"Tom Sherman" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
> Edward Dolan wrote:
>
>> ... The g.d. French, always a nation of whores, were in bed with Sadaam.
>> Anyone here still think the French are on our side?
>
> Here is a useful article for dealing with things French:
> <http://snipurl.com/c1x9>.
"French bicycles are often of very high quality, but they have their own
idiosyncracies and interchangeability problems. This article tries to point
out the pitfalls that you may run into in maintaining or upgrading a French
bicycle, and offers solutions to common problems.
In the great bike boom of the early-mid '70's, French bicycles were sold in
the U.S. in very large numbers, mostly low-end ten speeds with mild steel
frames, steel rims and cottered cranks. These low-end models are generally
not worth putting any money into, unless you have a strong sentimental
attachment to one. Such a bike can be suitable for use as a "beater" to ride
short distances, perhaps to the train station where you can lock it up
without worrying about theft.
Higher quality French bicycles, with cotterless cranks and aluminum rims are
usually worth restoring or upgrading. They are also often a good choice for
conversion for fixed-gear use. Unfortunately, some of the dimensions and
thread standards used on older French bicycles can make it difficult to find
suitable parts for repair or upgrading."
The above is from the Sheldon Brown web site page on French bicycles.
My first bicycle was a Gitane, a lower end model with the cottered cranks
and mostly steel components. I got it back in the 70's for $139. and it was
my only bike for quite a few years. In the course of owning it I gradually
began to replace every part on it because I wanted a lighter and faster
bike. In the process of doing this I learned all about French
"idiosyncracies and interchangeability problems", much to my dismay. But I
really loved that bike and I still have it.
The French are preeminent in the visual arts and so can often design very
good things indeed. However, this does not excuse them in the political
realm where they prove over and over again what dunces they are. The French
should copy the Italians more and forget about trying to emulate the
Americans, the English and the Germans. The French are more Latin than
Northern and it shows every time they attempt to reach for glory in the
political sphere. They should confine themselves to the arts like the
Italians do.
--
Regards,
Ed Dolan - Minnesota