c.1942 Rene Herse Tandem Project

Offers over £2750

Description

A rare opportunity to acquire a René Herse tandem numbered 2342 - likely dating from 1942. This machine is a stalled restoration project from a previous owner and is being offered exactly as-is. The frame and fork have been re-nickel-plated, but it remains an unfinished project.

This is an honest, challenging project for a dedicated builder to finish, or alternatively, a highly useful donor machine for someone in need of rare, authentic constructeur parts and frame components. It is not a candidate for a quick or easy show-winning restoration, but it represents a fantastic foundation of highly desirable parts.

For the purposes of the listing photographs, the components have been loosely assembled to show the general configuration and what is included with the project.

Component & Build Details

• Frame Sizes: 50cm (Front / Captain) / 48cm (Rear / Stoker) — measured centre of bottom bracket to top of saddle tubes

• Frame Number: 2342.

• Carrier: Genuine René Herse rear carrier (rack) fitted to the rear mudguard.

• Stems: Genuine René Herse handlebar stems, both front (captain) and rear (stoker).

• Cranksets: Genuine René Herse cranks and chainwheels are included.

• Saddles: Two New Old Stock (NOS) Selles A.M. leather saddles, featuring full alloy frames and rails.

• Brakes & Levers: Alloy centre-pull brakes paired with LAM brake levers.

• Mudguards & Lighting: Polished alloy mudguards/fenders, with a classic JOS dynamo rear lamp fitted to the rear guard.

• Handlebars: Polished alloy handlebars (front and rear).

• Pedals: Re-chromed steel quill pedals.

• Wheels: Rebuilt 650B wheels fitted with brand new Michelin tan wall tyres. Please note: The hubs are possibly intended for a solo bicycle rather than tandem-specific units.

• Gearing Setup: A Cyclo gear lever is present on the frame. No derailleurs are included with the project. Based on the frame fittings, it has been suggested that a "Le Chat" derailleur was originally fitted to the front. The frame features a dedicated rear hanger, indicating a Cyclo rear derailleur was likely fitted originally.

Condition Report

• Status: Stalled restoration project from the previous owner, offered in its current unfinished state.

• Sizing: 50cm (front) and 48cm (rear), measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle tubes.

• Finish: The frame and fork have been re-nickel-plated.

• Front Fork Condition: There is significant, deep corrosion situated specifically on the top of the front fork, on the right-hand side of the crown. This area is structurally compromised and remains present despite the re-plating. It will require professional metalwork, repair, or a complete replacement of the fork before the bicycle can be safely ridden. Please refer closely to the detailed photographs of this area.

• Assembly: Components are only loosely dry-fitted for illustration in the photos. Please review the images carefully to assess the specific parts, clearances, and general condition.

Viewing & Offers: This is a nice project or a highly useful source of parts for the right collector. We are open to offers over £2750 on this project. Please get in touch to discuss or arrange a viewing.