| a typical "bruggsche fiets" that is a bicycle for Bruges made in Bruges. Although it is a mixte type, it differs from one made in Antwerp or Gent in that the two thin tubes are bent far down to make the frame more supple over the cobblestones of Bruges. Usually the thin top tubes are either straight as in Antwerp (brick streets) or france, or much less bent. Bought from a craftsman shop, one chose the frame fot color and style and then the other components as recommended by the maker. There was a large pile of parts on the counter; the maker then told you when to come back (about a week) to test ride and adjust as necessary and finally collect. This particular one, made for me in 1974, has aluminum fenders and chain guard, Mafac Racer brakes, Titan bar/stem, Ideale leather women's saddle, Campa Record 36 hole hole hubs (rear a track hub) with Mavic Monthlery rims, Stonglight 49D cranks with 46t chainwheel and 18t Regina freewheel, Campa Pista pedals with short touring strapless toeclips. It orginally had an Union dynamo and Aprilia headlight, long since gone, replaced with modern diode lights that at least work. This is still today, after nearly 40 years, my everyday bike for errands around town and even short evening rides. I have a second one, bought in 1986 and blue, with derailleurs but otherwise the same. |
