PUCH opinion
01-23-10, 11:50 AM
#1
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PUCH opinion
Towards the end of the riding season ( here in the northeast), I received an E-bay purchased Austro-Daimler SLE. It arrived with a bent ( out of round) rear wheel. I rode it a couple of times, but could not get past the thump, thump, thump of that bad back wheel. I have never read anything but glowing reports of the AD-PUCH bikes, though this so far hasn`t impressed me. Should I invest in a replacement rear wheel ( adding another hundred bucks to the bike) or just sell it on Craiglist, come spring. So far, I don`t like it as much as my lugged steel Allez SE, but maybe it hasn`t been given a fair chance. PS, I love the graphics on t e bike.
01-23-10, 11:55 AM
#2
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Well, I don't really think that this should affect your opinion of Puch, seeing as this bike was used and the wheel issue was most likely human error.
Is it just out of true, or is it visibly bent? If it's the latter, cut the spokes and just get a new rim to lace the hub to.
Is it just out of true, or is it visibly bent? If it's the latter, cut the spokes and just get a new rim to lace the hub to.
01-23-10, 12:11 PM
#3
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You are right, it hasn't been given a fair chance yet.
You really have to test the bike with a rear wheel that is in good shape before you pass final judgement on the SLE. A bad wheel like you are describing will give any frame a poor ride. So, get the wheel fixed, borrow/trade for/buy a rear wheel, or try the rear wheel of your Allez if possible.
You really have to test the bike with a rear wheel that is in good shape before you pass final judgement on the SLE. A bad wheel like you are describing will give any frame a poor ride. So, get the wheel fixed, borrow/trade for/buy a rear wheel, or try the rear wheel of your Allez if possible.
01-23-10, 07:23 PM
#5
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Don't rush to judgement on the AD with that goofed up rear wheel. The frustration of recieving a less than perfiect bike is tainting your impression on the whole bike.
Chombi
Chombi
01-23-10, 07:58 PM
#6
In the right lane
If you do decide the Puch isn't your cup of tea, you could offer it to one of us. There's a subforum for vintage sales. 
01-23-10, 08:38 PM
#7
Thrifty Bill
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Puch is like most other brands, they made some great bikes, some good bikes, some average bikes, and some low end bikes. I don't know the particular model you mentioned. If you look, you can find a replacement wheel new for around $40 delivered to your door, or find a good used wheel for around $20. I have picked up a lot of good used alloy rim wheels for $10 or less.
I would not enjoy riding a bike with a bent wheel, whether it was a Puch or Allez SE. Nothing wrong with a Puch if it is in good ready to ride condition. I just picked one up myself last week.
I would not enjoy riding a bike with a bent wheel, whether it was a Puch or Allez SE. Nothing wrong with a Puch if it is in good ready to ride condition. I just picked one up myself last week.
01-23-10, 09:00 PM
#8
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+1 on how much replacement wheels cost. You could pick up a decent wheel for $25 and a very nice one with $40-50. That said, take it to your local bike store and ask them how much will it cost to re-lace it and true it (usually $25-40 depending on the material, plus they will lube the hub). If your rim is not damaged, that's the most efficient way, IMO
01-24-10, 06:15 PM
#9
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Measure the seatpost diameter -- the larger, the better. A 27.2mm seatpost in a 28.6mm OD seat tube generally indicates a butted Moly steel frame, for which a new rear rim is definitely a worthwhile investment. I am generally a big fan of mid-to-high-end Austrian bikes.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
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01-25-10, 04:48 PM
#10
Go Team BH!
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For 1981 & 82 model years (at least), the SLE was a Reynolds 531 double-butted frame sport/touring bicycle. It should provide a very nice ride with a good set of wheels. Swap the rim or fix/replace the wheel and give it another chance!
A helpful link...
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/AustroDaimler/
Best Wishes,
Drew
1976 AD Ultima
A helpful link...
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/AustroDaimler/
Best Wishes,
Drew
1976 AD Ultima
01-25-10, 04:59 PM
#11
So it is
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Thank you for the links to the scans, teambhultima. Was wondering when my Luzerne was made. That helped a lot.
