Austro Daimler Vent Noir II
04-24-11, 07:08 PM
#1
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
Austro Daimler Vent Noir II
I've been thinking about getting a vintage bike for a while now. I have a blinged out Tarmac SL2, so I don't actually need another road bike.
But a vintage would be something special that I could ride and really enjoy. There's something special about the right vintage bike.
But getting a vintage is a lot like buying an old car... everyone does it for a different reason and does different things with it. Some buy it to put in the garage as a trophy. Not me, I want to buy it to ride it. Some want it as a beater bike. Not me, my SL2 is my beater bike... other than being expensive, there's absolutely nothing special or irreplaceable about any single part of it. I beat the he** out of it, knowing it has no soul, it's just a convenient tool.
But not so for a great classic... I want a classic that is special and irreplaceable. And now, after a good long gestation I know exactly what I want.
I want an Austro Daimler Vent Noir II (or Aero), the smoked chrome one.
I want it in "restored condition" because although I would really enjoy restoring one, my tools and workshop for such things are 200 miles away and I simply don't have time to do it while working in NYC. To me, restored condition means it looks more or less like a bike that has been ridden and taken care of (not necc "showroom new" but I'll certainly consider one in that condition). No rust or aluminum oxidation, the metal should be polished and maintained. Not shoddy and worn out. Clean, rideable, ready to go.
My Tarmac is a 56, but I'd rather an equivalent to a 58 in a vintage, as it's a more classic fit for me.
I really want one badged for A-D rather than Puch. The classic A-D branding is something special.
I'd prefer Campy over Shimano (if such a thing is possible).
I'm not a stickler for "exact" historical accuracy or "showroom new" restorations. I intend to ride the bike, and ride it a lot. But I do want it to have whatever details made the bikes special in the first place, such as the drilled black chainrings (if they're even applicable to the vent noir II).
Now the hard part... finding it. So how do I find it?
Maybe someone here has one and the time has come to sell it? Maybe someone here knows where one is and would facilitate, and restore it if need be?
But a vintage would be something special that I could ride and really enjoy. There's something special about the right vintage bike.
But getting a vintage is a lot like buying an old car... everyone does it for a different reason and does different things with it. Some buy it to put in the garage as a trophy. Not me, I want to buy it to ride it. Some want it as a beater bike. Not me, my SL2 is my beater bike... other than being expensive, there's absolutely nothing special or irreplaceable about any single part of it. I beat the he** out of it, knowing it has no soul, it's just a convenient tool.
But not so for a great classic... I want a classic that is special and irreplaceable. And now, after a good long gestation I know exactly what I want.
I want an Austro Daimler Vent Noir II (or Aero), the smoked chrome one.
I want it in "restored condition" because although I would really enjoy restoring one, my tools and workshop for such things are 200 miles away and I simply don't have time to do it while working in NYC. To me, restored condition means it looks more or less like a bike that has been ridden and taken care of (not necc "showroom new" but I'll certainly consider one in that condition). No rust or aluminum oxidation, the metal should be polished and maintained. Not shoddy and worn out. Clean, rideable, ready to go.
My Tarmac is a 56, but I'd rather an equivalent to a 58 in a vintage, as it's a more classic fit for me.
I really want one badged for A-D rather than Puch. The classic A-D branding is something special.
I'd prefer Campy over Shimano (if such a thing is possible).
I'm not a stickler for "exact" historical accuracy or "showroom new" restorations. I intend to ride the bike, and ride it a lot. But I do want it to have whatever details made the bikes special in the first place, such as the drilled black chainrings (if they're even applicable to the vent noir II).
Now the hard part... finding it. So how do I find it?
Maybe someone here has one and the time has come to sell it? Maybe someone here knows where one is and would facilitate, and restore it if need be?
04-24-11, 07:13 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Liberty, Missouri
Posts: 3,120
Bikes: 1966 Paramount | 1971 Raleigh International | ca. 1970 Bernard Carre | 1989 Waterford Paramount | 2012 Boulder Brevet | 2019 Specialized Diverge
Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Liked 77 Times
in
40 Posts
Hate to tell you this, but one just sold locally about two weeks ago. They don't come up too often.
04-24-11, 07:38 PM
#4
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,846
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2926 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times
in
1,489 Posts
like the post on the Merckx a few weeks ago half the members would like one of those.
__________________
One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
04-24-11, 07:51 PM
#5
Photographer
Join Date: May 2006
Location: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Posts: 3,116
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 98 Times
in
53 Posts
You've certainly picked a fine machine to search for .. I have a Vent Noir II inbound that I hope to see in a week or so. I have an '76 A-D Ultima, it's also handsome and classic bicycle.
