Folding Bikes - Atala 2000

Picked this lil beauty up today at a yard sale for $20.00, searched the forum for info couldn't find any. Anyone have any info on it. How do you figure out the age? Owner said him and his wife just moved from overseas and used to use it everyday for transportion. It has minor scratches but totally rideable. the rear fender is broke below the rack/light bracket.

. . .How do you figure out the age?. . .

Looks like an internal hub. If it's an old Sturmey Archer 3 speed, then the manufacturing date of the hub should be visible on it. Chances are, that's close to the manufacturing date of the bike.

it has 82 11, stamped on it, i would guess it was made in Nov. 1982.

It's an italian "Graziella" bike very common in Italy in the late 70s, but usually this kind of bike were single speed, a geared one like the one you have is quite unusual.

bike rides really nice, can not seem to find a good info on the web about this bike, will keep trying. I was wonderinfg how hard would it be to add better gearing on it. Could I put a 5 speed rear hub with a derailler, i would have to check that spacing, but could it be possible?

I think you'd be better served by a 5, 7 or 8 speed internal hub. Probably the Sturmey Archer 8 speed would be the easiest option, since dropout spacing won't be a problem.

Next stage in rebuilding, taken all extra parts off and was trying different handlebar ideas, plus put my old Brooks B-15 on. Not sure which set up to use. I will most likley put the fenders back on after a good spray job. The stem takes a 22.2 bar, don;t have any lying around will have to go to LBS. Any ideas or suggestion for handlebar set-up. I was noticing that the crank is a little more forward then a standard bicycle, is this common on folders? Also someone suggested another internal hub upgrade, how much does do they go for. I have several 20" 5 and 6 speed rear lying around, I will have to cold set, but would this not work the same. Any indeas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated and welcomed.

I was wondering if this frame design is even good enough for a light touring folder. I was looking at the crank layout it seems to be more forward than a standard bicycle, would this layout be comfortable for anything over 4-5 hours. Weight is not a issue, tires are still in great shape. Once i figure out the handlebar set-up and gearing, will it be able to make a decent tourer.

forgot recent photo, will not be keeping those handle bars on, just was looking to see what it might look like. Plus does anyone know where i can find another stem with a larger reach

have been thinking about keeping it orginial, can not find a decent source for another internal hub, anyone have any lying around PM me, plus any insights on if this is even worth trying to make into a commuter or light tourin folder. I will be riding 5-6 miles to my summer job, driving the short bus for local YMCA