Tygra89

Hi guys,

I am hesitating to buy this Flandria (early '70s).

https://www.2dehands.be/fietsen/fiet...339343779.html

Campagnolo record (early '70s).

Any idea what it's worth ?

Many thanks !

T-Mar

It's really hard (for me) to comment on the price, given the foreign market. However, it is a entry level model and almost certainly hi-tensile tubing given the stamped dropouts. While the derailleurs are Campagnolo, they are entry levels models with not the best reputation. The gearing is quite tight and suitable only for flat terrain or fit riders. On the plus side, the bicycle has a bit more aluminum than I'd expect to see, especially the rims. At first, I was wondering if these were replacements given that the brake pads are at the very bottom of there adjustment range but the frame clearance look appropriate. What appears to be a GB stem is also a surprise, as I've rarely seen this on non-British bicycles. It's unfortunate that the pedals have been replaced with rubber block models.

prathmann

I had a similar Flandria in the early '70s. Bought it around '72 from a somewhat shady operation near a college campus - they were selling the bikes in the shipping boxes out of a big warehouse for $80. Used it as my commute vehicle for a few years before selling it to another student for $50. Components were different from this one - mine had Simplex derailleurs and Mafac brakes.
Rode fine but nothing special. AIRC it weighed about 30 lbs.

juvela

-----

Looks to be one of the base models done under contract in Portugal.

Bottom bracket spindle will likely be marked "Flandria Made In Portugal."

-----

T-Mar

So, did Portugal use French threading, like Spain? TIA.

juvela

Hello T-Mar,

The Portuguese built Flandria bicycles are BSC/ISO, and IIRC have 70mm shells.

Fitment of Shimano brakes on this example makes me suspect it could not be earlier than the 1973-74 time.

Presence of the Union U50 rubber pedals seems to be standard for this model (see below).

Do not know start/stop years for the Portuguese Flandrias; only that they were current in the early 1970's.

The cottered bottom brackets have a distinctive feature wherein the fixed cup exhibits a dome at its centre. VAR made a jaw for its fixed cup tool to accommodate this unique cup.

-----

juvela

-----

[had to divide me message due to balky Turing thingus. ham-fisted user here ]

Here is the best image I was able to find of the VAR fixed cup jaw with the recess to accommodate the distinctive Flandria fixed cup. Alas, it does not show up very clearly.

VAR 30 Bottom Bracket Fixed Cup Remover Tool: with 30/1, 30/2 & 30/3 - Bike Recyclery

(click through the several images in the gallery)

Chanced upon some detail photos of what looks to be the same or very similar model to the one under discussion. It is fitted with better wheels but otherwise appears nearly identical. Perhaps the same model only a bit later.

Full gallery can be seen here:


-----

T-Mar

Thxs Juvela, I haven't (knowingly) seen a Portugese manufactured bicycle. I'm quite familiar with the VAR fixed cup tool, as that is what I own. I switched from Camapagnolo close to four decades ago. The VAR are, IMO, far superior, standing up much better to shop use.