2011 called, they want their Porteur project back... 70s(?) Mercier.

Because I'm now very old and very lazy I'd love one of these with an electric motor hidden underneath the crank guard, and a battery stashed somewhere similarly hard to spot.

The concept of shooting up a hill, looking elegant and relaxed is compelling.

Panaracer Pasaela and Col de la Vie also come in some oddball sizes.

From ‘The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles’ book which is chock full of lovely French bikes and a few porteurs.
I’ve tasked my old man with trawling leboncoin.fr and the jumbles(when they reopen)over there for an original newspaper bag. Probably impossible but we’ll see.

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Place a wanted ad on Tonton Vélo?

Nice one, will look it up. My dads french is pretty good but might need a hand wording the ad correctly ;)

Sorry Versailles !
I should send them an email and see if they can give me some info.

Woot!

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Tease !

So, the torpedo hub is covered in grime so no date ti get that far along.
Tyre sidewall reads: (650B semi-confort) 26x 1 1/2 x 1 5/8 for 1 1/2 rim 44-584

Will trawl sheldon later but that means I’ve got the odd size right?

Rims aren’t too pitted and should clean up fine but will need a rebuild as a few dead spokes.
Chainring really worn out so will need replacing but everything else looks ok more or less...

Replied to your pm yesterday with tyre info and pics !
I've got a chainring that might be ok for you I'll have a look later.

Oh bril, cheers @Pathracer I did see your message but forgot to reply as was working at the time.
Info much appreciated.

this chart indicates that you've got yourself a pair of 650B/27,5" wheels, so lots of tyres choices

1st hurdle - find my 7mm Allen key which I’ve not used in nearly 10 years to remove the stem.
Cos yeah, that was a great design choice....

Not actually gonna do any more with this today, waiting on citric acid, clear turtlewax and a few other boring bits. As the front wheel, rack and front mudguard had to come off to fit in the car I’ll start with them.
Oh yeah, front axle is hench, 18mm track nuts!

This was my original chainring, I had the bb replaced with something more modern and a new cotterless crank. It doesn't really notice behind the guard. It's 46 tooth in fairly good condition, there's a locking on the back.
You're welcome to it if it's any good to you.

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Cool, I’ll get back to you in a few days once I’ve got the chainguard off. I’m aiming to keep as many original parts but will make a decision once the bb is out.
Really kind offer, thanks

Never seen that chainring/lock ring setup before, pretty cool!

Gave front mudguard a quick wash, the paint must have looked fantastic when new.
Cable guides inside the mudguard is a nice touch.

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Yeah, would have looked great. Im a big fan of the rat look though !
I dated my torpedo to March 1980 using this link....
http://www.torpedo-coasterbrake.com/sachs-spare-parts-list.htm

Removed and scrubbed fork and a few other small parts. If the original dynamo and lights clean up alright I’ll just leave them be. They’ll suck but chances are if I’m riding it in the dark I’ll just use modern lights anyway.
I didn’t know french bikes also had yellow headlights back then.

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First batch of polishing done today. Can’t be arsed with mirror finish esp on bolts etc but def an improvement..

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Minor progress aside from bolt polishing.
Front rack sanded and clearcoated. Will polish it and give another coat or two.
I didn’t go too mad with sanding it back as wanted to keep a bit of patina/traces of original paint. Rear rack is in better condition so will try and retain more paint.

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