Early 80's(?) Apollo Gran Tour
09-09-14 | 11:43 PM
#1
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From: Vancouver, BC
Bikes: '90s Specialized Hardrock, '84 Apollo Club Sport, '84 Centurion Pro Tour 15...
Early 80's(?) Apollo Gran Tour
Hello!
I'm looking for a light touring/commuter. Apollos (Kuwahara bikes) are common around these parts (Pacific North West) but I haven't stumbled across a 'gran tour' before now. Suntour BL down tube shifters and rear derailleur, gran-compe breaks, champion no 2 chromoly tange frame. Looks reasonably well cared for. Photo: imgur: the simple image sharer
The image quality is a bit poor but anything stand out (like whoa that fork looks weird right away... etc) and any idea of possible value? (some googleing suggested the 'gran touriste' is a nice Apollo model and obviously this is mid range/upper mid for Apollo but not sure what its relation is to something like the touriste. Tour suggests touring but it doesn't appear to have much in the way of braze-ons and no third chain ring etc so... sport touring?)
I'm looking for a light touring/commuter. Apollos (Kuwahara bikes) are common around these parts (Pacific North West) but I haven't stumbled across a 'gran tour' before now. Suntour BL down tube shifters and rear derailleur, gran-compe breaks, champion no 2 chromoly tange frame. Looks reasonably well cared for. Photo: imgur: the simple image sharer
The image quality is a bit poor but anything stand out (like whoa that fork looks weird right away... etc) and any idea of possible value? (some googleing suggested the 'gran touriste' is a nice Apollo model and obviously this is mid range/upper mid for Apollo but not sure what its relation is to something like the touriste. Tour suggests touring but it doesn't appear to have much in the way of braze-ons and no third chain ring etc so... sport touring?)
09-10-14 | 01:54 AM
#2
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From: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
I have owned several Apollo bikes including an Apollo Gran Tour and a Gran Touriste...
The Gran Tour is the sport recreational model while the Touriste if full touring. In truth, I never did ride the Gran Tour, as it went to another collecto,r in short order, after acquiring the bicycle. The bicycle, however, had been used as a touring bike and been around the world, or close to it, according to the original owner.
Other than that, there is little more that I have to offer other than the Gran Tour is, without a doubt, one of the nicest Apollo bicycles that I have owned. Value, in BC? My guess would be $300 to $350 but that is only a guess and it is the wrong time of year to think about selling a vintage bicycle. And a pretty good time, in Canada anyway, to buy one.
The Gran Tour is the sport recreational model while the Touriste if full touring. In truth, I never did ride the Gran Tour, as it went to another collecto,r in short order, after acquiring the bicycle. The bicycle, however, had been used as a touring bike and been around the world, or close to it, according to the original owner.
Other than that, there is little more that I have to offer other than the Gran Tour is, without a doubt, one of the nicest Apollo bicycles that I have owned. Value, in BC? My guess would be $300 to $350 but that is only a guess and it is the wrong time of year to think about selling a vintage bicycle. And a pretty good time, in Canada anyway, to buy one.
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09-10-14 | 10:17 AM
#3
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From: Vancouver, BC
Bikes: '90s Specialized Hardrock, '84 Apollo Club Sport, '84 Centurion Pro Tour 15...
Thanks so much for the thoughtful reply, randyjawa.
I have a bit of a soft spot for Apollos as my father had one when I was growing up and I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic at seeing that head badge.
I had a feeling it was one of their better offerings and given that more of my time is spent getting to and from work by bike than going for rides that extend past 30km, I imagine a sport rec. model would more than serve. One can always clamp on a bottle cage...
I have a bit of a soft spot for Apollos as my father had one when I was growing up and I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic at seeing that head badge.
I had a feeling it was one of their better offerings and given that more of my time is spent getting to and from work by bike than going for rides that extend past 30km, I imagine a sport rec. model would more than serve. One can always clamp on a bottle cage...
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