Matthew_Clark
My 'Free-Cycle'-Puch Alpine
I have now entered the world of (retro) cycling! I have recently started my new career as a 'Home News Deliverer' for which the use of a bike is preferable and, disliking my dad's single speed Mountain Bike (which is almost useless for my round which has 8 fairly steep inclines), I posted a 'Wanted' ad on Freecycle to see if anyone had a bike and this is what I've ended up with, super! I believe this to be a 1974 model (going by the serial number underneath, and 74 are the only two numbers on there that would fit as a year....) .
It is far from perfect, though it is a lovely old thing to ride.
Since this photo it has been given a good wash, including removing the thick, hard grease on the chain and gears and re-lubricating, adjusting the brakes (Weinmann 810 on the back and 730 on the front-they have now gone from absolutely nothing to very gradually slowing down and then suddenly skidding...these are to be replaced ASAP [when my dad remembers to bring them home!], redoing the bar tape (which, as can be seen, had unraveled itself ) and doing a few touch ups to the paint work with Humbrol, which looked a near match on the tin...it really isn't. I have polished/de-rusted the chrome on the top of the forks using tin foil and water, and have made a start on the wheels and this weekend I'll replace all cables and housing.
Plans for the future include (in no particular order):
-Replace saddle, the current (Ranger) one is relatively comfortable though is wonky due to the rails sitting incorrectly (and seemingly irreparable), I'd like to replace it with a sprung one as, of course, there is no suspension on the actual frame.
-Add a front chain ring & derailleur, the cable guides are there which makes me think it may have been like this originally. The lower gears would make hill climbing on my round much easier (at the moment, it's difficult/impossible to get going again after stopping at a house half way up a hill)
-Replace the bar tape with something more comfortable
-Full repaint in a similar colour (Hammerite Smooth Yellow is supposedly close)
-Fit new mudguards/stays-the current stays are bent which is causing the current guards to sit unevenly/rub
-Fit a front and rear rack for practicality
-Fit a bottle holder (this will have to be cable tied on)
-Buy a pump to attach to the frame
-Replace the tyres, they are good though (the back in particular) are starting to crack.
-Of little importance at the moment, get some lights and a dynamo
My 'Free-Cycle'-Puch Alpine
I have now entered the world of (retro) cycling! I have recently started my new career as a 'Home News Deliverer' for which the use of a bike is preferable and, disliking my dad's single speed Mountain Bike (which is almost useless for my round which has 8 fairly steep inclines), I posted a 'Wanted' ad on Freecycle to see if anyone had a bike and this is what I've ended up with, super! I believe this to be a 1974 model (going by the serial number underneath, and 74 are the only two numbers on there that would fit as a year....) .
It is far from perfect, though it is a lovely old thing to ride.
Since this photo it has been given a good wash, including removing the thick, hard grease on the chain and gears and re-lubricating, adjusting the brakes (Weinmann 810 on the back and 730 on the front-they have now gone from absolutely nothing to very gradually slowing down and then suddenly skidding...these are to be replaced ASAP [when my dad remembers to bring them home!], redoing the bar tape (which, as can be seen, had unraveled itself ) and doing a few touch ups to the paint work with Humbrol, which looked a near match on the tin...it really isn't. I have polished/de-rusted the chrome on the top of the forks using tin foil and water, and have made a start on the wheels and this weekend I'll replace all cables and housing.
Plans for the future include (in no particular order):
-Replace saddle, the current (Ranger) one is relatively comfortable though is wonky due to the rails sitting incorrectly (and seemingly irreparable), I'd like to replace it with a sprung one as, of course, there is no suspension on the actual frame.
-Add a front chain ring & derailleur, the cable guides are there which makes me think it may have been like this originally. The lower gears would make hill climbing on my round much easier (at the moment, it's difficult/impossible to get going again after stopping at a house half way up a hill)
-Replace the bar tape with something more comfortable
-Full repaint in a similar colour (Hammerite Smooth Yellow is supposedly close)
-Fit new mudguards/stays-the current stays are bent which is causing the current guards to sit unevenly/rub
-Fit a front and rear rack for practicality
-Fit a bottle holder (this will have to be cable tied on)
-Buy a pump to attach to the frame
-Replace the tyres, they are good though (the back in particular) are starting to crack.
-Of little importance at the moment, get some lights and a dynamo