Scott
Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
04-24-11, 07:56 PM
#6
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,846
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2926 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times
in
1,489 Posts
are you tall? here is a nice looking Inter 10 to start you off
https://cgi.ebay.com/AUSTRO-DAIMLER-I...item4cf6b3ec1a
4(BNsbFm,zsQ~~_12.JPG)
https://cgi.ebay.com/AUSTRO-DAIMLER-I...item4cf6b3ec1a
__________________
One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
04-24-11, 08:06 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chicago, the leafy NW side
Posts: 2,477
Bikes: 1974 Motobecane Grand Record, 1987 Miyata Pro, 1988 Bob Jackson Lady Mixte (wife's), others in the family
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 154 Times
in
78 Posts
Good taste, but I bet a poll of active C&V members would put the Vent Noir in the overall top-10 'Most Wanted Bikes', maybe top-5. Probably not the #1 for many people, but definitely well up there for lots of us on looks alone.
__________________
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
04-24-11, 08:16 PM
#8
Knows Bigfoot's Momma
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,540
Bikes: yeah; got a couple...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The were turning up on eBay about one per month, a few years ago; usually not in my size, but I did see 'em. I'm sure if you keep your eyes open, you'll find one. I grabbed one of the earlier matte black w/Dura-Ace Vent Noir, just for the group. Sold the frame; too tall for me. That group is now on a mid-'70s Don Bartlett "Pear" custom. Of the two Vent Noir, I prefer the early one, just for that first generation "Do-You-Race". If you like other Austro-Daimlers, I also see Ultimas turn up now & then, and no doubt the SuperLeicht do too. There was one of the red/gold, Ultima "Team" frames sold on eBay recently; only went for a bit over $100! They're basically the same frame as SuperLeicht and Ultima used, but were sold as framesets only.
BTW- here's a recent eBay Vent Noir II that went unsold:
1978-Austro-Daimler-Vent-Noir-II
BTW- here's a recent eBay Vent Noir II that went unsold:
1978-Austro-Daimler-Vent-Noir-II
__________________
nice lugs baby!
nice lugs baby!
04-24-11, 08:46 PM
#9
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
I used to drool over a Vent Noir in my LBS when I was a kid ..... nice bike
I also made drool stains on the cabinet with all the old Weyless parts. I finally got a set of hubs and still have the wheels, although I think the rear is 120 mm.
I also made drool stains on the cabinet with all the old Weyless parts. I finally got a set of hubs and still have the wheels, although I think the rear is 120 mm.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
04-24-11, 08:57 PM
#10
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,829 Times
in
2,228 Posts
I had been seeking an AD - Vent Noir, if it came along.
An 81/82 AD Olympian frame/fork was on CL so I jumped at it. The ride is different than all my other vintage. Very, very quick steering.
An 81/82 AD Olympian frame/fork was on CL so I jumped at it. The ride is different than all my other vintage. Very, very quick steering.
04-24-11, 09:04 PM
#11
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
I intend to watch the auctions and craigslist... but I expect It'll take a bit of luck and a lot a patience to find the one I want. :-)
04-24-11, 10:14 PM
#12
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,846
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2926 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times
in
1,489 Posts
you never know you could get lucky. a few years after I got a my Bianchi Proto with MAX tubing I decided it I ever had a chance I would get another. yes I am a bit greedy. after the internet and ebay came along I would look from time to time. then I came across BF on my search one day and posted to a listing about a Bianchi Proto. well what do you know a few months later the OP emails me and offers his bike for sale. sometimes it just happens.
__________________
One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
04-25-11, 01:11 AM
#13
Junior Member
NYCPhotography: I have one that I'd consider selling to you. It's a Vent Noir II circa 1981, 57ctt, in good condition and with mostly Campy components, including a Super Record RD. If you're interested, please send me a private message. I can't send you one because I don't (yet) have enough posts. Thanks.
04-25-11, 05:47 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,146
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3804 Post(s)
Liked 6,643 Times
in
2,602 Posts
04-25-11, 06:40 AM
#15
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
That did look like a tough one though... had it on craigslist 3 times and put the min 200 away from the buy it now.
04-25-11, 09:01 AM
#16
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
It's just a hobby, and with work I haven't had much time lately, but these are the most recent ones.
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/1653841132/
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/1653841132/
04-25-11, 10:13 AM
#17
Senior Member
I watch these a bit as I had one a few years ago. They come up now and then and the prices vary wildly. The finish is almost indestructible and you can find replacement decals on ebay. I think the VN II came stock with a Campy Gran Sport group. I have a minty Gran Sport group looking for a home so if you find a frame and need the group drop me a PM.
Good luck, they are really cool bikes. I wish I could have kept mine but it was just too small for me.
Good luck, they are really cool bikes. I wish I could have kept mine but it was just too small for me.
