Dilecta - Road bicycle - Unknown

Ancient French racing bicycle Cycles PHILIPPE – Blois, second half of the 1970s, Reynolds 531 steel frame with brazed lugs, size 50.
Machine preserved with its original patina and numerous period French components, notably Stronglight crankset and MAFAC brakes, as well as a 5-speed freewheel and an old Bike Ribbon handlebar tape – Made in Italy.
The bicycle retains its PHILIPPE badge, a Reynolds 531 decal, and old Dilecta – Le Blanc and Cycles-Motos Bazire – Caen stickers. A stamped marking “70” is visible on a rear dropout, with no certain interpretation.
Old-state condition, aesthetically unrestored, with normal signs of age and use.

FULL FILE – CYCLES PHILIPPE
Blois – Handcrafted racing bicycle – Reynolds 531 – 1970s
Identification
Field Data
Brand Cycles PHILIPPE
Origin Blois (Loir-et-Cech), France
Type Vintage road/racing bicycle
Period Second half of the 1970s – provisional estimate
Frame Steel Reynolds 531, brazed lugs
Size 50 – frame size/measurement indication
Numbering Mark stamped “70” visible on a rear dropout; likely reading, function not established
Field Data
Drivetrain Stronglight; derailleurs Simplex/Huret to be confirmed precisely
Braking MAFAC, handlebar tape Bike Ribbon – Made in Italy, vintage
Decoration Orange/yellow paint, chrome elements, multicolor decorative strips
Provenance / seals Dilecta – Le Blanc and Cycles-Motos Bazire – Rue d’Auge – Caen stickers
Condition Old-state, preserved patina; not presented as restored

Identification and dating
Cycles PHILIPPE of Blois, Reynolds 531 frame with brazed lugs. The “50” is retained as size/measurement. The
“70” stamped on a rear dropout is a probable reading whose function remains undetermined. Estimated date:
second half of the 1970s.
Condition and precautions
Old bicycle with patina. Do not present it as fully restored.
CYCLES PHILIPPE – BLOIS – REYNOLDS 531 – HANDCRAFTED 1970s RACING BIKE
Rare French racing/road bicycle signed Cycles PHILIPPE, Blois, on a Reynolds 531 frame with brazed lugs.
Frame size 50. The “50” marking is presented as a size/measurement indication rather than a serial number. A stamped
“70” marking is visible on a rear dropout; its function is not established with certainty.
Old French equipment: Stronglight crankset, MAFAC brakes, vintage Simplex/Huret drivetrain to be confirmed, 5-speed freewheel,
Bike Ribbon handlebar tape – Made in Italy.
The bicycle preserves several particularly interesting elements: PHILIPPE badge, Reynolds 531 decal, Dilecta – Le Blanc and Cycles-Motos Bazire – Rue d’Auge – Caen stickers, original decoration and old patina.
Old-state condition, with normal signs of age and use. Sold in its current condition, without claiming a complete mechanical restoration.
Ideal for a French bicycle collector, admirer of Reynolds 531 frames and 1970s handcrafted bicycles.
Asking price: €1,090.
Sources
• Cycles PHILIPPE – official site: cycles-philippe.fr (has been active in Blois since 1974).
• Encyclo du Vélo – Philippe, Blois: encycloduvelo.fr/philippe/ (family history and artisanal/industrial production).