Classic & Vintage - Alan frame questions

Near as I can tell it is from the late '70's...Alan aluminum...but the cool thing is, the cable guides are all chrome and bolted on...

I planned on making it a Fixed gear, but am half tempted to find some vintage campy parts and make a retro.


Anyone shed some light on this frame...are they safe?

BBQ,

The alan's are a good frame, they were glued and screwed if I remember correctly. Alan is an Italian frame (so look for italian threaded components)
they supplied Alu bikes to other builders, Guerciotti most notably.
Check out Classic Rendezvous (http://www.classicrendezvous.com/main.htm) web site and
also the CR list (instructions on how to subscribe if you care) archives
has alot of info on Alan Frames.
Your bike looks like an older competition model, different seatstay cluster
and bottom bracket treatment. I know you are a fixie type
(nothing wrong with that) but that frame really deserves to be restored,
its in really nice condition.

Marty

Near as I can tell it is from the late '70's...Alan aluminum...but the cool thing is, the cable guides are all chrome and bolted on...

I planned on making it a Fixed gear, but am half tempted to find some vintage campy parts and make a retro.


Anyone shed some light on this frame...are they safe?

The Alan has been around for some time, and they are well regarded.

This picture is one of a late '80's frame (badged as a Guerciotti) I bought NOS this summer. Not quite my size, so I'm trying to figure out what I'll do with it.

Gee, Alan made "gurches", too?

yup, they made gurches too. I think the Gurche above is a newer model, note the brazed on cable guides (do you
braze onto alu?) as opposed to BBQ's clip on guides.

Nice rides, both of them.

Marty

yup, they made gurches too. I think the Gurche above is a newer model, note the brazed on cable guides (do you
braze onto alu?) as opposed to BBQ's clip on guides.

Nice rides, both of them.

Marty

My Alan/Guerciotti is an '89 model according to the LBS I bought it from. The cable guides on my frame are held on with a screw, see pic:

BBQ,

I have EXACTLY the same frame as yours with bolted on chrome fittings - I do not suggest you to transform the bike - this frame is one of the first (competition model) from the early 70's.
Mine is a 60 x 59 and also in perfect condition but equipped with Shimano 600 group set. I use it regularly and it is very fast though a bit stiff. It is also very reliable.

Davet,

Could you trade yours for mine (60 x 59 which is too big for me !)

I've never heard of a problem with Alans. My brother had the same model you have and he later up-graded to the Super Record model. I've seen old Alans still being ridden hard and they seem to be fine. I think their thick-walled tubing may be a factor. The Euro cyclocross pros used them and a few cyclocross world championships have been won on them.

I have an '84 model ALAN Super Record. The BB has cable guides cast underneath and the rear stays screw into the seat cluster giving a more aero look. The rear brake cable guides are screwed to the top tube. I like the way the bike always looks great and always easy to keep clean. Nice, comfortable ride and a well sorted riding position. As heavy as a good steel bike though.

They are safe, just keep track of the chainstay bridge, they do crack. Other problem is that if you spoke an overshift, the der. hangar departs. I think seatpost is a 25.0, Alan sold to many in the 70's they turned up with many makers transfers. First I saw were Fabo Alan. Known in the day as being whippy, but comfortable.

I always thought one built up with anno stripped Campagnolo, polished to dazzle would be Styling.

Where are those sunglasses?...

Gee, Alan made "gurches", too?
They even made a funky version for Colnago with twin down tubes...

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/colnago-88/colnago8a.jpg

...I always thought one built up with anno stripped Campagnolo, polished to dazzle would be Styling.

Where are those sunglasses?...
Jolly good idea... That's what I'll do with the next one I find with faded anodizing!

BBQ - They were typically built up with extra light parts of the day. Maybe a nice mix of some OMAS, Huret Jubilee, maybe TA cranks and a single ring up front, Zeus 2000 freewheel... Getting creative with some really cool, period lightweight stuff shouldn't cost too much more than straight Campagnolo.

I've got an '84 ALAN Record frame. It has a flattened top tube, along the center section. The Seller who sold it to me claims that top tube is "ovalized". I'm trying to figure out if he's lying, that the frame was squished in a vice, or maybe squished while thrown over the shoulder in a cyclocross (but it's a road frame) and I figure that's pretty unusual too. Please help! Thanks, Tom.

I have never seen an ovalized ALAN. Shaped tubing was coming into its own by that time, though, so maybe. Is the tubing a consistent shape, without sharp bends?

By the way...this thread has to come close to the longest-lived thread on the site...

I've seen several ovalised Alans, including my own dear-departed 60cm.

It seems that only the top tube is ovalized. Pretty weird though. I could almost see a bike vise flattening out that particular center-of-the-top tube section.