Caminade: The Circle of Cycle

Hearing it might shock the average rider of your swoopy, parrot-painted Italiano-alluminio wonderbike, but many such bikes are actually way, way old skool. In fact they’re so old skool they still spell it “olde school.” Aluminum frames? Octagonal tubes? Coupled bikes that disassemble with a few twists of a wrench for easy traveling? How about…

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Gitane: The Dark-Eyed Wanderer

“Gitane” is an unutterably lovely word if you speak French, both in sound and meaning. It is pronounced “zhee-TAHNN” and represents the more romantic of the French words for “gypsy.” There could not be a more evocative or euphonious name for a bicycle in all the history of pedal powered transport.

Stronglight: Eyes on the Future

When first contacting Stronglight for information about the company, I received a charming but curious response. My requests had included, naturally, a timeline, a list of events the company sees as particularly important in its history, the position the company sees itself occupying in the present and future of cycling, a bit about its marketing practices,…

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Système D: How We Do Repairs of Steel Rims

“Système D” is a delightful “how-to” publication dating from the early 20th century in France. What started out as a weekly newsprint guide for metropolitan Parisians has since grown into a glossy monthly magazine now enjoyed by practical, resourceful do-it-yourself types from all corners of the globe. The term “le Système D” originated as a shorthand response to challenges that require the ability…

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Tech Specs: 1937 Caminade Caminargent Bordeaux-Paris

Caminade Caminargent Frame Octagonal Aluminum-Magnesium Tubes Matching Lugs With Custom Bolts Caliper Brake Bridge Fender/Rack Mounts Cable Guides Caminade Caminargent Fork Aluminum-Magnesium Tubing Matching Lugs With Custom Bolts Elegant Crown Caliper Hole Fender/Rack Mounts Stronglight Headset (French, 25mm Diameter) Stronglight Chainring (48T) French Freewheel (Single Speed) Caminade Brake Levers (Open Back) LAM Brakes (Sidepull Calipers, Brass Hardware) Caminade Handlebar (Aluminum) Caminade Stem (Aluminum) Stronglight 49D Crank (Aluminum)…

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Tech Specs: 1930s Automoto 650B Road/Path

1930s Automoto Road/Path 650B Bicycle Automoto Road/Path FrameAutomoto Raked ForkAutomoto Upright Handlebar (48cm c-c)Automoto Integrated Stem (30mm)Automoto Traditional Rod Brake LeversGloria Rod BrakesLeather Brake PadsAutomoto Fluted Cottered Cranksets (170mm)Automoto Chainring (44T)French Freewheel (18T)French ChainAutomoto Hubs (36H)French Rims (36H)Michelin and Olmo Tires (650 x 42B )French Double Sprung Leather SaddleAutomoto Rear RackAutomoto Ballon FendersFrench Rear Light Size: Seat…

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Tech Specs: 1950s Jo Routens Randonneur

Jo Routens Frame Legere Tubing Lovely Fillet Brazing Front Derailleur Mount Rear Derailleur Mount Rear Derailleur Spring Eyelet Inward Cantilever Posts Fender/Rack Mounts Internal Wiring Chain Rest Cable Guides Pump Pegs Jo Routens Fork Elegant Rake Stout Twin Box Crown Rear Lower Crown Tab Cantilever Posts Fender/Rack Mounts Rack Mounts Stronglight P3 Headset (French, 25mm Diameter) Cyclo Rear Derailleur (5…

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Terrot Poster Gallery

Terrot posters remain among the most sought-after cycling artifacts to emerge from the first half of the 20th century. Their unique blend of aesthetic appeal and commercial impact combines to form indelible images that stay with us for years. Here are some of our favorite and most memorable Terrot poster designs from between 1896 and 1953: