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Re: Thanks dyna-ti for the info. I notice that these early 1900's French racers can be picked up for anything between £100 and £1000 and but this particular bike appears to be possibly pre- 1900 with an interesting spec for its time. Fella wants £1250!!! for it plus £200 postage to UK. Seems...

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Another picture

So would a French bike of this age with this type of bottom bracket be special historically? It has a head badge as shown below. Could it be an early velodrome or Tour de France bike? The guy wants alot of money for this bike so I need to be sure. Thanks

Re: Thanks again, well I have learned something new today and I agree, it would make an interesting discussion in itself. :D

I meant tension the chain. doh.

Re: On further reading and searching for information on the web it confirms AJMs response that it is an eccentric bottom bracket used to tension the frame and not a gearbox at all. Still very advanced for early 1900 surely? Thanks guys for your responses.

I have just read on the web that as early as 1898 these were designed so that the cranks could be lowered for racing and raised for riding on the road. Would be great if someone can confirm before I decide to buy it.

Interesting, thanks, Maybe this is not as early as it seems, I have never seen an eccentric bottom bracket on a 1900 bicycle. Or did they?

Re: According to the owner it has gear changing mechanics inside the crankset or chainset , 3 different positions are available? I too have never seen anything like it. The only thing I have found is that they did experiment on these sort of mechanisms in the very early Tour de France days. Any...

Re: Another picture showing the whole bike.

I have found a very early French 1900s racing bicycle that I am interested in buying. It appears to have a gearbox built into the bottom bracket. Does anyone have any knowledge on these? Thanks in advance