Swedish road bikes

[javal]

I`m mainly interested in Swedish brands such as Crescent and Monark and is eager to know about if theres any out there around the globe. The classic road bikes of the 60`s and 70`s were known to be robust and therefore "affordable" to a wider population. So, is there any out there riding a classic swedish ten-speed road bike?

I also would like to know if there is anyone who can comment on a italian (?) bike named Ticino? I`ve spotted one example from c:a 1970`s. I tried to google it but came up with zero. /Jan, Sweden.

[evwxxx]

Hej po dej Jan! I have a Crescent road bike here in the USA. It is the "Professional Extra Model 317". Here is a poster that talks about the various models of the "orange" Crescents. They are good bikes, a little low on the "finish" side, and there is a lot of toeclip overlap with the front wheel!

[javal]

Hej på dig också! (Hello to you too).

Great stuff! This is what I wanted. The 317 is typical US/foreign model whit no audience back here. It goes to show MCB had different lay-ups depending on which market. Basically they seem to alter the "number" in relation to components, but the 317 never went on sale here anyway. I hope you enjoy your basic but oh so durable ride!

[javal]

Here`s my slightly improved (?) Monark 318 from 1975. I´ve used Shimano 600 all over and in favour to the older french components (Simplex, Stronglight, Sun-Tour) and added with a not so old Ultergra rear derauiller. New levers and extremely comfortable Bontrager tape and Selle Italia saddle. She rides like the wind!

[javal]

Lost the pic somehow... Here it is!

[evwxxx]

That one looks really fine!! Here is a post of the "top of line" Crescent, the famous stainless steel one!

[javal]

Hi! The stainless or the "executive" Crescent didnt come in many numbers but are for every reason a desirable collectors item to some. You can find it and many more swedish and other bikes on www.cykelhobby.com

Theres a little something on the 317 as well. Good luck!

[Palladium]

You can see my Crescent stainless steel frame bike in the background of the first picture here:
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/vie...p?f=10&t=19292

[javal]

You should put it in the forground and expose it widely! Doing any riding on it?

[JohnDThompson]

My brother has a 1970s vintage Crescent road bike. I'll see if I can get some pics.

[javal]

(I posted this as a new thread - cant find it so here goes again...)

In another thread the subject was unappreciated bikes/brands and I threw in a couple of scandinavian bikes. Here are some swedes without bigger recognition abroad; 1) Champion bikes were a small scale production. Frames made by Torpado. On this one Super record gruppo. Certain details made in alu in Sweden. 2) Rex bikes are a brand that go way back to the 1920`s. Mainly producer of everyday bikes but made in effort in the 80`s to make a competetive and affordable racing/training bike. Frame by Rossin/Falck tubing. Triomphe components.

Visit my friend Kjell`s superb site on swedish and other bikes at www.cykelhobby.com

Top it off with my upgraded Monark -75 and Crescent 319 -79.

EDIT; ...eh, I found my lost thread...

[Palladium]

Here's some pictures of my stainless steel bike. I used to ride it a lot. Right now, I'm using the Schwinn Racer to get to and from the subway (Metro train). The first 5 pics are 640 x 480 with some adjustment of the contrast and sharpness. I put clincher rims and tires on the wheels. The wheel hubs are original.

[javal]

Great pics! Yours got sugino cranks and SunTour dearailleur? The lugs were applied AFTER welding the tubes, many went to scrapheap immediately and the surviving few tells a story of craftmanship.

[Palladium]

This was in the Wall Street Journal today.

[Palladium]

I'll have to check what parts are on the bike. I started cleaning off the rust from my Raleigh Competition I had in a shed with a leaky roof too long. The forks have shined up a lot after using a wire wheel and Dremel tool and some fine steel wool.

I was trying to look up the definition of derailer. Are both the pedal and wheel gear changers called derailers?
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer.html

[javal]

You got front and rear derailleurs. The front is connected with the crankset. The rear is connected to the casette. Often they are in the same group (gruppo) f.ex Dura Ace, 600, Super Record and usually by the same maker; Shimano, Campagnolo etc. All together refered to as components. On older bikes there could be a mix of different stuff, but often from the same country (components that is). Brakes, rims and bars could be an entirely different maker. Lugs can be an area of interest to many; what making and what year. Yours are Nervex. And the seat; yours look on the average side... I gatherad there should have been a brownish Kashimax.

Yours could do with a little tidying up! You´ve got a hard to come by gem there! Clean it thoroughly, look over its components and its functions. Kiss the bar tape and seat goodbye?

[Palladium]

Sugino is engraved a couple places on the cranks and front sprocket. The wheels have Campagnolo hubs with Wolber Super Champion Gentleman GTA (made in France) rims which I put on myself when I converted the wheels from tubular tires to clincher tires. A set of puncture resistant Panaracer Crosstown tires are on the wheels. Suntour GT is engraved on the rear derailer and Sun Tour Spirt is engraved on the front chain changer gizmo.

[javal]

Seems like you`ve got the real stuff there. Either you like it (it functions well)or you upgrade to get a more comfy ride. I wonder if you can find any id? Should be stamped under the BB. I really want to make you aware of how rare those bikes are. For sure, most of them went as export to the US. The US-market wanted something special from MCB to create attention; the stainless! Over here there has been one for sale on the open market the last two years (that I know of).

[Palladium]

What are they worth now? What is the BB?

[schmunk]

[evwxxx]

The "BB" is the bottom bracket, or the place where the crank axle (spindle) goes thru the bike frame to connect the two halves of the crank together. Often there are serial numbers and other identifying marks under there. Turn bike upside down and you will see them.

[javal]

Starting bid as I remember was 10.000 SKr (swedish crowns), which approx is 1.500 USD. The bike was in excellent condition. They withdraw the bidding very quick, so I assume the seller got plenty from one bidder. No, I didnt bid...not my league (it wasnt my size anyway)

[Palladium]

$1,500 US dollars? I think I paid about $250 in the 70's for the bike.

Under the BB its says: 4911803

[javal]

As I said, not many of them left (in Sweden anyway). The classic Crescents has a strong national and international following. MCB digits are far from correct, but starting number 4 indicates mid to late 70`s of making. In this case with the stainless, many frames were scrap or had cosmetic problems (returned to MCB), why closer dating is almost impossible.

Really cool that you´re the original owner, you could be the only one knowing what exact year it was made. There werent many made, and there were only two persons at MCB responsible for the assembly. So, if you bought it in -78 its most likely a -78 or "left over" -77.

It seems like you´ve got a Mark XI with sugino cranks, mafac center pulls, sun tour derailleurs. Do you also got Campy Nuovo Tipo hubs and Agrati seat post its a Mark XI for sure. You should have a Ideale 45 seat aswell (not Kashimax as I stated before).

[javal]

The Ideale 45 on the left beside a Kashimax super pro. The ideale used to be on my Monark -75.