Paris Galibier - trying to dat

[DJFONTS]

About a year ago I posted some pictures of a Paris Galibier frame given to me from my Dad, with a view to restoring it.

Due to other commitments I have yet to do so.

I am trying to find out some history regarding the frame, however am struggling to find a good point of contact.

I took the frame to my local bike shop who suggested it may have been built by Condor Cycles some time ago due to the transfer on the front stating made in London.

I attach some photos and would welcome any help. I am planning to restore as a 2015 project.

 

[Ollie]

Rensch did build these frames in London both before and after the war. Without a frame number I cant say it's definite however I believe it original. If you plan on restoring I wouldn't bother repainting it, if it is an original model then its original paint is far too nice to remove. Its in really nice condition. Lovely bike to have .

 

[Midlife]

I'd that a braze on for a front mech? The pics on this tablet are a bit murky.

Shaun

 

[DJFONTS]

Re:

The frame number is 1114 shown on the bottom bracket and the fork. The paint has bubbled in place and the chrome has peeled so it could do with a spray. I was hoping to find a bit of history about the original colour, it looks like this may have be resprayed already.

It is a braze on front mech.

 

[OldTel]

Re:

Hi, if its an original one the serial number would make it pre war, so I think it would be a Tom Board build one, he worked at Paris, and later at Condor, Monty Young has the rights to the Paris name, and Monty started Condor near the Paris shop, hence the links. Always fancied one, enjoy the build. Terry

 

[DJFONTS]

Re:

Terry,
Just wondered if you had any ideas for the next point of contact to find out a bit more about the bike. Is it worth contacting Condor direct, or ire there any other websites?

Dave

 

[OldTel]

Re:

Hi, perfect next step, I've always found them helpful, they do realise the strength of having history. There is a bit on Peter Underwood's superb site thats worth a read http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/bu ... aris3.html, I hope that helps, report back on what you find out. Terry

 

[Pedalitis]

Your best bet will be to talk to the VCC marque specialist, Alvin Smith. You can read him at Alvin.smith(at)btinternet.com. It may well be one from the early 80s when Tom Board started building Paris Galibiers at Paris Lightweight Cycles. If the bottom bracket shell is threaded, it's likely from this era, rather than earlier. The early ones had plain, unthreaded BB housings to take a BW oil bath bottom bracket that simply clamped to the edges of the housing. The later ones also have slightly thicker seat stays, and the bottom frame tube is made from stronger T45, rather than 531 tubing. Either way, these are lovely bikes that ride well. Good luck with it. Bob

 

[lastpubrunner]

Your best bet will be to talk to the VCC marque specialist, Alvin Smith. You can read him at Alvin.smith(at)btinternet.com. It may well be one from the early 80s when Tom Board started building Paris Galibiers at Paris Lightweight Cycles. If the bottom bracket shell is threaded, it's likely from this era, rather than earlier. The early ones had plain, unthreaded BB housings to take a BW oil bath bottom bracket that simply clamped to the edges of the housing. The later ones also have slightly thicker seat stays, and the bottom frame tube is made from stronger T45, rather than 531 tubing. Either way, these are lovely bikes that ride well. Good luck with it. Bob

I agree with this ^^^.

As stated above, contact Alvin Smith - a very knowledgeable, helpful & friendly fellow.

I also think this is a Galibier that has been built by Tom Board - a highly respected frame builder. As Bob has also mentioned, the bottom frame tube will be T45; I'd sooner own this Galibier, rather than an earlier one, as I think it will be stronger and better built.

I'm sure that this is a Tom Board frame . . . did the early frames, have a braze-on for a front changer ?

It's a lovely frame - there'll be a few envious people on this forum ! Look after it - it's a highly collectable and valuable frame.

 

[Old Ned]

Unlikely to be an early one with those rear dropouts. Nice frame, well worth giving it some time and money.