caci

I'm new.
I tried to post this last night, but my login timed out - good for you guys, because this is much briefer!

I have an Austro-Daimler Puch that I got sometime in the mid-80's, when I worked part time for a FW Bike Shop (friends with the owner).
He got me the frameset from the A-D rep "NOS".

It is Smoked Chrome, has the "SUPERLEICHT" decal on the top tube, but carries Reynolds 531 Professional Label on the Seat Tube & has Drilled Campy Dropouts w/adjustments. I learned on this Forum that the tubes should be marked and confirm 531 type, but alas, all I can read is "REYNOLDS BUTTED 20" - the rest was washed out in the polishing, prior to plating. And, BTW, mine is marked on the Down Tube, rather than the Seat Tube.

At any rate, the A-D rep confirmed is was an un-painted Ultima.

I've taken it out of mothballs and stripped the frame of components down to the BB & Fork. The original 531 P label is just barely readable and almost fallen off. The fork labels are long gone. I've got replacement Decals on the way...

Anyway, I saw quite a few postings on these old Puch's and wanted to contribute.

Frame 55cm, 54.5cm top tube, 128mm rear spacing ( I probably "cold set" that for a 6-speed).
A gnat's brain under 6lbs, including BB & Fork, 1 bottle braze-on, shifter braze-on and chain hanger.
Cables routed under the BB, brake loops on top tube.

I have 3 wheelsets (I learned to build wheels at the bike shop) all sew-ups, all 36/36.
Campy Record low with GP4
Campy Record high with (I'll have to check!)
Phil Wood with GP4

Cranks Super Record 52/42
BB OMAS Titanium
F&R Deraill. Super Record
Shifter Syncro II Record (yes, it worked)
Cogs Regina America Alloy 6-sp (13-23, have another 12-21)
Chain Regina Extra
Brakes Record
Levers C Record Aero
Headset C Record Alloy
Cinelli Stem & Bar (drilled for internal brake cable)
Carbon Seatpost (at least 22yrs old - trick at the time)
Selle Flite Ti Saddle (I can't sit on that anymore...)

Pictures soon.

I will have to lose considerable weight to ride this again, but that is my goal.
In the meantime, I just acquired a LeMond Clark Kent TI, marked "LTD 1995" "12/100" on the BB shell. Came with straight gauge heavy spokes, my weight no problem.


Thanks,
Chris

SJX426 

Welcome to C&V! Sounds like you have a great and desirable A-D bike. I speak for all of us in saying that we can't wait to see the pictures!

BTW: I rode my 1983 Colnago (58) with 32 spoke count @ 225 lbs without a problem and straight gauge heavy spokes are sometimes "weaker" than DB 2/1.8/2 spokes. Quantity counts more than size. Can't believe I just typed that! Still trying to get over "whomping" on a screw in another thread!

caci

Thank you. Well, I'm at 240 in bike gear (20 years & 60 lbs later!) I've got straight DT's on the rear Phil, with butted on the front. There's a LBS with a wheel savant - may ask him about upgrading the spokes - may even re-rim to clinchers (the horror, the horror).
Chris

SJX426 

NO NO! just build a second set. I try to have both a tubular and clincher set for each race bike. Others not so much.

I went 30+ years without riding and the only reason I didn't ride my high-end bike was because of the gearing! Couldn't push the 40/21 low. I needed the gearing of the mountain bike to get up hills! After 450 miles of commuting and 25 lbs less later, I started riding the race horse. Loss of weight and added strength made up the change. Get back into it! You will be glad you did! (Sorry, lot of assumptions here!). Commuting is my salvation. I don't have the opportuinity otherwise, to get out and ride regularly, except when unemployed!

caci

I'd still have 2 tubular wheelsets.

John E

As a grad student I rode a 44/24 or a 42/23 low, but for many years I have been happy to have a 42/26 or 43/26 bailout gear. That extra 15% leverage makes a big difference on a 16% grade.

Great bike, by the way. (Yes, I am admittedly biased in favor of Austrian bikes, but yours is one of the best.)

caci

I've got a 12-27 9-spd coming for the LeMond. It's a 52/39 DA.
I am less that 1/2 mile from the Trinity Trail, but have to climb a pretty mean hill (Beach St. Bridge) to get home.
I ain't gonna be seen walking a bike up that one...

caci

It's back together. 15-20yr old Cinelli cork (saved for sentimental reasons). Old, dirty Looks will be replaced when I get light (and strong enough) to ride this one. New chain (looks like I need to pull some links).

