DATE: 1948
COUNTRY: FRANCE
WEIGHT: 12,7 KG / 27,94 LB
FRAME HEIGHT: 60,7 CM / 23,9 INCH
GEARS: 2 x 5, Cyclo, Charrel
CONDITION: 2
- the firm Charrel was founded by cyclist Paul Charrel in Lyon in 1936
- the company remained relatively unknown
- this model (number 43) is a classic expensive example
- the tubes are fillet-brazed (soldered) without the use of lugs
- the most skilful technique of bicycle frame building
- the fork uses Charrel's beautiful spear-point head lug
- Bowden cables run through the tubes
- the tapered rear stays kiss the seat tube as they pass on to the top tube
- this detail gives added rigidity
- a Cyclo gear is attached to a neat braze-on via four small tube
- the ingenious alloy brakes (patented by Charrel in 1946) efficiently force the brake shoes against the rims
- the distance between the mudguards and the tyres can be finely adjusted by turning the threaded stays
- a classic French design from the heyday of bicycle craftsmanship

THIS BIKE APPEARS IN

- Cyclepedia - Tour of Iconic Bicycle Designs

RELATED BOOKS

- The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles - J. Heine, J.-P. Praderes - Vintage Bicycle Press - 2005

Condition report
Paintwork and general information:
worn principally at the cables, otherwise good condition

Gears:
soiled

Tubes /Tyres:
old and porous

Saddle:
leather saddle

Frame:
good condition

© Embacher-Collection, Photo: Bernhard Angerer