Description
Cycles Rochet
Cycles Rochet was a prominent French bicycle manufacturer established in the 1890s in Albert, a town in northern France. The company gained recognition for producing a comprehensive range of bicycles, from children’s models to high-end racing bikes.
During World War I, the company’s extensive factory in Albert was destroyed. Following this devastation, Cycles Rochet relocated its operations to Paris. At one point, they maintained a head office and retail store on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a testament to their prominence in the French cycling industry.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Cycles Rochet expanded its product line to include innovative designs such as tricycles and triporteurs (three-wheeled cargo bikes). One notable example from this era is a tricycle featuring two-wheel steering and equal-sized wheels, which provided enhanced stability compared to conventional designs.
By the 1950s, Cycles Rochet was producing top-tier racing bicycles. A notable model from around 1953 featured a frame constructed with Reynolds 531 steel tubing and Nervex Professional lugs. This bike was equipped with components such as a Simplex 543 derailleur, Mavic rims, Campagnolo small flange hubs, and Stronglight cranksets.
Despite their innovations and contributions to cycling, Cycles Rochet ceased operations in the early 1960s. Today, their bicycles are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts, and their legacy endures through vintage advertisements and preserved models.
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