Frenchie





Peogeot u08 bought in 1972 in NYC
original dropbar and stem
original save for the bearings
27in sunrim
27in sunrim
moxie
Brooks B17, orginal seatpost
MKS platform pedals,
10 speed with non original bits, Stx rear derail. just switched to winter tires.
My UNcle bought the bike while visiting my parents in NYC back in the early 70s. I found it as a frame and rusted out back wheel in a shed at my Grandmother's cabin. The frame itself only has three rust spots. When tuned the bike is smooth and silent; if something is loose or off kilter, the thing creaks like a pirate ship. Frenchie was my first project bike, and the first commuting vehicle I owned. I have built and given away half a dozen bikes since, but I'll always keep Frenchie.
The black bike lurking behind Frenchie is my wife's Raliegh. The first long ride we went on it threw her off, so it has always been called "The Death Machine."
With fenders, pump, tool wedge, and pannier Ferenchi weighs about 32#. But also cruises smoothest around 19mph.