Originally Posted by
Andy_K
There's some really fun stuff here:
www.bulgier.net - /pics/bike/Catalogs/AustroDaimler/76/UltimaSuperleicht_info/
The press release in image 5 shows both the Steyr and Puch logos on the letterhead. It also
glories in these being "the world's most expensive range of production bicycles." That kills me. I bought mine from a guy who had turned it into a fixie, complete with rack and fenders. I guess he didn't realize what a symbol of prestige he had on his hands.
"Symbol of Prestige" that was one purpose of the AD branding in the USA. Catalogues were classy. Puch, foreign made Puch was a tough sell. 'How do you say that?' No thank you, no Puke for me!'
The paint on mine has held-up very well; decals and striping were delicate and held up less well (but better than Pinarellos!). I just love mine for it's fit characteristics and for taking the fenders and 25mm tires - so it gets offseason miles.
As to place in the AD line-up ('81&'82), there were full-on Race models up the line, with lighter framesets, but butted 531 f/f and 73degrees parallel is 'timelessly classic' for us non-racing, fast tourers who appreciate some tire clearance, by roadie standards of th day. For more general riding applications, especially in the larger frame sizes, these 'fast touring frames' were ideal.
edit: these frames were ahead of their time = now rediscovered as Endurance bikes, Whodathunkit?