Re: [CR] Frejus Track Bike

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

From: "P J Rutledge" <prutledge1@comcast.net>
To: "Strickler, George M" <gstrickler@tulane.edu>, classicrendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <63905F71CF9A794F80217187D219FA4B0200E24B@EX07.ad.tulane.edu>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:57:45 -0500
Subject: Re: [CR] Frejus Track Bike


Hi George,

Nice bike! I have a '63 Frejus track bike with a serial number later than yours. There is a serial number chart on the CR web site at: http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Frejus/Frejus_serial_numbers.htm. Looks like yours is early '60s. You can see mine on WoolJersey at: http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/Pete-Rutledge-bikes/.

I don't recall experiencing the handling problems you mentioned, but it's been a while since I rode it. I'll have to check.

Pete Rutledge
Woodbridge, VA, USA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Strickler, George M"
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 3:20 PM
Subject: [CR] Frejus Track Bike


Several months ago a number of us shared memories of Thomas Avenia and of his shop in Spanish Harlem. I bought my first road bike from him in 1969. One of the things I learned during those exchanges was that Avenia had imported Frejus pursuit frames which he had the factory drill for a front brake. The bikes were intended for track racing and training on the road and apparently there were quite a few of them. I began casting about for one and a list member put me in touch with a guy who had one to sell. I finally got around to putting it together. It is in very good shape: patina but no rust. http://picasaweb.google.com/Choburger/FrejusTrackBikeII I've now put in a couple of hours riding it and it has a very different feel from the road/touring bikes I'm used to - very quick and jumpy on irregular pavement. I've seen many videos of track cyclists sitting up with no hands on the bars. I can't imagine doing that on this bike. I have to concentrate to maintain a straight line.
George Strickler
New Orleans