Eric Anschutz

Eric Anschutz

Idéale Saddles: Going Back in Time With Rare Company Photos

Postcard view of the F. Tron works at Pont-Saint-Pierre seen across the millpond, a tall brick chimney rising beside the three story mill building

This feature article provides an unprecedented visual window into the industrial soul of the Idéale brand, presenting rare archival photographs of the F. Tron & Cie and Tron & Berthet facilities and the generations of artisans who defined them. The images trace the company's journey from its hydraulic roots at a former wool mill to the height of its mid-century power.

Idéale Saddles: Behind the Leather Curtain

Daniel Rebour cartoon advertisement from Le Cycle in which two hands break in a cow like leather, promoting the Idéale No. 90 competition saddle rôdée main in steel or duralumin

Idéale saddles remain among the least understood classic bicycle components given their standout prominence and frequent exorbitant value. This feature unpacks the dizzying array of models produced under the Idéale marque, 82 and counting, and the collapsing French cycling industry that nearly ended the brand before its recent revival.

Tech Specs: 1950 A. Maury Randonneur

1950 Maury 650b Randonneur (4)

André Maury Frame #3603 André Maury Fork Cyclo Rear Derailleur (4 Speed) Cyclo Derailleur Lever (4 Speed) Le Chat Front Derailleur (2 Chainrings) Rosa Chainrings (Front: 48T, Rear: 30T) Brampton Course Chain (French, Half Inch) French Freewheel (4 Speed, 14T-16T-19T-22T)…

Bianchi History: A Timeline of Key Corporate and Technical Events

Bianchi 1940 La Bicicletta Tuttacciaio 1200px

A Century of Celeste: Key Corporate and Technical Milestones of the World’s Oldest Bicycle Empire From its modest origins in a Milanese workshop at Via Nirone 7 to the absolute heights of professional cycling’s “Double-Double,” the history of Bianchi is…

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