Grant H’s 1973 Velo Sport Coupe de France

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When you hear the words “Coupe de France” you may think not of a prestigious European football trophy but an obscure bicycle race and well you should. Velo Sport’s near entry level model for 1973 bears a striking similarity to bicycles used in that event.

This example was offered to me for free along with a few other bikes, nothing particularly noteworthy. The poor thing had been cruelly immobilized for nearly thirty years, the result of a lost key. A minute or two with an angle grinder and it was liberated.

She cleaned up nicely and rides like a smoothly ticking time machine, generating much attention from people interested in such things.

No suicide levers, no reflectors, no stem shifters, no alloy to speak of and no concern for keeping the weight down. Heavy man. It’s equipped with early and naturally hefty Suntour components. The steel wheels are shod with the original white sidewall tires and are capped with strangely compelling shorty fenders.

It’s a much more attractive bike than it deserves to be and I’ve refused several fools with their offers to purchase.

You’ve a wonderful website and thanks for the opportunity to contribute

Grant

Thanks Grant

Related posts:

  1. Samuel A.’s 1983 Fuji Monterey
  2. Ayso’s Late ’70s Peugeot UO8
  3. Julie S.’s 1973 Schwinn Continental and Bonus Herculese HTF
  4. Larry B’s 1973 Sekine Medaille SHC
  5. Julie S.’s 1983 Centurion Elite RS and 1980 Takara Horizon Update
  • Matt K

    Wow, that’s a good find. Very nice.

  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    Very interesting bike, nice find (:

  • older1

    Nice clean bike, Grant! Obviously, it was patiently waiting for the right owner to come along!
    You know, a heavy OTS like an electro-forged Schwinn has an attraction, but your bike seems to do it with more panache.
    Removal of shorties to “save weight” would be an exercise in futility and would only detract from its overall appeal!