Re: [CR] Singer

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

In-Reply-To: <C595962B-AB6E-496A-BB5E-94229F482D95@optonline.net>
References: <88485.49963.qm@web63404.mail.re1.yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:08:01 -0700
To: James Swan <jswan@optonline.net>, Michael Thompson <meauxtown@yahoo.com>
From: "Jan Heine" <heine94@earthlink.net>
Cc: CR Main Address <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] Singer


At 8:02 AM -0400 10/24/09, James Swan wrote:
>I like the scene where Olivier is on his bike and your hear the
>distinctive squeal of Mafac brakes.

Please be more precise - the squeal of Mafac brake PADS. With different pads, Mafac brakes don't squeal.
>>A while back there was some debate on how to pronounce "Singer" as
>>in Alex Singer bicycles. In the news story on the Singer site, the
>>reporter can put all that to rest, if you care to take a listen.
>>http://www.cycles-alex-singer.fr/news/reportage-fr3.html

The tradition runs deep at the shop. In fact, Olivier stops at the same cafe where Ernest used to stop at his rides...

I love that frame he is working on - full 1947 specification with Singer brakes, 4-wire Cyclo derailleur hanger...
>>I wish there was an English translation of the video

Most of it is generalities about handbuilt bikes, the Singer shop, etc. But I love the old customer, who tells this story:

"Last week, a Jaguar parked near the shop. Some youngsters came across the street, and everybody thought they wanted a closer look at the Jaguar. But no, I was drinking my coffee (there is a cafe next door), and my bike was leaning against the wall. They came to look at the bike!"

Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
2116 Western Ave.
Seattle WA 98121
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com