Who Were C.N.C?
It is not a brand I’d come across before; that makes it often more interesting. This C.N.C bike is quite a stunning colour blue, and was in very nice shape when I acquired it from its original owner. He was an elderly man who hadn’t ridden it for years, but had taken care of it. Let me say for the record what a veritable gentleman that man was on our single acquaintance.
C.N.C. stands for Comptoir National Du Cycle, and although it sounds like some form of government organisation, it was actually a relatively modest cycle worship in the heart of Paris. It doesn’t exist anymore, as the company went out of business back in the late 1980’s. Near to the Gare Du Nord, on Rue Du Foubourg Saint Denis, the C.N.C. was owned by the Fletcher family, and according to the scant information out there, the Fletchers had connections to Scotland. The company also made the brands Thomann and Chaplait, which I’ve never come across.
A Simple but Attractive Frame
A Boutique Brand
C.N.C. bikes were not a big brand to compete with the likes of Peugeot and Motobecane, bought ran a small boutique business that would build custom frames and bikes for its customers. It had started before WW2 and had been a fashionable brand for Parisians who wanted a good quality bike, made to order. I think this blue is one of the motifs of the marque, and there are other examples of the C.N.C. Special of the same colour on forums, especially French ones, like this sad example of a similar bike here. Because they were custom made, every bike would have been built differently, making this one unique in its own way. This bike of mine would have been built near the end of the company’s existence, when competition from abroad would have made it a very difficult market to compete in.
Stronglight 104
Who Was Raymond Fletcher?
From the veloretrocourse.com website:
Les vélos vendus sous la marque Spécial CNC étaient des vélos de course fabriqués sur mesure et de très bonne qualité.
The bikes sold under the brand of C.N.C. Special were made to measure and of very good quality.
Raymond Fletcher began building frames in 1936, and created the C.N.C. company with its other brands with an associate called Ducret. At the time when my C.N.C. was built, Fletcher would have been around 83 years old, and considered one of the best bike artisans in France. Of all the 63 people working for the Fletcher company, only five were allowed to build the frames, and out of those five, only three were allowed to build C.N.C. frames. One of those three was Ducret, who had worked in the frame shop for over 25 years. They only used Reynolds tubing for their frames, though the decal is no longer present on my bike. Taking great pride in his work, Fletcher stopped building frames only in is mid 70’s, but continued teaching the “Fletcher Way”, applying his techniques and high standards to other builders in his workshop.
Unknown in America
You’d be hard pressed to find a C.N.C. frame in the United States. It is claimed that none were exported there because of the language barrier, but also because C.N.C. bikes were utilitarian and functional, which didn’t suit the American taste for bikes. I don’t know if this accounts for the decals on my frame being basic stickers, stuck onto the tubes. If you also look at the lugs on the frame, these too are very simple but don’t detract from the clean lines and unfussy elegance of the frame. I guess there was huge competition in the export of bikes to the States back then, and perhaps Fletcher wasn’t into the idea of empire building. Perhaps his modesty, reflected in his choice not to export, was reflected in the simple elegance of the frames themselves. I like that idea; I imagine a man who loved cycling, who was a cycling fanatic himself, and declined the idea of mass producing to the States.
Its Value?
It’s a collector’s bike. I imagine that it isn’t easy to find a C.N.C.Special in the UK, as none were exported there too. It’s also a custom built frame, and Fletcher made a point in building bikes that rode straight, making it also clear in an interview that he didn’t like the steep geometry of racing bike frames being built in the 1970’s. I believe this would be a very comfortable ride, though it is too small for me so I can’t really test ride it properly. I love the colour and its simplicity; the fact that it was built on the outskirts of Paris by a boutique frame builder; that it was built by a firm which was run by bike-lovers, experts and aficionados, most of all under the watchful eye of Raymond Fletcher, bike guru of his era.
Specs:
- C.N.C. Special, 1982?
