The Roold Bicycle is a charming yet often overlooked piece of cycling history. Known for its quirky squirrel mascot and elegant designs, Roold became a staple of early 20th-century cycling culture, particularly in France. The company produced a variety of bicycles, from utilitarian town bikes to high-end racing models.
The brand gained attention in the 1930s for sponsoring Belgian cycling champion Van Ingelghem and for its playful, art deco-inspired designs. While Roold’s production declined by the mid-20th century, its bicycles remain treasured by collectors today for their craftsmanship and unique branding.
About Roold Bicycle
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Quimper, NW France |
| Founded | Post-World War I |
| Speciality | Utilitarian town bikes, cyclotourers, and limited racing bicycles |
| Unique Branding | Squirrel-themed graphics and art deco chainrings |
| Notable Rider | Van Ingelghem – Belgian National Champion in the 1930s |
| Peak Production | 1930s-1950s |
| Decline | Likely absorbed or rebranded in the 1960s |
| Frame Materials | Steel (Vitus tubing on higher-end models) |
| Current Value | Collectors prize Roold frames for their artistic detail and rarity |
| Location Today | Few remaining examples, mostly found in France and collectors’ markets |
Roold Bicycle: From Humble Beginnings to Playful Innovation
Roold Bicycle started just after World War I in the quaint seaside town of Quimper in northwestern France. During the early 20th century, regional brands thrived as local businesses supplied utilitarian bikes to their communities. At a time when cars were still rare, bicycles were essential for transportation and work.
Roold capitalised on this demand by crafting reliable, sturdy town bikes, “porteurs” (delivery bikes), and early cyclotourers. They also introduced playful design elements, most famously their squirrel mascot – a symbol of speed, industry, and a touch of mischief.
Roold in the Competitive Cycling Scene
In the 1930s, Roold ventured into competitive cycling. They sponsored a racing team with Dunlop tyres and earned recognition when their rider, Van Ingelghem, won the Belgian national championship. Posters of the era celebrated this victory with phrases like “Vainquer de Championnat de Vitesse de Belgique,” showcasing the squirrel mascot alongside the champion.
This period also saw Roold produce lighter, sportier models featuring Vitus tubing and Simplex dropouts. These elements, alongside partially chromed seatstays and chainstays, signalled a shift towards performance bicycles.
The Iconic Roold Design
Roold bicycles stood out not just for their performance but for their design. Some key features included:
- Squirrel-Themed Chainrings: Certain models featured chainrings etched with a squirrel rolling a nut or wheel, reflecting their playful brand identity.
- Art Deco Influence: The Roold aesthetic often leaned towards art deco designs, with angular squirrels and stylised graphics adorning their posters and frames.
- Unique Lug-Lining: Unlike traditional bicycles, Roold’s lug-lining placed painted accents directly on the lugs rather than the shorelines.
What Happened to Roold Bicycle?
By the mid-20th century, Roold faced growing competition from larger French brands like Gitane and Stella. National distribution channels became more centralised, and regional manufacturers like Roold struggled to keep pace.
Many believe that Roold was absorbed or rebranded by another company, possibly Arrow, in the 1960s. While mass production grew elsewhere, Roold’s legacy became a treasured piece of cycling history.
The Roold Bicycle Today
Today, finding an original Roold bicycle is a rare treat for collectors. Most surviving examples are city bikes or cyclotourers, with very few racing models remaining. Frames bearing Vitus tubing, Simplex dropouts, or chromed stays are especially prized.
For collectors, a Roold bicycle represents a blend of practicality, artistry, and nostalgia. Restoring these bikes requires careful attention, as many have deteriorated over the decades. However, their unique details – from squirrel motifs to art deco accents – make them stand out in any vintage collection.
Why Roold Bicycles Still Matter
Roold’s legacy goes beyond its playful branding. The company embodied a unique period in cycling history, when local manufacturers served communities and added creative touches to everyday products. The squirrel mascot remains an enduring symbol of Roold’s charm: lighthearted, industrious, and full of personality.
For vintage cycling enthusiasts, Roold represents a golden age of French craftsmanship. Whether you’re restoring an old frame or simply admiring the artistry, Roold bicycles continue to roll their way into the hearts of collectors worldwide.
Final Thoughts on Roold Bicycles
Though Roold may no longer produce bicycles, its legacy lives on through collectors and vintage cycling aficionados. From champion racers to beautifully detailed chainrings, Roold brought artistry and playfulness to the world of cycling.
For those lucky enough to come across a Roold frame, you hold more than a bicycle – you hold a piece of cycling history. As the French squirrel might say, “Vive le vélo!”
