c.1942 Barra Garin Aluminium French Bicycle.

A rare bicycle of the French "Golden Age of the Handbuilt Bicycle," the name of Nicola Barra represents the pinnacle of non-ferrous engineering. While his contemporaries were perfecting steel, Barra was an "Alchemist of Aluminum,"

This specific bicycle represents a partnership with Cycles Charles Garin and the bespoke engineering of Barra’s workshop.

The condition of the bicycle is very good. It has been well preserved and has been recently fitted with fresh tyres. Due to being in long term storage with the previous owner, It will require a good service and fresh overhaul to bring the bicycle to ridable condition. Frame is 56cm (22 inches) and the wheels are 700c tubular Picardie pressure rims.

Some lovely French made components and accessories are fitted to the bicycle including: Simplex Champion Du Monde  Extra-Legere 3 speed derailleur gears, Pelissier hubs, Stronglight cranks, alloy pedals with Duhalinox tow clips, Savoie/ Mafac brakes, aluminium mudguards and head lamp, adjustable hand brazed chrome handlebar stem, alloy pump and bell. Saddle is leather by Selles A.M with Duralumin alloy frame. 

Maker History

Nicola Barra was not a high-volume manufacturer; he was a technical virtuoso. Operating at the vanguard of the mid-century lightweight movement, Barra mastered the art of torch-brazing AG5 magnesium-aluminum alloy.

• 
  Soudé-Brasé Artistry: The joints feature Barra’s signature smooth-fillet welding, creating an organic, seamless flow from tube to tube that steel builders could only envy.
• 
  Engineering Foresight: Built for the "gent" who demanded performance without the weight of steel, the frame offers a level of vertical compliance and road-dampening often missing in later aluminum experiments.
• 
  Functional Elegance: Every inch of this machine reflects a time when French constructeurs led the world in cycling innovation.

Presented in beautifully preserved original condition, this Barra-Garin is a beautiful piece for any serious collection of bicycles or someone looking for a different work of art for a special space. It is a functional artifact from the era when aluminum was a "super-material," hand-worked by the man who understood it better than any other.

We are lucky to have two Barra built bicycles for sale from a private French collection of fine artisan built bicycles. See the other bicycles we have for sale from the same collection.