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

1976/77 - Peugeot PXN-10/E

Every year the munich lovers of classic lightweights meet in Oberammergau . This year we had a solid rainy day and did only fleemarket and conversation and i´ve got this lovely complete original Peugeot PXN-10/E. I bought it from Peter Hopf - the bikebaron man - who got it from the fist owner since new.

This famous Tour de France approved modell is equipped with the following components:

Bottom Braket: Stronglight Competition
Headset: Stronglight Competition
Crankset: Stronglight Mod. 93
Front Derailleur: Simplex Super LJ
Rear Derailleur: Simplex Super LJ 1000
Gear Levers: Simplex Prestige Criterium
Brake Levers: MAFAC
Brakes: MAFAC Competition
Wheelset: Maillard 700 Team Professionel, MAVIC clincher rims
Freewheel: Maillard Special Course 5-speed
Saddle: Ideale 2002
Seatpost: Gipiemme
Stem: Philippe Competition
Handlebar: Philippe Professionel

Frame tubing: Reynolds 531
Fork tubing: Reynolds 531