Thanks to everyone for the advice on the reproduction stickers in my other thread.
















Needed that 39/27 to get the Lemond up the hill & home this morning...

Chris

Chombi

Do I understand correctly that these "Smoke chromed" frames from Puch/AD have a tinted clear finish over the chrome and the "smoke" color is not really integral with the chrome itself? Pretty much a "Chromavelato" finish?

Bianchigirll 

If you can ride that Lemond Clark Kent why can't you ride this? Those wheels sound plenty strong to me. I would suggest spending some money on good fatter tubulars but ride that great looing AD

caci

I'm sure that there are others on this forum whom have forgotten more than I know about paint and chrome, but here it goes.
As I understand, at least in the "common" use of chrome plating (automotive), chrome is actually CLEAR. It is nickel that gives it its silver color (after possible other substrates have been applied - copper, etc. to aid adhesion).
I don't know what gives the A-D it's "Smoked" or "Smokey" Chrome color, but I am reasonably sure that it is under the chrome and that there is nothing on top of the "finish" chrome.
Please feel free to chime in if anyone knows otherwise.



BTW. the Vent Noir's also were Chrome (black) plated, but had a flat finish (possible blasted the metal, prior to plating).

Chris

caci

You don't even know what I look like!

I assume you are talking about my OTHER wheelset, not the ones in the picture?
The wheels shown are NOT up to the task of my 240lbs. AND, that 23T low rear is not what I'm needin' right now.
The wheels on the bike are built with Campy Record Chrono rims (look em' up) and ridiculous light gauge spokes.
I probably talked about these in the other thread (referenced above).

However, I will most likely get a set of fat tubulars for the Phil Wood/GP4 set and ride when I don't need a bailout low.
Matter of fact, I promise to.

I logged 6 miles this morning and that hill I mentioned in a previous post - worse than I remember! Had to use 39/27, but made it.

Seriously, thank you for the compliment.
Chris

Bianchigirll 

Please see my private message weight V wheels/bikes

If your concerned about the gearing I would look for a decent shimano long cage RD and get some OK off the shelf wheels and put a wider range cassette on the back until you get in shape.

I think a SR/NR derailleur will handle a bigger FW cog.

puchfinnland

the finish is actually the chrome, there is no smoky clear, the metal used to plate is no doubt a Nickel finish.
the plating process is not perfect on these as one will normally find the plating is very thin near the BB or the seat tub lug

I have 2 of these beauties

one is labeled superleicht and the other says Ultima

the one pictured is a 53cm, the other is a 57 frameset, not a 59, but that is perfect for me.

The Golden Boy 

That is a badass lookin' bike!

Thank you for sharing!!!

bikemig 

I'd probably rebuild on those phil hubs since they're pretty indestructible and I imagine parts are still available on them. There are plenty of new good rims out there that would look good on a classic bike. I'd check out the H Plus Son TB 14 and the velo orange rims; both are pretty old school looking.

caci

thanks for the info.
Phil's are good-to-go. Had the Wolber Super Champ's trued & tensioned, glued on new economy Vittoria's.
Armed with a can of Pit Stop (NOT the deodorant), will ride the Puch this Saturday.
I have a set of Mavic Reflex OTW for the Lemond. Presently, the wheelset on that bike weighs 8+lbs!!
BTW, the Puch weighs 14.33lbs, sans wheelset & the Lemond comes in at 13.22 lbs.
regards, Chris

Chombi

Remember, "re-rimming" to clinchers = could be close to a pound added on the bike at the worst area.....
Just saying, cause it's a "Superleicht" after all......

caci

Just to clarify - I have 3 dedicated wheelsets (126mm 6-speed Regina) for the Puch, ALL TUBULARS.
I am "upgrading" the wheels on my Lemond Titanium to tubular rims & do expect a significant weight reduction when I lose the 14ga spokes, Rigida DP18 ox cart rims & clinchers w/tubes.
Chris

caci

Michael,
Is your 57cm built? Components? I'm on an iPhone, so I can't see the 53cm very good - which one is the Superleicht.
I'd like to share serial numbers with you - if you are comfortable with that - PM or on this thread.




Chris