1953 - Lyonaise constructeur lightweight - Follis Loire Ocean

Follis, established originally in 1903 in the suburbs of Turin, Italy by Joseph Follis, moved to Lyon, France in 1922 after Mussolini took over power in Italy. They were known for their artisan approach, many patents and as a real part of the french constructeurs scene, gaining a particular reputation mostly for its exceptional finish, quality and reliability and in special for their tandems.

More on Follis history, its ranking in the constructeurs scene and a Follis Randonneur  you may find here.

Although it was possible to buy direct from Follis, they also used a network of distributors like Pithioud Cycles, a shop in Lyon. Some of you that are more familiar with the french constructeurs and randonneur scene may remember le sacoches Pithioud also. Their canvas pannier bags were very similar in kind and optics to the ones made by Sologne for instance.

My best guess is that this bike dates from the early up to the middle of the 1950s, when Jean Forestier was riding for the Follis-Dunlop team to a couple of stage victories and a couple of days wearing the yellow jersey in Le Tour. In addition Follis apparently started back than to use the headbadge seen on the steering tube on this bike.

Stay tuned to see how this lovely aged frame will be preserved to a charming and really aged ready-to-go racing bike.