Helyett

Hey there,

I've searched around for Helyett after reading your post, and all I can seem to come up with is that they are/were a Belgian Company, who may have made bikes for Eddie Mercx at one time.

Enjoy your bike!!
RoB

check out www.bikeophile.com before March 17th and win a free Chris King headset

NOeffinBrakes said:

I just purchased a Helyett Track frame. It's beautifully lugged, 531 tubing and in pretty much mint condition. I can't seem to find any information out about this company. If anybody knows anything, I would be very interested to hear what you know. Thanks for your time!

I can give you a small amount of info based on my personal experience. I bought a Helyett "Jaques Anquetil Speciale" new in 1961 (I still have it) from American Cyclery in San Francisco. It was my first serious bike (read deraileur equipped as oppposed to a single speed Schwinn). It was an entry level road racer mainly Simplex equipped with Stronglight steel cranks and sew-up wheels and cost $105. Keep in mind in those days the premium bikes were under $300.The company is Belgian but the frame on my bike says "Made in France" as is most of the equipment on it The lug work is excellent for a French made bike especially when you compare it to the
Gitanes, Merciers and Peugeots from that time. This bike really whetted my interest in cycling and I rode it so much the day I bought it I could barely sit down for 2-3 days. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine. bertiejo

Hello,
Yeah, I've heard that it's Belgian and French. She has 531 Competition tubing...so I can do some research and try to date it based on that. Judging on the condition...I can't imagine it's really old, although the paint does seem very brittle and delicate, which might be showing sings of its age. Thanks for your response, I have no plans on selling my Helyett...ever, I've yet to physically see another one, so I can deduce that it's a fairly rare ride.