What's so special about this bike?

[boyse7en]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROUTENS-BIKE-RANDONNEUR-...


Seems a huge amount of money for an old steel-framed touring bike, especially as it needs full restoration.

[P-Jay]

I've no idea...

I googled the brand and it seems they're now made in the US but were originally French.

Website's a mess, but I'm filing it under 'retro crap'.

[deckster]

I reckon he was going for $130.00 and missed the full stop. Seems frankly ludicrous if that's actually the correct price!

[DrMekon]

It's one of those french rando (audax) bikes that Jan Heine fetishises. Suspect a dentist in New England will be doing brevets on it in a few years when its restored, dressed in wool cycling shorts.

http://www.bikequarterly.com/books.html

Edited by DrMekon on Friday 14th June 15:24

[Roman]

Vintage Routens are highly, highly collectible, rare and sought after especially with the big resurgence in events and demand for 650b Randonneur bikes in the States and extremely rare in a large frame size.

For many years Routens was the only maker to perfect lugless fillet brazed frames and they are considered the finest of their type. Not saying it's worth that amount but if that's what you're into then that's considered the best bike you can get.

I had a steel Routens ex pro team bike from the '90s (French Chazal/Casino team - later AG2R). Full Campagnolo Record - fabulous looking & riding bike - wish I'd kept it!