citizennouveau

Hello everyone! I've been reading this forum for a while but I haven't posted until now because I've been able to find all the answers to my questions so far. Thanks to everyone for being such a great resource! I generally ride a '79 Raleigh Record Ace mixte, but I've just acquired a vintage bike from my sister. I was with her in Portland when we picked up the bike and unfortunately I only have one remaining picture of it's original state. Since then, my sister has stripped the paint and spray painted the bike fluorescent yellow... From all my research I've deduced it's probably a Miele Classica, based on the groupset (Suntour Ole). I tried looking for a serial number but can't find one anywhere. Not sure if that's due to it's new paint job or lack of it being stamped with one. I want to bring this bike back to it's original glory and I'm wondering how much I would be looking at for restoration. Should I just do paint or would powder coat be better? Can I do it myself? If anyone has any information or the specs on this specific model bike I'd love to know anything I can! Also, I'm located in San Diego if anyone knows of a place for a great deal on a powder coat or paint job. Thanks in advance! Included are current pics of the bike and one of what it used to look like

Bianchigirll 

Does t fit you? Or someone in your family? A good one color paint can start at $200ish and go up. If you need decals made that can be extra, clear coat extra and body work is extra.

powder coating can be inexpensive but my understand is if the coater doesn't work with bikes often it can be put on too thick.

MielleCondor72

Finally another Miele on this site. I look forward to following updates on this bike. The one original picture of the bike shows a really great colour. I don't know anything about Miele Classica's. Maybe Randyjawa can enlighten as to where the Classica was in the Miele line up. I'm going to guess it up near the top.

citizennouveau

Yes! My sister and I are within an inch of the same height so it fits me perfectly! I've been riding it around and having a blast. It's a lot lighter and faster than my steel framed mixte My sister rode it very regularly and maintained it's mechanics well. It's just a little dusty from the regular road wear it experienced as a commuter bike while she was finishing up her undergrad and grad school work. I was going to bring it back to original paint because I have a personal preference for it in this form. I was just wondering what kind of bike it was meant to be in the original Miele lineup and what kind of price tag it used to command.

citizennouveau

Thanks for your kind endorsement! I'm hoping my sister doesn't have a problem with me repainting the bike again. It's pretty lightweight and the chromed front fork make me think it might not have been at the bottom of the lineup. I did find pictures of another Classica in the same color. The only thing that makes me question whether this bike is a Classica is that the picture of the one I found didn't have chrome anywhere on the frame... That and lack of a serial number and proper database. I hope more people have some info

MielleCondor72

I'd think your sister would be happy to see her old bike being so well cared for and loved. As you stated she took good care of the bike. I totally missed the chromed forks in the pictures and had to go back and look at them again. I did find what I believe is the serial number on my Miele on the underside of the crank. I found only five numbers so I'm still looking.

I like the way Miele bikes look and the feel of it while riding. They seem to be light frames with very quick response to input from the rider. Also Miele seemed to have a great eye when it came to paint schemes and decal placement. Very pleasing to the eye. My bike has the classic 80's fade paint scheme, red on the head, top and down tubes and forks with the rest of the frame in pearl white.




I think they are very under-rated bikes. I'm looking for nicer bar tape for my bike. to set off the paint. I'm hoping for a red close to the colour on the frame. I may even consider black bar tape. I like the original paint colour on yours as well. The solid colour Miele's are just as pleasing as the 80's fade. I wish you many happy rides. I thank you again for posting your Miele. Nice to see a Canadian bike on Bike Forums.

randyjawa 

This is the Classica from a brochure that I have. The bicycle represents mid level quality, which is pretty darn good, considering the bicycle to be a Miele...



Anyone interested in a pair of vintage Miele road bicycle shoes? Very good shape and size 9 (42) as I recall.

citizennouveau

Thanks for the brochure page and the info randyjawa! I'm wondering, is it possible I don't have a Classica in my possession? The one pictured doesn't have the same Suntour Ole groupset that is on my bike. Also, I don't believe my color is listed... Unless that green color is actually called Sparkle Champagne, Ferrari Red or African Violet?

MielleCondor72

I knew Randy would have more information on this bike. I didn't expect the brochure picture and specifications but he is an endless source of information. He is one of the personalities on this forum I hope to meet in person sometime among a group of others. His web site My Ten Speed is full of great information if you haven't found it yet.