Vintage French randonneuer's and porteurs.

For bike snob steel lovers - I think it is very nice and of course very well built, but I have to have a niggle at the price tag (that is getting lowered) if infact practically it would make any difference at all in the real world for doing Randos - especially with some load. I get quality and love something to specification and the diminishing returns it may result in.

The Mecadural above is for me from another world and would be nothing short of a monumental task to re-create - the price tag I think is very inline with today. To ride it I think would be one thing, but to have the space and just look at it and consider the period would provide immense joy.

This I think when all said and done could be "almost" replicated and the parts sourced with a fat wallet and patience. It's harder for me to see actually what and where is the actual fuss and financial justification of such a machine.

https://www.leboncoin.fr/ad/velos/2711779486

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Woz said:
For bike snob steel lovers - I think it is very nice and of course very well built, but I have to have a niggle at the price tag (that is getting lowered) if infact practically it would make any difference at all in the real world - especially with some load. I get quality and love something to specification and the diminishing returns it may result in.

The Mecadural above is for me from another world and would be nothing short of a monumental task to re-create - the price tag I think is very inline with today. To ride it I think would be one thing, but to have the space and just look at it and consider the period would provide immense joy.

This I think when all said and done could be "almost" replicated and the parts sourced with a fat wallet and patience. It's harder for me to see actually what and where is the actual fuss and financial justification of such a machine.

https://www.leboncoin.fr/ad/velos/2711779486

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The Singer is not to strong money wise at euros 2900
Pretty bike and colour. Nice build as well, good equipment.
 
grantoury said:
Its all in the name, I'd say. Would prefer the Meral myself.
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That is for sure. I like Meral a lot. The ethos of providing a fine hand built bicycle for the price of a mass production bike is admirable. Albeit an expensive one.
The federal bicycle is a great concept too.

I believe it's around 15-20k for a Singer now, from what I've read (internet articles so with a pinch of salt) you get the bike they think you should have, not necessarily what you want, if that's the case I don't agree with it at all.
 
Guinessisgoodforyou said:
That made me laugh, yes I do 😂
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Glad it did mate. It's good from time to time to show - at least what I think - the pick of crop from the "low end" to "high end" and all what is in-between.

40 - 80€ gets you something that with some elbow grease get's you a nice bike more than fit for purpose and will last, and can be replaced.
200 - 400€ with a developed eagle eye get's you well out the overpriced mid range dross to something rather high end. How much work
is required and being careful about each part and condition is the deal breaker. The choice and what is out there is great for a buyer.
> 400€ get's you very quickly in quantum leap territory and very quickly in utter bike snob territory these days; it get's all the hype and luxury and still I reckon even in this bracket real gems can be found.

Still think that Mecadural is worth every € in comparison. Why have cotton when you can have silk. Nobody puts a gun to your head to ride it.
 
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