SH27

1980's Puch Marco Polo 531 Reynolds Frame 22" Weinmann Brakes Suntour cyclone rear mech Suntour sprint front mech S/R Apex crank set Rigida rims Normandy high flange hubs San Marco saddle (not original) restored, all brakes, shifters and rear mech all original.

I quite like the look of this one, however seller is looking for $170, is it worth it?

oddjob2

I just bought a Puch Force XII for $140. Reynolds 531 butted full frame and stays, and fork. Campy RD, no saddle.

I think the Marco Polo may actually be underpriced in the UK. It's a little older than the bike I picked up, per cable clamps, clamp on shifters, claw RD, but in great nick.

bikemig 

Yep. If the bike is in decent shape and it fits, that's a fine price for this bike.

SH27

Ah the sizing question, this is the wrong forum I know but - according to Berto's book I should suit a 21.5in seat tube and 22in top tube, however I have a Pug with those dimensions and it feels right in terms of height but a little short for my upper body, although not uncomfortable. A friend of mine told me that, if the bike is set up correctly, when I have my hands on the drop bars I should look down onto the stem but not be able to see the front hub, on my bike (with saddle as far back as possible) I sort of look down onto the hub. How far over the handlebar should one be when riding?

SH27

A really lovely bike OJ2, how do you rate the Austro Daimler Puch's as bikes compared to the other marques?

kc0yef 

In Seattle it is worth that but not a flipper

SH27

if I've found a bike that's underpriced here in the UK it will be a first and last!

oddjob2

There is a whole thread on frame fit, check the full forum list.

SH27

Excuse me but what is a flipper? is that equivalent to a cockney ton?

kc0yef 

A colloquial word flipper: (noun or verb) in this context is a bicycle (or anything really) that you buy with the intention of turning around and reselling for a higher price. thus flipping not to be confused with flippant

kc0yef 

Cardiff is a whole nother matter

SH27

I have learnt something new, thanks!

SH27

There cannot be a slang term incorporating Cardiff anywhere in the world !

kc0yef 

The fact that there is a Wikipedia Page describing the Accent should be enough

oddjob2

Thanks! The woman had a nice 1980's Schwinn Voyager too, but I already have two, one to keep and one to sell.

Being late to the USA bike boom party, AD Puch had a small dealer network and ever made a big splash and are thus under rated. If you've been to Europe, then you get to observe firsthand how big a brand they are in mopeds and bikes.

Many USA sellers are sentimentally attached to their AD Puch, and often the lower end bikes are overpriced/. A small, but loyal following found for the most part only in the larger and older urban areas.

oddjob2

There are at least three variants on flippers:

DKOs- dirt knocker off sellers. Little more than a dusting and perhaps a shot of WD40. Connected guys who acquire bikes from scrap yards, rental management companies, and other sources. They are often identified by chain link fences surrounding their home, a backyard littered with bikes under tarps, and a BEWARE OF DOG sign on the fence. They don't look like they've ever been on a bicycle and often have a Marlboro dangling from their lips.

Moonlighting bike mechanics from the local franchise LBS. Big into single speeds and hand built wheels. Usually identified by being anorexic looking and possibly heavily tatooed.

Refurbishers - guys who may have a substantial penchant for bike collecting as a hobby, who may or may not enjoy riding too. To support their N + 1 addiction, they buy and refurbish or recondition bikes as recreation and to fund their bike acquisition war chest. Some do one bike at a time due to space limitations, some let there bike addiction overtake their apartments, and at least one has a whole house just for his bikes.

SH27

Excellent, Bill Bryson could not have done better! I am guessing you must have either a large garage/outbuilding/barn/spare room for your collection?

jyl

$170 is an okay price. I like the look of that bike. The front wheel is on backwards. No pedals? So no test ride? If it fits, go for it.

SH27

Nope no pedals, I have said to vendor that a test ride is a must so I guess I'll have to take a set, do you know which might fit that crank?

oddjob2

Standard is 9/16 thread. As long as they aren't French.

SH27

I'll ask the vendor, were AD Puch made in France?

oddjob2

Mine is made in Austria, the one you are looking at may be Austrian or Japan.

Those cranks look conventional and not French.

jyl

Just a reminder, the non-drive side pedal is left (reverse) threaded. Also it is easy to cross-thread a pedal so take care. I'd bring a rag to clean out the threads and a bit of oil. Best would be if the seller installs some trial pedals.

SH27

Thanks for the advice jyl,

SH27

Q. Why do the French components create issues of compatibility with most other components manufactured internationally?