1958 - Sala Brianzola

After so many years with racing bikes I am mostly excited by the unknown, those bicycles with the greatest research effort, the Sleeping Beauties.

Thus not many to nothing to mention about this find or Sala Brianzola so far.

Stay tuned.

1977 - Val Dieu de belge racer - Cycles Henrard

Of course all of you might remember those famous belgian cyclists like Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, Ric van Steenberger, Rik van Looy, Freddy Maertens, Albéric Schotte, Walter Godefroot or Marcel Kint, but in regards of belgian frame builders nothing to minor is known.

Yes, there´s Kessels of Oostende, who made frames for Eddy Merckx and Flandria or Arthur and Eddy Martens at Martelly who welded the team frames for Flandria of Zedelgem in the 1980s. But what about Plume of Gent or Cacles Henrard of Thimister?

For a long time this frame, labeled and sold by Cycles Henrard in Thimister, remained of unknown manufacturing. Due to other details the frame dates back to around 1977. Since there are no hints that Henrard made frames by themself I didn´t stop to search for additional information.

The story began in the late 30s with Arthur Maertens, an excellent rider from the pre WW I era who later changed his name to Arthur Martens, who build thousands of frames for various teams, and many pro riders. Besides Flandria team names like Cornelo & Concorde come to mind.

Round about 1980 his son Eddy took over reign and changed the name to Martelly. He is still in business building high quality hand crafted frames with Columbus & Dedacciai tubing.

Stay tuned to follow the re-build