Yeah yeah, so the classic-looking randonneur style is probably getting a little tiresome, and many of these bikes are just different approaches to the same style. Over the past week, though, while reviewing Curt Goodrich’s flickr stream, I saw a picture of a little innovation for looping generator lights on the frame by using a small piece of a wire brazed onto the frame. It reminded me how ingenious this style is, how much thought and work go into creating a perfectly integrated frame like one of these. There is probably no need for me to recount the lineage and history of Alex Singer, one of if not the most renowned constructeur; a line which existed in France for the majority of the last century and which is laid to rest with the passing of Ernest Csuka. There probably won’t be too many of these kicking around, but those that do exist are a testament to the ingenuity and excellence of handbuilt bicycles, and the randonneur style in particular.

Full set of photos available on flickr.