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.

1958 - RIH Super Legere

I´m not quite sure if  Franz Hamedl, who founded Radsport RIH in Praterstrasse, Vienna did think of his brand beeing in business for over 80 years? Unfortunately and due to the rebirth of cycling. But I´m convinced that RIH will be happy to celebrate 100 years in near future (2033).

Franz Hamedl in addition was one of the co-founder of Österreichrundfahrt/ Tour of Austria. From 1949 to 1995 it was a race for amateur cyclists, turning into a professional event in 1996. THus you can imagine that RIH lightweights were build for race and sports.

Luckily I was able to source this beautiful RIH Super Legere frame:

1958 - Dan Genner aka Excel Cycles Co., Colliers Wood

On Peter Underwoods really fantastic website I´ve found the story about Dan Genner and Excel Cycle Co., Colliers Wood. According to this informations the shop existed between 1910 and 1960 and was listed as a cycle manufacturer at this time at 90, High St. Colliers Wood. There should have been brazed some really reliable frames using Reynolds 531 tubes only.

While searching for components for my Hawkes Path Racer Project I came accross an eBay auction for this lovely Dan Genner frame and couldn´t resist.

Now this british beauty could give me many comfortable rides and has been equipped to may be mainly the original factory standard, as described in historic adverts I´ve found for Excel Cycles Co.

Bottom Braket: Stronglight

Headset: Brampton

Crankset: Stronglight Mod. 49D

Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Record, first type

Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Record, first type

Shift levers: Campagnolo Record

Brake Lever: Mafac Course 121 with NOS black hoods

Brakes: Mafac Racer

Wheelset: British Hub Company Airlite with original QR and Conley tubular rims/ Campagnolo Record with Mavic tubular rims

Saddle: Brooks Professional
Seatpost: candle type in aluminium
Stem: GB Hiduminium spear point
Handlebar: Binda style
Pedals: Lyotard

Frame tubing: Reynolds 531
Fork tubing: Reynolds 531

Anybody more familiar with the history of Excel Cycles Co. Ltd./ Dan Genner? Your comments and tipps are highly appreciated.

1957/58 - Bauer Weltmeister

Back in 1952 Heinz Müller became road world champion , riding a Bauer lightweight. So Bauer started in 1953 with the modell Weltmeister, using Reichel tubing in the beginning and since 1955 Reynolds 531 tubing.

Luckilly i´ve found a Bauer Weltmeister frame, witch i could date back to 1957 or 1958 following the frame number and some issues given in internet and from some friends. After some difficult search for components i´ve finished to build up this lightweight now.

This beauty is setup to original condition and equipped with the following components:

Bottom Braket: Bauer with Stronglight non cottered axle
Headset: Bauer
Crankset: Stronglight Mod. 49
Front Derailleur: Simplex Tour de France LJ Competition
Rear Derailleur: Huret Tour de France Louison Bobet
Brake Levers: MAFAC Course 121
Brakes: MAFAC Dural Forge
Wheelset: Normandy Pepperpot hubs with MAVIC tubular rims
Freewheel: 4-speed
Saddle: Wrights Olympic
Seatpost: candle type in aluminium
Stem: Philippe Mod. 75
Handlebar: Flandria

Frame tubing: Reynolds 531
Fork tubing: Reynolds 531