Angkor

Hi,

(I'm sorry if I don't use the proper English terms for all the parts: It's not my 1st language.)

I have a late 70's Favorit racing bike (from Czechoslovakia). I think, but I’m not sure, that this was the bike used by the Czech team in the Montreal 1976 Olympics.
All the components on it are original, except for the front fork, front wheel, the seat and brake pads. (The cassette has probably been changed as it's not worn out.)
It needs work because it's been neglected in the last few years (though it was kept indoors). It needs new cables and casings, new brake handle covers, and it needs serious maintenance work on the dérailleurs. The wheels on it are the cheapest sort of steel wheels and are rusty, so that would also have to be changed. I'd also advise changing the pedals as these are with an old peg system which loosens every now and then. In short, it needs love.

I was planning on transforming it into a single speed, but I find I have neither the equipment, the time nor the money.
So I'm wondering how much I can reasonably ask for it.

Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.

oddjob2

A photo of both sides of the bike, where the bike doesn't look like a shadow, would be helpful. We need to see details, thank you.

Angkor

Wow, that was a quick reply!

Ok, I'll take better pictures tomorrow in daytime and post them. Thanks.

T-Mar

It appears to be a boom era, entry level model. In addition to the steel rims it's a steel, cottered crankset with no pedals, has really thick lugs, spoke protector and the fork is a replacement with cantilver studs. Given the apparent era and level, those are probably Favorit derailleurs and brakes. Right now, I'm not seeing much value but we'll need better photos to be positive.

Angkor

That low, eh? I thought that frame would be worth a little more at least... But I don't know much about bikes.

thinktubes 

If so, Anton Tkáč must have had one hell of a motor.

agree on $25 - max.

Angkor

I might just donate it if it's worthless: Better than to throw it away. I'll nevertheless try to take better pictures later on today to be sure.

Angkor

Well, I guess I "really" don't know much about bikes...

Giacomo 1 

Stick around here and the C&V forum and you'll learn more about these vintage bikes than you ever thought was possible!

Angkor

Yes, it's a great forum. I've been spending time in a different section getting info on another bike that I bought to replace this one (a 1984 Fuji Touring Series 3). There are knowledgeable people who've helped me choose it and also counselled me on some repairs and mods.

As for the Favorit, I really didn't know anything about it. I only just started to read about the brand recently trying to decide if I'd keep or sell it. I bought it in a second hand shop for 100$ maybe 7-8 years ago. I've enjoyed riding tremendously: It handles super well and it's quite fast (I'm an aggressive rider). The only thing I hate are the pedals, which keep coming loose.
I had an accident with it. A drunk idiot who swerved his bike in front of me from the middle of the street, trying to avoid traffic. That cost me the front wheel and fork, and also a fractured elbow. As I was lying in pain on the pavement, the A-hole just shouted «Sorry, my fault!» and left.

Then I had seldom occasions to ride so I didn't take proper care of it.

Giacomo 1 

Hey, $100 bought you 7 or 8 years of enjoyment. I'd say you did pretty well!

Angkor

I have no regrets. I'm not very price-conscious to start with: I buy bikes because I enjoy riding them, not so I can brag about their worth. And I did enjoy this one. I even baptized it Bucephalus.

I was hoping to put it back into shape, maybe do a single speed project with it. But the budget is tight this year, I paid too much for the Fuji, which needs some repairs, plus I don't have that much room to keep an unused bike. Hence my wondering if I could get some money for the Favorit.
I'll be sad to let it go.