A c1950s Jo Routens restoration. A replica Routens front derailleur, the fenders stays and the rear carrier was built in the Mariposa Bicycles – Bicycle Specialties workshop by Michael Barry. The frame repairs and paint were also done in the Mariposa Bicycles – Bicycle Specialties workshop.
In 1975, the year I met Mike Sr., just coming off a 6 month tour, I decided to buy a legitimate touring frame & Mike recommended Routens. After waiting several months, I decided to have Mike build me a Mariposa touring bike instead, using Super Champion rims & 650b x 32mm tires, an idea stolen from tandem bikes.
As a tip of the hat to Routens, the frame incorporated wrap-around seat stays.
This restored bike clearly does not have that feature.
I’d be interested to know when Routens added the wrap around feature.
Cheers.