- 54.5cm Frame Centre to Top
- 54.5cm Top Tube, Centre to Centre
- No Serial Number
- Gipiemme Rear Drop Outs
- Reynolds 531 Frame
- Frame Weight, Including Headset and BB: 3844 grams
- Litespeed Headset
- Unbranded Bottom Bracket
- Stronglight 104 Double Crankset 50/41
- RIgida/ Normandy Luxe Clincher Wheelset
- CLB Brakes
- Selle Italia Suede Saddle ( Not Pictured )
- Huret Eco Transmission
- Belleri Stem
- Cosmos Handlebars
- Hutchinson 700 x 22 Tyres
- Lyotard 460D Pedals
Thank you for your post. I’m glad to find someone with same vintage bike as me.Your post allowed me to identify my bike.
If you have more information about this bike can you share it with me? Thanks Marco
I found a C.N.C bike at a garage sale last week. I don’t know the size, but I normally ride a 26″ and this appears to be the same. I didn’t buy it, it was priced at $175, but not knowing until now what it was, I couldn’t buy it. I believe it will be available this weekend if it wasn’t sold last week, and this week it will be 30 percent off. If I obtain this bike, how could I sell it to make a profit? I may go through it and see if all is well first, and perhaps ride it on a test. How can I tell how old it is? I can send you pics of it, as I took some at the sale for research purposes. There was also another bike with it, and the brand on it was BIANCHI BACKSTREET, do you know about this one? Send me an email and I’ll send you pics.
Hi
It depends on what components and what condition the bike is in, and without pictures it’s impossible to say what it’s worth. A good way to date it is by identifying its components and the frame details, like braze-on mounting and decals. C.N.C. made some lovely bikes and it could be collectible, so it’s definitely worth it if it’s in good condition. You can send pictures to me at: [email protected]
I have a CNC Special, I got as a kid in the late 70’s. I was wondering if you could tell me, what it might be worth? Send me a email and I will send a picture. It’s in good shape. Thanks for your time. Mike
Hi Mike, please send you pictures to: [email protected] Thanks.
I purchased a CNC, built to order, state of the art, down to the spokes, in the Paris shop in June, 1963. That summer I rode it over a couple of Swiss mountain passes (Grimsel and Simplon), and traveled on it quite a bit in Europe. It was wonderful to ride, and eventually I brought it home to California, where I continued to ride it. It now needs an overhaul. The frame is Reynolds 531, and it has Mafac brakes, Brooks saddle, Campagnolo hubs, Simplex plastic derailleur (new at the time), and a light but very sturdy luggage rack ideal for traveling. Information on sources for parts, and for that matter what it’s worth would be appreciated.
Hi Peter
Your CNC sounds like a fantastic bike, and pretty rare being built to order from the 1960’s. Do you have a picture of it? I would love to see it, you can send any photos to: [email protected]
As far as valuing it, it is difficult to say; CNC were not exported to the US like Peugeots or Motobecanes, making them more obscure and a connoisseur’s find. I imagine it could sell for $750 in the US, and for £350 – £450 here in the UK, but it’s hard to say exactly.
The best place to look for parts is on Ebay, but you can also try Hilary Stone too.
Cheers
Dominic
In the mid 1950s my father brought home a Campagnolo lightweight bike that he had bought from a “cycling nut” who worked with him as an experimental fitter in an aircraft establishment in Hertfordshire. The price was 6 UK pounds. His friend had just updated to the latest Italian Campagnolo.
That bike had the most artistic and fancy lugs I have ever seen. It had a three gear group set with a fixed wheel alternative on the opposite side of the rear wheel which I used for some time before converting back to the gearset.
The other very definite feature of the frame was that the rear brake cable ran into a small tube inside the top tube giving a very neat appearance to the whole bike. Many years later I saw the old bike in my sister’s shed and the aluminium wheels and other fittings were all corroding into a white powder. I did not try to re obtain the bike because my father was still alive and he had used it until he retired to travel two miles to and from work and my sister said it was his. When I inquired some years later she had given it away.
I was sad at that for it was the only bike I ever had that I could steer when walking with a two finger grip on the rear of the saddle. It was that well balanced. My current ( I am seventy eight) bike is a Habanero titanium cyclo cross/touring bike and I took an entry level Kona mountain bike on a road tour of parts of Norway, Sweden and Denmark this year but neither bike lives up to my old boyhood Campagnolo.
Do you know this definitive Campagnolo model which I guess to be about 1954 vintage.
