Bicycle maker and wheel builder: J.P. Ryffranck

[v531xc]

Really cool to learn about this builder! thanks for sharing. I particularly like the yellow Toyota team van :-)

[DarkStar]

Awesome bikes, the equal to a Marinoni and quite possibly superior. Lusted after one for many years, hoping to find a used one in my size some day.
Back in the 80’s and 90’s Marinoni, Ryffranck and LeCroco bikes where the choice of local racers, the Ryffrancks being more expensive where not as plentiful as Marinonis.

[d_douglas]

In case anyone is interested, I know the owner and he’s a good guy. I’ve never seen this bike, but could if someone wants me to.

He has sold the group I think - just selling the frameset now.

https://www.usedvictoria.com/classif...-tube_32649359

[Joxster]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Bike stand mounted on ceiling..gotta get that done in my own 'garage' shop..great idea.

Like this?
http://www.bicisupport.it/index.cfm/...rticoli&id=359

[jet sanchez]

Originally Posted by d_douglas

In case anyone is interested, I know the owner and he’s a good guy. I’ve never seen this bike, but could if someone wants me to.

He has sold the group I think - just selling the frameset now.

https://www.usedvictoria.com/classif...-tube_32649359

Just pm'd you, thanks!

[William]

Loved that video the first time I saw it. Just an FYI for those that haven't found it yet but that video and others can be found on this page...

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=115890







William

[scopes]

There is one for sale on PB local to me, when I first saw it I thought it was a pretty cool ride. Unfortunately too big to consider with a 59cm TT.

Good timing, nice to know the history!

[mikemowbz]

Originally Posted by d_douglas

In case anyone is interested, I know the owner and he’s a good guy. I’ve never seen this bike, but could if someone wants me to.

He has sold the group I think - just selling the frameset now.

https://www.usedvictoria.com/classif...-tube_32649359

Frame set now sold. To me!

Columbus EL OS. I was pleased to hear in the video that started this thread that the builder himself considered this Columbus' pinnacle - I look forward to building up and riding, though I'm now in a bit of a dilemma having learned that Ryffranck was such a stickler for Campy and only Campy, as I've got an R8000 group that is a sweet match for the paint on this frame just sitting on the shelf earmarked for a project just like this one...

[d_douglas]

Originally Posted by mikemowbz

Frame set now sold. To me!

Columbus EL OS. I was pleased to hear in the video that started this thread that the builder himself considered this Columbus' pinnacle - I look forward to building up and riding, though I'm now in a bit of a dilemma having learned that Ryffranck was such a stickler for Campy and only Campy, as I've got an R8000 group that is a sweet match for the paint on this frame just sitting on the shelf earmarked for a project just like this one...

Awesome! Nice work and Justin will be please it sold relatively locally.

[mikemowbz]

Originally Posted by d_douglas

Awesome! Nice work and Justin will be please it sold relatively locally.

I travel to Victoria regularly, and arranged to pick it up outside Mount Saint Mary's after dropping in for a visit to my 94-year-old grandmother. So very local for Justin, and this thing will be on the road just across the water here in Van as soon as I build up a wheel set...

After cleaning the frame today and checking it out in detail, I am *very* happy with it. Will polish up nicely. 40cm EL OS chain stays (super tall oval section) should keep things stiff, but I can totally sneak a 28mm Conti in there with an R8000 caliper (though I do have to deflate the tire to mount the wheel, otherwise it bumps the seat tube before the axle is clear to slide up into the dropout!). Best of all possible worlds, tight and

Strangely, this bike is a near-copy of my 1990s Cyclops - fancy super-light 90s tube set, ridiculously tight rear end, substantial HT and ST extensions, everything...but the finishing work on the Ryffranck is more refined and cleaner, and with a slightly longer TT, the sizing is *perfect*.

Full disclosure, thanks are due on this one: I had eyed this ad repeatedly, but I wasn't interested in the 5800 stuff or wheels and so refrained from inquiring - your post here indicating that frame set only might be in the cards (which the posted ad never let on), and vouching for the dude, prodded me into quick action! So thanks, @d_douglas!

[d_douglas]

I love seeing things come together! Post a photo once built up...

[Clancy]

What a great video showing true old world craftsmanship. YouTube loaded a video on Vanilla bikes after so I watched that halfway and stopped, far too much bling and hype. In the video it states that Sasha in 12 years spent 15,000 hours at his workbench. I figured this out to be approximately 80 hours a week for 12 continuous years which I cynically and totally do not believe.

Maybe it’s my age, or my trade as a carpenter and furniture maker but I much prefer true draftemenship over what I see as I see as a focus on status, bling, and lifestyle.

J.P. Ryffranck, what a master craftsman.

Thank you for the video.

[mikemowbz]

Originally Posted by d_douglas

I love seeing things come together! Post a photo once built up...

Was just out riding this machine today and realized I never posted a pic of the built bike!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dEjzWeFb76Eu6ASN7

[Robbos]

Mr. Ryffranck passed last week at the age of 93. I spoke to him a few years ago when I rebuilt a 1993 SLX frame of his. He was able to dig out the build sheet and share all the specs with me. It originally was built up with Campy that, even as a Campy fan, was a low point for them. Rebuild it it with 9 speed Dura Ace and XTR 900 cranks and it has a lovely ride.
RIP one of Canada's great frame builders.

[Robbos]

Here's the current build. Lovely Henry James fork.