Classic & Vintage - Opinions on this frame...

According to the owner (I've only seen pictures and read descriptions), it's a "Oschner", circa early 1990's, with Columbus "Aelle" tubing. lugged. I can probably get it for about $75.00. I have this wild idea that I'd like to buy an old, inexpensive (but quality) steel frame and "do it up right"; customize it for me. In fact, my fantasy is to do it all myself, little by little, over time (after having it professionally painted, of course).

So, what's you guys' opinions?

Nice Looking frame.
Ochsner & Ochsner were importers (are?)
in the Chicago area. marketed a line
of frames from italian contract builders (Billato?)
Some earlier models were known to have
swiss threading which could make finding
parts a challenge.

Marty

Aelle was a somewhat cheaper tubeset by Columbus, intended for 'amateur or touring uses', as opposed to SL and SP, which were intended as 'high performance all purpose/heavy use' tubesets. Quotes from the Columbus brochure from the end of the 80s. 75 USD seems a lot of money for a low-end frame. I'm even wondering if Aelle was seamed tubing, like Falk, but I could be wrong. You should be able to get a SL, SP or SLX, SPX frame for that money.

edit: Aelle tubing has constant thickness for all tubes, is made of C Mn steel (as opposed to Cr Mo Cyclex for SL/SP) and weighs about 200 grams more for a frame set.
Nice looking frame though!

I think that the earlier aelle stuff was seamed, but later they made seamless aelle. Still the cheapest grade of columbus. Tretubi on the sticker means only the three main tubes, by the way.

To get to what I think is the primary question; is it worth $75?

I'll give a qualified yes. Aelle is not top of line by a stretch but ain't bad. Looks like you get the original forks and an installed chrome fork as well, along with an installed headset and what looks like an American Classic seatpost. Headset for a home builder headset installation is often the hardest so if that one is smooth that's a +.

Did somebody find a better one at Goodwill today for $1.99 +sales tax? Probably but don't count on it anytime soon. $75 for what I saw in that pic assuming no hidden damage and, of course, proper fit ain't bad.

My .02


:beer:

Nice Looking frame.
Ochsner & Ochsner were importers (are?)
in the Chicago area. marketed a line
of frames from italian contract builders (Billato?)
Some earlier models were known to have
swiss threading which could make finding
parts a challenge.

Marty

I read this like a poem, and it was beautiful.

I read this like a poem, and it was beautiful.

No. This is a poem.

Ochsner and Ochsner
By Bilatro to Chi town
Swiss threads. My oh my.