Regards …. Stan Lusby
50 Haven Street
Moeraki
Otago
New Zealand
Hello Stan
Thank you very much for your interesting story of your old bike, it was obviously a special bike and it’s a real shame it was never passed down to you. I like the very tangible way you describe how it felt so balanced, by steering it with just two fingers as you walked!
It is very difficult to guess the identity of the bike, and I am not an expert on bikes of the 1950’s. Do you think it could have been a British bike, or perhaps a French or Italian brand? Campagnolo never built frames, but were the makers of the highest quality components of the time. Did the frame have a Reynolds tubing sticker? I’m asking more questions than you did in your enquiry, I know, but it helps with any further clues to its identity.
Being a three speed and having an internally routed brake cable, as well as a three speed gear set-up could provide more clues to anyone who reads your comment and remembers such an interesting bike.
Best wishes
Dominic
Hi Dominic,
Thanks for the CNC story. What is not very well known, the Special CNC bikes were very popular in eastern block countries in ’60, ’70 and ’80 as quality racing bikes ( better than Favorit Special czech bikes). Many medals are hanging on the walls because of them ( I have three gold medals in national championship). In my club in the ’80 we had mostly Special CNC bikes. They were metallic dark blue colour with Campagnolo Record components and Mafac brakes. Now I only ride for pleasure and collect old bikes. I have 4 x CNC bikes from ’50 and ’60 models to restore in working conditions. And even one CNC bike from the ’30 ies ( probably the only one survived from the era). I like them very much.
Hi Dan, thanks for your comment, it was very interesting to read it. That’s amazing that you won those gold medals, a great achievement and on CNC bikes!
I’d love to find another CNC Special some day, like the ones you collect, so I need to make a trip to France!
Best wishes
Really interesting post. I didnt know anything at all about my bike. I have one and I am still uncomfortable using the gear shift levers while riding. https://pasteboard.co/Ig2SgwX.jpg
That’s a beauty! It’s in amazing condition and I love the setup. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you get more comfortable with the one armed gear shifting method, it takes quite a bit of skill to negotiate urban roads with vintage gears..
Dear Dominic,
i also have a CNC Special Frame. i bought it last year knowing nothing about CNC. Your blog gave many information to me, thanks. The seller said that the frame dates from the end of the 50th. I try to determine the year more precisely. I’ll send you some pictures if you are interested in.
Best regards
Hi Frank, I’d love to see some pictures of your frame, please send them to: [email protected]. It sounds like a really interesting project. Cheers, Dominic
What size do you ride? I believe I have a CNC special in a 58 or 59. It would be a total restoration project as it has been spray painted at some point over the last 40 years.
I ride a 58cm, but it’s a shame that it’s been spray painted..
Hello Dominic I have a special CNC looking like the one above. I’m not sure if frame is Reynolds 531 tubbing, is there any sign I can find to identify the frame?
Thank you
Wow, what a beauty! Thanks for posting that superb C.N.C. on here. I’m sure that quality of frame would have been built with Reynolds, are the dropouts stamped on it? Do you have any idea of its seat post size? It’s not so easy to tell without the Reynolds sticker, but C.N.C. made good quality frames and looking at yours I would definitely say it is built with Reynolds 531. Thanks for posting.
Just bought my own C.N.C. Special. I only bought it because the tyres were new and didn’t realise just how ‘Special’ it is. A beautiful bike that, even in it’s current condition, rides very well.
If you want more pictures please let me know
Hello Dominic there is no stickers Reynolds in any part of the bike. It’s a lightweight bike 10.9Kg has seen in the photo (I have also a 1974 Peugeot PR10) with 11.270Kg. Seatpost Gipiemme 25.4 and saddle SanMarco Corsair are new NOS, they are not original but I had to replace non original components (Seatpost diameter of 25.4 is smaller than usual Reynolds 531 tubbing, who has 26.4.
Dropouts are Gipiemme.
If you need any detail photo of any part, let me know
It’s definitely a Vitus frame, maybe a Vitus 171/172 . because of the year (80’s) with CLB GL brakes it’s probably a 172 (172 means in vitus frames launch date year 72)
There were a handful that were imported privately into the USA in the 1970’s. Most through a connection via Raymond Fouquet, the president of Velo Club La Grange at the time.
