As many here know, I love bikes. Unfortunately, I have not been immersed in bike culture as some here have, so I'm learning a lot. Between my teens and my mid 40's, I didn't ride a bike, nor was I inclined to pay them much attention. That all changed when I received my Peugeot PX-8 back in 2010 from a friend of mine after it languished in his barn for 30 or more years. In any case, I didn't know a good bike from a bad one, but I've learned a lot thanks to all the great folks here on the forums. I even managed to get one of the finest English bicycles of its time, my 1950 Norman Rapide from rhm here on the forums. While many may not consider it a grail bike, to Anglophiles like myself it is a grail find and every time I throw a leg over this bike it puts a big grin on my face.

In any case, I recently acquired this Appel frameset that I believe was built in the early 1980's. It is somewhat quirky as it has an aero shifter mount on top of the downtube; however, the workmanship is impeccable throughout. For those that know me, I'm guessing that in your mind this dialog is now going on: "What in the world does photogravity intend to do to this frameset, install another IGH? Let's gather together, grab the torches and head to his house!" Well, if you're thinking that, you are dead wrong. I'm hoping that I can use the collective wisdom of this forum to build a fine Campy equipped bicycle that'll do you guys proud. In actuality, even before the frameset was on my doorstep, I was brokering a deal for parts from none other than Drillium Dude, who has some of the finest Campy bikes around these parts.

So, here are a few pictures of the frameset that I took this evening. It is far from perfect and actually has an issue - a dent in the top tube - which is very disappointing given that it wasn't disclosed by the seller, but that's another story.

I'll post better photos later when I have better light and more time.


Mike Appel Frameset - 1 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 2 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 3 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 4 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 5 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 6 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 7 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 8 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 9 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Mike Appel Frameset - 10 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr