Raphael Geminiani Rare Road Bike 1960s

Raphael Geminiani was one of the strongest and most talented cyclists of the 1950s. This decade saw a renaissance of the once so successful French riders. Legendary athletes like Geminiani and Bobet were able to dominate the peloton once again.
When "Gem" started to manage his own team, it became the first to ride in the Tour de France while being sponsored by a non cycling related company. The aperitif St. Raphael became a main sponsor and their money famously enabled Geminiani to get the up and rising Jacques Anquetil into his team.
We won't begin to tell the storys of how strong a rider and personality Geminiani was or how great his influence in 50s and 60s cycling was, because there would be no near end to them.

Instead we happily present to you a very rare Raphael Geminiani bicycle from the 1960s. Its paint might be tad timeworn, but the components work as well as if they were new. And with its patina, the bike has gained some personality which resembles the one of its patron (saint) Raphael - Rough but incredibly effective.

The frame has been made by using classic French butted Durifort tubing and Nervex lugs. From the Mafac brakes, to the Normandy hubs the bike is thoroughly French built. All parts are of great quality and work flawlessly.
With its 1960s version of a compact chainset it is even capable of tackling some steep roads. Just change the freewheel to a 28t and conquer the white roads of L'Eroica!

A nice piece for collectors and a fine ride for riders.