Allrounderco
I live for the CABE
Last week, I lucked into an extremely nice (almost unridden) Japanese Bianchi Special. It's 53cm frame is on the tall end of what is optimal for me, but is a good fit. It's been a very nice bike to both ride, and admire. But what I was really looking for was something a bit more average in condition, that I will care about, but not be so precious about, especially through the winter months. So on Saturday, I purchased (sight unseen) a Pathfinder needing tires for $35, in a 50cm frame. I just collected the bike this morning, and was pleasantly surprised at both the condition, and equipment. It obviously spent some time in the elements, but everything I thought was rust in the ad photos, ended up being a layer of dirt. And not the black kind, but brown, so it couldn't have spent much time outside. The chrome bits, spokes, and aluminum back up that theory.
It's an odd mix of Japanese and Euro equipment, so I am not certain if this is an Austrian or Japanese built bike.
Euro parts consist of:
USA part:
The front tire was completely split, but the rear holds air for a few minutes. So of course I had to mount up the rear, and borrowed the front from another bike, and rode it up and down my street. It's going to be a nice rider with some work, and should meet my objective. I'm short on time today, but I'll try to get it broken down this week, and cleaned up. Then I'll need to find some way to tell my wife that another one followed me home...
Wheels were off bike when I got it. Originally it was advertised as sans-wheels (they were bad) for $25. In talking with seller, turns out wheels were fine, tires were toast, and he'd throw the wheels in for $10 more - done!
View attachment 1057422
It's an odd mix of Japanese and Euro equipment, so I am not certain if this is an Austrian or Japanese built bike.
Euro parts consist of:
- Hubs - Mallard
- Rims - Wienmann
- Brakes - Weinmann
- Cable stops - Huret
- Pedals - Union (I think, marked W. Germany)
- Bars - Friko
- Seat - Selle Royal
- Tires - Semperit
- Reflectors - Cateye
- Derailleurs - Suntour AR (F&R)
- Shifters - Suntour
- Cranks - Sugino
- Stem - SR (PUCH branded)
USA part:
- Period looking Greenfield kickstand (dealer added, maybe)
The front tire was completely split, but the rear holds air for a few minutes. So of course I had to mount up the rear, and borrowed the front from another bike, and rode it up and down my street. It's going to be a nice rider with some work, and should meet my objective. I'm short on time today, but I'll try to get it broken down this week, and cleaned up. Then I'll need to find some way to tell my wife that another one followed me home...
Wheels were off bike when I got it. Originally it was advertised as sans-wheels (they were bad) for $25. In talking with seller, turns out wheels were fine, tires were toast, and he'd throw the wheels in for $10 more - done!
View attachment 1057422
Last edited: