Most French bikes from the 1970's that I worked on had a wood dowel in the steerer tube. Not sure why, but a 25mm diameter steerer is pretty flexible and the insert would make it stiffer. Also, if the steerer broke it would hold the front end on, for a few seconds anyway.
Jim Merz Big Sur CA
On Thu, Apr 22, 2010 at 9:23 AM, Bob Hillery <rhillery@hawksi.org> wrote:
> I just ducked into the garage to check my recently rebuilt 1972 PX-10. Lo,
> and behold - a wood dowel up the snout!
>
> In all the cleaning & resetting headset bearings, etc., I just never peered
> up the tube. I have no idea whether or not it's original, but I got the
> frame & fork together and the wood looks old (well, not new - no color end
> stamp one might find on dowels at your local hardware), but as if it had
> been properly (linseed?) oiled before installation. It's not dry or grey or
> cracked.
>
> In any event, spent yesterday tweaking the der adjustments and will be
> riding this vintage steel steed in a charity ride this weekend from
> Washington, DC, to Gettysburg, PA, for disabled vets. Part is to raise
> awareness (and funds) for 'exceptional athletes', and partly to help the
> many riders who be on alternative rides (hand-powered, etc.).
> Info at http://www.worldteamsports.org and under 'Face of America.' ... this is
> not a plug - but, if you're in the area, check the route PDF & come on out &
> cheer -- I'll probably be the only one on a classic in the bunch.
>
> Bob Hillery (no team affiliation)
> Stratham, New Hampshire, US