The german city Cologne is better known by the cheerful bustle of carnival then for sports and classic lightweights. But if lurking behind the facades of this bustling town you might come accross of some very interesting german frame builders.
Rudolf Faust and Fritz Köthke were two of these men who were closly associated with cycling.
Fritz Köthke, who was more merchant then a frame builder, had a little workshop in Colognes Niederichstraße. His lightweights were highly sought after in other european countries.
The future Olympic champion Toni Merkens was teached by Köthke, Cologne cycling greats such as Victor Rausch, Godfrey Hurtgen, Paul Oszmella used frames from Köthke. Arie van Vliet and Jan Derksen of the Netherlands, were regular customers also.
Because Köthke was actually a merchant, he shopped all parts he needed for his lightweights, but only in the very best quality he could get, especially from England and the United States. His brother Heinrich ran the velodrome in Cologne Riehl for many years
Fritz Köthke retired at the beginning of the 60s and his workshop was run by one of his former empolyees.
Recently I came accross this blue 1968 Köthke Champion. It has to be restored. Thus this documents the condition as found only. After restauration it will be set up with periode correct parts.
Bottom Braket: Stronglight Competition
Headset: Shimano Dura Ace
Crankset: Stronglight 93
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Valentino
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport
Shift levers: Campagnolo Record bar end
Brake Lever: Weinmann
Brakes: MAFAC Racer
Wheelset: Campagnolo Athena with anodised Nisi tubular rims
Saddle: Brooks ProfessionalSeatpost: steel
Stem: Favorit - a lousy Scheeren copy
Handlebar: Cinelli
Pedals: steel
Frame tubing: Reynolds 531
Fork tubing: unknown
