[CR] 1981 Period-Correct French seat pillar.

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:06:10 +0100
From: "Norris Lockley" <nlockley73@gmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] 1981 Period-Correct French seat pillar.


At first glance, so to sdpeak, there does not appear to have been an abundance of French-manufactured seat pillars available, but that is incorrect.

Simplex still made sought after pillars both under that brand name and the SPIDEL one. Stronglight also had a small range..and then there was the curious ones made for Routens under the JPR brand. The LAPRADE brand, quite innovatory at the time was made just outside Paris, and ATAX also had several models. There were also some very light fluted ones made by a smal foundary, Fonderie St Georges and machined by Lyon Raccords that were sold under a variety of brands including Vitus. I think that this company probably produced the Stronglight pillars as the factories ..or more appropraitely.. the workshops were about a 30 minute drive from St Etienne where both Vitus and Stronglight were based.

Huret did produce a version of the Jubilee gear for a standard braze-on fitting, but they are quite rare. Huret also marketed a seat pillar under its own name..but these are even rarer, like their chainsets and hubs....they had their own version of the TOUT MAVIC concept, but without the same degree of market penetration. Of course there was the MAVIV seat pillar but did that come on the scene a few years later.

Hope that helps Peter.

Norris Lockley

Settle UK