Ultimate Bike Thread....

[Scooter]

Just picked this one up in Portland this morning. I know it is not for everybody, but I am pretty short and it fits me. Should be a nice little grocery/city bike.

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by jyl

Anyone have an old ten speed (or twelve speed, whatever) drop bar road bike that is < $200 shipped and:
- from 52 cm to 56 cm
- has eyelets for fenders, rack
- is a model and in a condition suitable to be a high school boy's ride-to-school bike for a daily 10 mile RT?

Meaning, mid-range to entry-level, maybe "vintage" but maybe just "old", not a trasher but not a theft magnet either?

John - PM sent. '79 Motobecane Grand Sprint. Cosmetically challenged. This was their entry level budget racer. Very respectable handling, nice geometry. Surprisingly light sub-24. Vitus 888, lugged, adjusters in dropout. Incorrectly thought it had rack braze-ons. Reason was it had a Pletcher rear rack and that I just removed. I wiped it down, inflated the tires, quick chain lube. This thing silently rips, smoothly shifts. Weinmann / Motobecane brakes. Moto bars. SR post. Crank is Sugino 52/42 w/ 170mm arms. Arms machined Motobecane. I didn't bother to count the cogs (6 speed). Guessing its a Mallard fw? Shimano 600 (crane décor) rear der. / Altus front / Altus DT shifters. Atom front hub / Suzue rear. Mallard qr's. Early Shimano 600 pedals. Forget about the saddle.

55 cm top tube
54 cm seat tube (crank center to top of lug) 52 cm crank center to center of top tube

http://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/motobecane/1979/moto197910.pdf
http://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/motobecane/1979/moto197915.pdf

For now probably would just go with cheap pads, tires, saddle, dial it in and ride. Ideal as a winter season teardown, repaint, fine brass finishing and polishing. Neat enough for the vintage crowd. Of course no obligations and this was just a backburner project.

[CurtEgerer]

A couple more from the drillium-gone-bad files

[CurtEgerer]

This pic is just perfect:

[herr_oberst]

Putting the 'Light' in 'Stronglight'

[vmb]

I jumped on the 1x10 bandwagon this year, and love it! Super quiet drivetrain with a new clutch type derailleur, and I have never felt like I was missing a gear. Isn't it ironic that we started with 10 speeds (2x5) and eventually got up to 30 speeds, and now we're back to 10 speeds?! And yes, I'm still rolling on 26" wheels

[CurtEgerer]

I really like the concept of these 1X systems - simple is always better. Now if they can do it with internal gearing to eliminate the derailleur ....

[intakexhaust]

The little ones crave rides with the tandem. Rookie stoker over the 4th of July. Still a bit tall for her getting on the Santana but had proper leg extension and rotation. Quickly learned cooperation. Nothing long distance or fast, but loads of fun.




They like tanks too!

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by vmb

I jumped on the 1x10 bandwagon this year, and love it! Super quiet drivetrain with a new clutch type derailleur, and I have never felt like I was missing a gear. Isn't it ironic that we started with 10 speeds (2x5) and eventually got up to 30 speeds, and now we're back to 10 speeds?! And yes, I'm still rolling on 26" wheels

That would have to be one of the COOLEST bikes ever!

[jyl]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

John - PM sent.

Sent you a PM - thanks.

[Racerbvd]

[jyl]

Cross post but I had to

[gtc]

Me on scooter's new bike. I had forgotten how small 26" wheels really are:



[QUOTE=Scooter;8152605]Just picked this one up in Portland this morning. I know it is not for everybody, but I am pretty short and it fits me. Should be a nice little grocery/city bike.

[/QUOTE

[intakexhaust]

^^26"? The pic perspective fooled me. At first glance, was thinking the wheels are 24inch.

Here's my steel folder w/ 20" wheels. Handles a rider up to 6' 2".

[Scott Douglas]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

Good ole' pipe ride sold by Sears Roebuck - labeled JCHiggins -early 60's Austrian built Steyr Daimler Puch w/ Campagnolo.

I actually had one of those JCH's. Got it when I was in about 4th or 5th grade and had it thru Jr college if not longer.

[Scooter]

They are 20" wheels. The bike is a Soma Mini Velo. They don't make them anymore.

Originally Posted by gtc

Me on scooter's new bike. I had forgotten how small 26" wheels really are:

[911dean]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

^^26"? The pic perspective fooled me. At first glance, was thinking the wheels are 24inch.

Here's my steel folder w/ 20" wheels. Handles a rider up to 6' 2".

is that a bike trail in IL? If so which one?
Thanks,
Dean

[gtc]

Bah... spoiling all my fun.

Originally Posted by Scooter

They are 20" wheels. The bike is a Soma Mini Velo. They don't make them anymore.

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by gtc

Bah... spoiling all my fun.

Sorry, I wasn't thinking.

[URY914]