly good, if not very good frame, that has noth ing at all to do with the firm OLYMPE. I think that the frame has probably been repainted, and that the transfers are just a set of a non-existent bra nd, that can be bought off the shelf in most bike shops. There used to be a French builder called OLYMPIQUE...so maybe it's one of those and the selle r just bought the transfers nearest to that brand that he could find.

The frame looks to be from the 40s..maybe even earlier. The lugs..can't rem ember the name, but it begins with C or G, are excellent..there is a Wagner crown..this possibly puts the frame into the 40s, rather than the 30s..and there appears to be some strengthening tangs between the rear brake bridge and the stays. Al in all it looks to a very elegant frame.

It's a pity that you dont show the rear drop-outs as they can help to date a frame, and also the treatment of the fork and stay-ends can be helpful.

On another note the bars appear to be of the Pelissier or Azureen shape..an d the brakes are CLB or ALPS..again..making up a nice package.

Hope, that helps

Norris Lockley

Settle, UK