Picture of Much Vaunted Kwikstep Folder
10-04-05, 09:07 AM
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Well, much vaunted by me ha ha.... (and maybe other Dutch enthousiasts in the know). I just bought this folder for my girlfriend and she was ecstatic as she has wanted one for a while. This one is actually in the worst condition (appearance only, technically it is fine) you ever see them, hence i got it cheap, E 25.
The rust is no problem, comes of quick with a scouring pad.
What i think is great about this folder type/model:
3 Triangle design, somewhat reminiscent of Bike Friday.
The two triangles in the back as well as the pannier reinforce eachother, savvy stuff.
LUGGED STEEL, oh yeah baby.
Strong yet relatively light frame
Good pedigree (tons produced, tons still riding fine after up to 40 years)
Standardized parts!! (Headset and BB, tube for fork isn't too long either)
Unusual but good folding mechanism, it is more of a break away type thing. I will have pics on that too in a while.
This one actually has a 'Doumatic' 2 speed hub.
Check the 'bling' on the chain wheel. It is 4 Gazelle/Ibex's chasing each other!!! How's that for class!. If you look carefully you see a little but very shiny section of metal on the upper left of the chain guard. This basically took 1 minute of polishing it with "steel wool". All the rust gone and shiny. Yes it think restoration will work out fine. Gazelle is the the Brand and Logo by the way. There is another Gazelle silhoutte on the fork "caps".. cool.
Soonish i will make a webpage for this folder too. Lots of pictures.
Just wait until you see the after pictures!!!! :-)
The rust is no problem, comes of quick with a scouring pad.
What i think is great about this folder type/model:
3 Triangle design, somewhat reminiscent of Bike Friday.
The two triangles in the back as well as the pannier reinforce eachother, savvy stuff.
LUGGED STEEL, oh yeah baby.
Strong yet relatively light frame
Good pedigree (tons produced, tons still riding fine after up to 40 years)
Standardized parts!! (Headset and BB, tube for fork isn't too long either)
Unusual but good folding mechanism, it is more of a break away type thing. I will have pics on that too in a while.
This one actually has a 'Doumatic' 2 speed hub.
Check the 'bling' on the chain wheel. It is 4 Gazelle/Ibex's chasing each other!!! How's that for class!. If you look carefully you see a little but very shiny section of metal on the upper left of the chain guard. This basically took 1 minute of polishing it with "steel wool". All the rust gone and shiny. Yes it think restoration will work out fine. Gazelle is the the Brand and Logo by the way. There is another Gazelle silhoutte on the fork "caps".. cool.
Soonish i will make a webpage for this folder too. Lots of pictures.
Just wait until you see the after pictures!!!! :-)
Last edited by v1nce; 10-05-05 at 05:12 AM.
10-04-05, 11:21 AM
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Hey Thanks Roberto. It is true, it is almost folder Walhalla here. Lots of them about the 2 or 3 you see most second hand are actually very good and affordable and easily acquired with a little effort. Sometimes i have thought of starting a little exporting bizz but shipping would prob. be prohibitive.
10-04-05, 12:38 PM
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Sweeeeet chainring. You could get a leopard-print seat or some other 'jungle-themed' accoutrement.
10-06-05, 05:16 AM
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Hmm i don't really think that is my girls style ha ha, but i'll ask her. I think she will make it into a fast/light machine. She is more the racing bike type.