I am aware of four besides the two I have. One is pretty ornate, the other more pedestrian, both of Super Vitus tubing and accepting a 26.6 seatpost.
Geometry varies a bit.
One I bought out of Italy of all places, the other found in Southern California. They fly under the radar. The upper end bikes till the ‘76 or so had hand painted graphics on the downtube, later had stickers.
I just picked up this bike a few days ago, the previous owner was obviously part of the same club!
Here’s another shot
Just picked this up last week, the previous owner obviously belonged to the same club!
Here’s a shot of the other side
sorry, I had trouble with uploading my photo. I didn’t mean to submit twice.
Thats a beautiful bike, thanks for sharing. I wish I could come across one of these, I’ll keep looking!
here one from my father inherited and since i am 18 years old in my hands in NZ.
i done a lot riding in France on the bike.
When I lived in California I rode with a club whose founder had been sponsored by CNC and was a friend of Fletcher’s, so a number of club members rode them. They were known for building bikes for pros and elite amateurs who would put their sponsors’ decals on them–“ghost builders,” you could say.
I am not an expert at all but I ride daily’s bike for health. Visiting an old country home near burgundy, I was invited by the owner to enjoy one of his many bikes so I was delighted to find this one, which I have never heard of, and out of curiosity did a search which has found this thread. Already in a space of a couple of a few days I have put on this bike more than 60 km. With strong legs, which I still have, you can really fly on this one! The bike is in near perfect running condition. Also really enjoying the vintage vibe although the seat which has hardened quite a bit over time was not the most comfortable…
I still have my CNC Special that I purchased from World Cycle in Dallas, Texas around 1972. I modified the bike with “plug” shifters and after about 30 years I replaced the sew ups with clinchers; and the rear cog from a 13/21 to something larger for my old age…does anyone in America restore these bikes?
Here is a cnc special
Painted downtube , not sticky labeling
Another photo shows seat stays
Downtube photo
That’s a superb CNC you have, thanks for sharing your photos. I love the details of the frame. Cheers!
I purchased mine in Houston, TX in 1972. It had a different saddle then and a tire pump and water bottle. I haven’t been able to ride in years. I use to do some racing and time trials long ago. I also haven’t cleaned it. Thanks, Robert
2nd image of my 1972 CNC.
That’s a nice CNC, are you going to restore it? Thanks for posting!
Anyone help me identify and value a special C.N.C a friend of mine has? All looks really original and clean Olympic decals on it.
Mafac racer brakes
Huret gear sets
Strong light cranks
Rigida 700c rims
Belleri head stock
Rally 314 San marco seat
Hopeful that you could help me ID a C.N.C special that a friend of mine has?
Mafac Racer Brakes
Huret Gear Sets
Belleri Head Stock
Rally 314 San Marco Seat
StrongLight Cranks
Brazed Steel Frame
Olympic Decals
Image of the above C.N.C
An approximate value would be great!
Hi Chris, that’s a beauty, C.N.C. made some lovely frames. It’s difficult to put a value on it as much depends on your local market and where you place the listing. Why not just tell him to keep it and ride a pretty rare vintage brand? Cheers
I agree, it barely looks used, if it were mine I would definitely be hanging on to it, still looks to be on the original tyres, though I would not be riding them with the cracking that they now unfortunately have!
I bought a CNC sometime around 1972 from a new (at that time) shop in the Inglewood 9th Ave SE section of Calgary Alberta, called VitaSport. The owner was a bike legend in Calgary and shortly afterwards moved to Centre Steet North. I don’t recall his name, but he was a dedicated and honest vendor. He said he had gone to France around 1970 and seens the bikes, thought they were a good buy and imported them for a short while. Pricewise, it was about the same as a comparable Peugot – I think about $130 Cdn at the time. I rode it for 20 years and gave it away. I think the bike shop is still going in Calgary.
Thank you for the interesting information about CNC in Canada, and it gives an insight into how some of these bikes ended up in North America, some were imported like your own by independent bike shops. I’m sure the bike gave you many fine rides and was a reliable steed. Cheers!