04-25-11, 10:47 AM
#18
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
I watch these a bit as I had one a few years ago. They come up now and then and the prices vary wildly. The finish is almost indestructible and you can find replacement decals on ebay. I think the VN II came stock with a Campy Gran Sport group. I have a minty Gran Sport group looking for a home so if you find a frame and need the group drop me a PM.
Good luck, they are really cool bikes. I wish I could have kept mine but it was just too small for me.
Good luck, they are really cool bikes. I wish I could have kept mine but it was just too small for me.
04-25-11, 10:48 AM
#19
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
NYCPhotography: I have one that I'd consider selling to you. It's a Vent Noir II circa 1981, 57ctt, in good condition and with mostly Campy components, including a Super Record RD. If you're interested, please send me a private message. I can't send you one because I don't (yet) have enough posts. Thanks.
04-25-11, 11:22 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Örebro, Sweden
Posts: 1,315
Bikes: Monark sportser 1970, Monark sportser 1970ish, Monark folder, Mustand 1985, Monark Tempo 1999, Monark 318 1975, Crescent 319 1979, Crescent 325 c:a 1965, Crescent Starren 2002 (hybrid/sport), Nordstjernan 1960`s cruiser.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
are you tall? here is a nice looking Inter 10 to start you off
https://cgi.ebay.com/AUSTRO-DAIMLER-I...item4cf6b3ec1a
https://cgi.ebay.com/AUSTRO-DAIMLER-I...item4cf6b3ec1a
04-27-11, 05:15 PM
#21
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
ElliotSF and I have been in contact... he has a beautiful bike and we're working towards a deal :-)
I have a couple questions though... his bike (below) doesn't have the A-D pantograph on the seat stays at the seat tube. Every Vent Noir I've seen has had them (and I have to admit... it's a detail that I was looking forward to). What does anyone know about this detail?
(full size of above image here)
He also found this bike in DC on Flickr... another data point.
And the top tube decal... there's guy on ebay that sells restoration decals... a) how good are they, b) how hard to handle install, and c) how well do they hold up if not clear coated?
Thanks everyone.
I have a couple questions though... his bike (below) doesn't have the A-D pantograph on the seat stays at the seat tube. Every Vent Noir I've seen has had them (and I have to admit... it's a detail that I was looking forward to). What does anyone know about this detail?
(full size of above image here)
He also found this bike in DC on Flickr... another data point.
And the top tube decal... there's guy on ebay that sells restoration decals... a) how good are they, b) how hard to handle install, and c) how well do they hold up if not clear coated?
Thanks everyone.
04-27-11, 06:34 PM
#22
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
WOW. This place is amazing.
I've been through the article a few times (incontornável they say in Portuguese, or unavoidable for anyone interested in Austro Daimler). Yet I missed that detail entirely.
Thanks Chuckk.
I've been through the article a few times (incontornável they say in Portuguese, or unavoidable for anyone interested in Austro Daimler). Yet I missed that detail entirely.
Thanks Chuckk.
05-13-11, 11:25 AM
#23
NYC
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1169 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
^ what happened to Chuckk's post about the A-D pantographs???
Anyhow, I bought ElliotSF's VNII. It arrived yesterday. Absolutely beautiful bike.
I'll be posting pictures and more details later... plus I'll be having plenty of questions about Campy 7 Speed and what can and can't be done with them.
Anyhow, I bought ElliotSF's VNII. It arrived yesterday. Absolutely beautiful bike.
I'll be posting pictures and more details later... plus I'll be having plenty of questions about Campy 7 Speed and what can and can't be done with them.
05-13-11, 11:35 AM
#24
Photographer
Join Date: May 2006
Location: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Posts: 3,116
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 98 Times
in
53 Posts
^ what happened to Chuckk's post about the A-D pantographs???
Anyhow, I bought ElliotSF's VNII. It arrived yesterday. Absolutely beautiful bike.
I'll be posting pictures and more details later... plus I'll be having plenty of questions about Campy 7 Speed and what can and can't be done with them.
Anyhow, I bought ElliotSF's VNII. It arrived yesterday. Absolutely beautiful bike.
I'll be posting pictures and more details later... plus I'll be having plenty of questions about Campy 7 Speed and what can and can't be done with them.
I MUST be patient!
Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
05-13-11, 11:39 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 150 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 34 Times
in
27 Posts
I've always wanted an AD Vent Noir since the 80's when I saw pics of Jaques Boyer riding an AD in competition. The closest I got was the AD Jersey I bought from a dealer near Milwaukee back then, and all I've seen out there so far are really high prices for the VN frames/bikes and most of then had the usual problem with the graphics all falling and scratched off the frame. I never saw a good VN full bicycle priced less than $1K+ at ebay. The VN is really nice, but I think they're usually just a bit overpriced for what they are/compared to other high line bikes. I guess I just have to move on and find something else??..... But I guess I never know, one can just suddnely pop up that's affordable/restorable!
Chombi
Chombi