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Ebykr celebrates classic and vintage lightweight bicycles through provocative imagery and opinion. Ride along with us.

Tag France

Bicycle Makers, Peugeot

Peugeot History: A Timeline of Key Corporate and Technical Events

Jacques Tati and his 1911 Peugeot in the 1947 comedy Jour de Fête

From a 19th-century grain mill to a record ten Tour de France victories, the story of Cycles Peugeot spans more than two centuries. This timeline charts the industrial milestones, technical innovations and racing triumphs that carried the Peugeot Lion from the steel foundry to the front of the peloton.

Eric Anschutz
June 27, 2026

Component Makers, Idéale

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.

Eric Anschutz
March 20, 2026

Component Makers, Idéale

Idéale History: A Timeline of Key Corporate and Technical Events

An Idéale 64 Cyclo-Touriste in tan leather on a chrome seatpost, its hawk bill nose and Croupon Garanti oval catching the light above the coiled rear springs

The history of Idéale is a century-long narrative of industrial perseverance and technical mastery that transformed a modest Parisian stamping workshop into the emblematic brand of the French saddle. Founded in 1890 by Jean-François Tron, this timeline traces its pursuit of extreme lightness through Duralumin and Titanium chassis and its racing pedigree under Marcel Berthet.

Eric Anschutz
March 20, 2026

Component Makers, Idéale

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 rodée 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.

Eric Anschutz
March 20, 2026

Bicycle Makers, Maury

André Maury: 28 Technical Innovations of the Bicycle Couturier

Prolific Innovator While the Golden Age of French cycling is often synonymous with the legendary workshops of Alex Singer and René Herse, André Maury occupies a unique space as one of the undercelebrated, almost unknown masters of technical integration. Establishing his…

Eric Anschutz
March 15, 2026

Bicycle Makers, Maury

André Maury: Bicycle Constructeur d’Élégance et d’Excellence

Setting the Stage When reminiscing about the crowded field of mid-20th century Parisian constructeurs, familiar names like Alex Singer and René Herse usually consume the largest share of the conversation. Their machines have come to represent some of the most…

Eric Anschutz
March 8, 2026

Maury, Tech Specs

Tech Specs: 1950 A. Maury Randonneur

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)…

Eric Anschutz
March 8, 2026

Component Makers, Mavic

Mavic History: A Timeline of Key Events and Innovations

Key Events from the Company To capture the essence of Mavic is to look beyond individual patents and witness a century-plus cadence of innovation that has pulsed through the heart of Lyon since 1889. While our broader retrospective explores the…

Eric Anschutz
January 26, 2026

Component Makers, Mavic

Mavic History: The Ultimate Guide from Lyon to LeMond

The Golden Age of the Yellow Diamond: A Mavic Retrospective To the enthusiast of classic lightweight and vintage bicycles, few component makers evoke as much prestige and technological reverence as Mavic. Familiarity, too. Established in Lyon, France, in 1889, the…

Eric Anschutz
January 26, 2026

Automoto, Bicycle Makers

Cycles Automoto: A Timeline of Key Competitive and Market Events

1913 Automoto Bicycle Factory Catalog Page 3 2311px

Cycles Automoto Timeline From its purposeful origins in Saint-Étienne, the legendary “cycling capital of France,” the history of Cycles Automoto is a testament to early industrial innovation and refined craftsmanship. Founded in 1889 by four businessmen who shared a passion…

Eric Anschutz
January 21, 2026

A monthly letter on classic lightweight bicycles