Cleaned out the garage today and noticed this vintage bike. I've seen it since I was a kid but never been interested in these types of bikes. Now I totally would like to get it going again if plausible to have as a secondary option to my MTB hybrid. It doesn't seem to have much rust and the parts are there except the front tire tube
by callingoutreviewers
14 Comments
Couldn’t take it down to take photos, huh?
You should definitely fix it up but make a list of speciality tools you’ll need and get them ordered/on-hand first 👍🏻
Looks like someone replaced the 70’s drop bars with late 80’s MTB bars at some point?
Overall it was a cheapish bike back in the day, and is not collectible nor particularly valuable, but if you want to fix it up it might make an OK beater for around town. It’s not (IMO) worth “restoring”.
It’s nothing special, other than any sentimental value it has. The Simplex drivetrain is a little rarer than the standard Shimano.
The good news is that it has only depreciated about 50% in 50 years.
That frame is forever.
It’s a not very good bike–lower quality cottered crank, 3 piece bolt-on steel hubs, steel rimes probably in the obsolete 27″ size, and the lowest quality simplex derailleurs. It looks like it’s probably French, based on the general appearance, Simplex derailleurs, the style of the crank, and the brakes (they look like MAFAC or possibly CLB), so threads on the frame will be issue.
Of course, a decent description and few right side up photos would have helped.
Anyway, the bike’s not much better than the photo of it.
Good news. It held its value.
I’m willing to help with answers for people that want them. GFY.
First bike I restored was about like this. The value was in the learning process. So no it isn’t rare or anything, but it’s a low risk way to dip your toe in.
Wow! Was just talking about these this week. My buddy’s first bike! Bought at Consumer’s Distributing, assembled it at home and raced that sucker with our club for about 12 years…
The frame construction is good, with brazed lugs and the chromed fork tips. My own bike from that same year is built similarly – just with all alloy components.
I would definitely check the bearings and replace brake cables before riding it in traffic.
https://preview.redd.it/f998qfakrddd1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fad524253ff0a7e20c79e0cd2d24fa7983d88f4
How long’s it been hanging up there? Does the derailleur still work? If you have a community bike shop in your area, you ought to check their prices for these bikes.
not rare or expensive but its still a solid bike, i would totally if it has sentimental value and/or you have the time