This appears to be an early bike boom model from the very late 60s to early 70s. Many French bike makers produced amateur racing models which were basically their entry level bikes with racing geometry frames and sewups. The Gitane Interclub and Peugeot PA10 were examples of this.
There doesn't appear to be any kind of tubing sticker on the frame. This usually indicates that the bike is made with "gas pipe" or lightweight gas pipe tubing. The seat post diameters on these kinds of frames were under 26mm.
The Simplex ref 881-881B forged rear dropout were their least expensive models and lacked an integral derailleur hanger. The front derailleur is the standard Huret model that was also supplied with the Allvit derailleurs.
The silver painted "socks" on the forks and rear stays were inexpensive attempts to make the bike appear to have chrome plating.
It might be a nice riding bike but all of the components are low end.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
Arno Volkers wrote:
> i'm curious if this is a high end or low end Louison Bobet,
> okay, it has some crappy parts like the svelto derailleur and the succes front derailleur,
> but it also has got mafac dual forge brakes, ava rims and maybe gnutti hubs, but i'm
> not shure of that. the dropouts say "juy Simplex" and they look like quality to me,
> but i'm not really into french bikes, that's why is ask the experts (you).
>
> I havent got more pictures, this is what the seller gave me by mail, does anybody
> recognize the model? please give me some info
>
> http://www.wooljersey.com/
>
> regards
>
> Arno Volkers
> bredestraat 37
> 2000 Antwerpen