Tell me more about 'Monsieur Poilu' and VeloSolo Bikes
Since our beginnings on eBay in 2000 we have had the user name 'Monsieur-Poilu'. We are not French but for many years we dealt in WW1 collectibles - travelling across from England to the old battlefields in Northern France. Buying and selling British, German and many French items from 1914-1918. 'Poilu' was the nickname for a French soldier - like a British 'Tommy' , German 'Fritz' or a US 'Doughboy'.
Needed a name for ebay - Too many Tommys' about, didn't fancy Fritz so 'Monsieur Poilu' it was. However, as of June 2009 we have changed our eBay name to VeloSolo-Bikes, the same as our ebay shop and website and to reflect our business more accurately - specialist components for singlespeed and fixed wheel bikes.

Still have an interest with the history of the Great War of course but bikes have always been No.1. Simple, honest 'proper' bikes. OK, but what about VeloSolo? Well, we were established in 2007 and distribute our own exclusive range of UK made precision bike components including drilled disc hub mount and standard threaded cogs as well as chainrings, handlebars and associated components. All UK manufactured and designed from start to finish - solid cro-mo steel bar and various aluminium alloy stock into the machine shop one end, finished components out the other.
In addition we are now retailing a growing range of fixed wheel and singlespeed products from other companies including Token, Sugino, MKS, Miche, Nitto, KMC, Dia Compe, Shimano, Suzue, Oury, etc. We're fussy so and so's and do not sell anything we would not happily use on our own bikes. We ship worldwide every day with thousands of orders sent to customers in over 35 countries and across the USA.
At the velosolo.co.uk website you will find full information, pictures, the shop (with many more lines than eBay) and a comprehensive FAQ section detailing our bolt-on cogs, hubs and associated items. Here at the ebay shop we sell much of the range but all the one-off bits too - NOS Cinelli stems and bars, used frames, wheels etc when available.
We have a new and updated eBay guide to running your bike as a singlespeed or fixed. Please click here for more information.
Dealing on eBay since 2000 we have always tried to go the extra mile - clear and honest descriptions - plentiful and sharp large format photographs - excellent communication, back-up and prompt, safe shipping. If you have any questions about our products or policies please do not hesitate to email. Thanks for looking and happy collecting/riding/bidding!

© VeloSolo Ltd 2009
VeloSolo Ltd. Company Registration No: 6924942. VAT No: 979880632. Registered Address: Abacus House, 14-18 Forest Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1DX.
IMPORTANT: this is NOT a returns or retail address.