c.1942 Barra Ladies 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," and this ladies’ sporting frame—proudly wears the badge of Cycles' Delcayre of Paris.

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 52cm (20.5 inches) and the wheels are 35-584 (650B) 26" x 1.1/2". 

Some lovely French made components and accessories are fitted to the bicycle including: Simplex 4 speed derailleur gears, Stronglight cranks, Lyotard alloy pedals, LeFol brakes and levers, Lefol dimpled aluminium mudguards and head lamp, adjustable alloy handlebar stem, Ideale saddle, alloy pump and bell. 

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.

This is not merely a bicycle; it is a study in fluid transitions. Unlike the clunky, oversized aluminum frames of the modern era, the Barra-built Delcayre ladies bicycle retains a slender, classic silhouette.

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  Soudé-Brasé Artistry: The joints feature Barra’s signature smooth-fillet brazing, creating an organic, seamless flow from tube to lug that steel builders could only envy.
  
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  Engineering Foresight: Built for the "lady" 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.
  
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  Functional Elegance: Every inch of this machine reflects a time when French constructeurs led the world in cycling innovation.

From a private French collection of fine artisan built bicycles. See the other bicycles we have for sale from the same collection.