Re: [CR] RFG components

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:10:54 -0700
From: "verktyg" <verktyg@aol.com>
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
References: <249DDD9704676C49AE6169AE3D2D9F4E02392539@Exchange-SVR> <AANLkTilPWEOH4zXAtEgYA0YGRYzsygH_7KDqC7Jvf0D1@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:
Subject: Re: [CR] RFG components


RFG headsets came on a lot of entry level French bikes during the bike boom years. We imported some from France as replacements.

Didn't RFG make those all nylon headsets too?

I put one on a bike just to see how it worked. It didn't! The balls dug into the soft nylon and it wouldn't turn. Maybe I did something wrong - maybe no ball bearings?

I remember RFG bottom brackets too and maybe some hubs but not cranks.

The BBs were pretty low end.

Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA

Kurt Sperry wrote:
> Here are a few ebay photos of RFG components:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/rfg-velo
>
> Kurt Sperry
> Bellingham, Washington
> USA
>
> On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 7:48 AM, John Hurley wrote:
>> This has been tried before with little success, but has anyone learned
>> anything more about RFG?
>>
>> CR List member Amir Avitzur has said the letters stand for "Roulement
>> Francais Garanti", i.e. Guaranteed French Bearing, and that they made
>> cranksets, bottom brackets, and hubs.
>>
>> The Speedplay website shows examples of pedals by this firm, dated from
>> the 30's and 40's, and states that RFG of Saint Etienne (France) was a
>> high quality maker that in addition to pedals also made bottom brackets,
>> headsets, and hubs.
>>
>> This firm is not to be confused with RGF, "Raccord Gargette Freres", the
>> French lug maker whose RGF in oval is often seen stamped in bottom
>> bracket shells.
>>
>> John Hurley
>> Austin, Texas, USA