Kevin M’s Jeunet Franche Compte

Posted

This is Kevin M’s Jeunet Franche Compte.  This actually the second Jeunet Franche Compte we’ve had on the site, but since the last was Monday Market entry almost 3 years ago,  I decided that I would go ahead and grant Kevin the OTSG First seal!

This is the bike I use for commuting and grocery shopping. I probably use this bike more than any other, so it’s set up for comfort and reliability. The frame is pleasantly flexible and has generous clearance for 50mm fenders. The bike is usually equipped with a Carradice Camper seat bag and a bungie net. I picked this bike up at Chicago’s Working Bikes and set it up as a budget 4 season commuter. I slowly replaced parts with cheap stuff i picked up off craigslist or at swap meets. The velo orange BB really saved the bike though, I’m glad they started making them. After the original crank pooped out i tried to sell the frame, but nobody would buy…I’m happy it worked out like that.

Kevin M. Chicago, IL

    Specs:

  • Handlebar: Nitto Grand Randoneur 45cm with Salsa Goma Tape
  • Brake levers: Shimano 600; polished, logos and paint removed
  • Stem: Kalloy
  • Seatpost: Not sure, stock.
  • Seat: Brooks B17; special edition
  • Front rack; Jim Blackburn; with Wald medium basket and flashlights
  • Rear rack: Velo Orange(?)
  • Fenders: Berthoud 50mm; with homemade mudflaps
  • Tires: Panaracer Pasella 35s
  • Brakeset: Tektro Bigmouth 73
  • Shifters: Simplex; stock
  • Front D: Simplex; stock
  • Rear D: Shimano XT rapid rise
  • Crank: Shimano 600; 47/41
  • Pedals: MKS Touring
  • Bottom bracket: Velo Orange french threaded, 115mm

Thanks Kevin

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  5. Anthony L’s Campania Sport
  • mark lapakko

    How come I never find these?dec I want a vintage Jeunet or Mercier in 48cm. Nice bike.

  • older1

    That’s a nice OTS, Kevin; it looks great!
    Excellent fender-coverage, and the basket provides a convenient light mount, too.
    Also, I always like how aero levers clean up the front end of any OTS.
    Funny how enjoyably competant keepers begin as previously ignored orphans!

  • Mark

    I LOVE this bike! I WANT this bike!

  • Mike

    First time I ever seen a ‘Jeunet’
    what year do you think it was built ?
    1960s, 70s ? -looks great

    • Kevin M

      I think it was made in the early 70s

  • Gene G.

    Hi Kev,

    Came across your site by accident as I was looking to see if I could turn my ’73 vintage Jeunet Comte into a “fat tire” bike. I am the original owner and now at 62 years of age am looking more for comfort, hence the “fat tires”. It looks loke your bike might be the metallic orange color that mine is. However mine never had fenders or a basket. It is a nice looking bike and I had over the years thought about just getting rid of it but reading the nice comments by people I guess maybe I will just hang on to it, till I go to the velodrome in the sky. We have nice trails south of Chicago and perhaps the “fat tires” are not necessary after all.

    Gene G.