Unique Oscar Egg racer 1932

Unique Oscar Egg racer in fantastic original condition.

This bike has several features I have never come across before, like the Cobra tubing, and the 1932 Record derailleur, protoype for the Osgear/Super-Champion.

A photo of the riders in the 1932 TdF, members of the Touristes Routiers (who were allowed derailleurs) shows identical machines in every way, including the little alloy fender. I have no documentary proof that this is one of the actual bikes from the TdF but it seems highly probable.

No other bike of this type survives in the world to my knowledge.

More information about the Record derailleur in "The Dancing Chain" book.

As the patent shows (taken from Disraeli Gears), the bike would originally have had a lever behind the seat tube to detension the chain. There are traces of paint rubbing on the bicycle corresponding to this.

When the new Super-Champion sprung tension lever became available the bike was obviolsy upgraded.

As the derailleur fork works on the top section of the chain, changing gears required back pedalling, as on the Campagnolo Cambio Corsa... But the Oscar Egg Record pre-dates the Campagnolo....

All parts except for saddle, wing nuts (rear)  and tyres appear to be original.

The seal on the seat tube is from the customs at Riscontout (Risquons tout- Let's risk it), on the Belgian border near Tourcoing.

Historical bike from one of the very top TdF maker of the 30s, and one of the best racing bikes I have ever seen from this time period. It would be the pride of any racing bicycle museum.

The bike has a tax plaque from the 40s with a second owner's name of the time.