Anyone have experience in this brand or quality? Daughter in law found at a foreclosed home they are clearing for a bank and asked if I want. Looks 70s?

With chromed 'pie plate' spoke protector and chainring protector, it's a low-end bike-worth maybe $50 as it sits. Maybe $25 if the rims are steel.....

Chrome fork and rear socks plus high flanges? Not low end to me....needs more investigation. More pics.

Looks like it has forged dropouts and it uses brake cable clips, as opposed to stops, so I doubt it's entry level.

I told her just to bring it home, worst case I can use something off it. If not it was just going to be scrap. We are having dinner tonight so I'll pick it up and get some good pics.

Brazing looks rough and feels on the heavy side for most of it being aluminum. No markings on hubs. Brakes and levers match. Seat tube decal appears it may be an address, at first I thought years. Could not locate a serial. Crank arm says Solida, also stamped N Arregui Eibar - Alfa Criterium. Shifter mount also says Eibar. Wheels are 700c.

Cool bike with that been in the Arizona sun too long look.

Spanish bike, maybe a private labeled brand made for a large store or bike shop in Barcelona. Some of the components may have been replaced as they are from different eras: i.e. rear derailleur.

Most likely "tubería de gas" frame.

To quote Forum member [MENTION=190941]jimmuller[/MENTION] :

"I come not to bury Caesar's bike but to praise it. I've seen bikes I'd rather not ride. I give them no tribute."

verktyg

Chas.

Did I say that? When did I say that?? You're confusing me with that other guy, whatshisname.

Well, that's pretty cool. Bike shop was at Carrer de Balmes 82-84, Barcelona, but isn't there any more.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ca...49!4d2.1606453

I concur, it's Spanish which means the OP is almost certainly dealing with metric sized tubing and French threading threading, given the apparent 1970s era. The steel cottered crankset and Triplex front derailleur are not good signs and the workmanship is only average, though it does have Zeus forged dropouts and top tube cable clips. The overall impression is a mid-range, 1970s frame that has been dressed down somewhat. It should be at least a lightweight high carbon steel and possibly better. The seat post diameter in conjunction with the seat tube diameter (to determine whether it is metric or imperial standard) will give us a good idea of the tubing grade.

I am about blind close up without glasses on, but I put a quick tape on it. I also noticed the aluminum wheels have groves, I only recall that on steel but they are aluminum.


Seems like they were unsure they wanted to build something nice, and went cheap.


I found a link to an early 70s catalog. Not quite the same though. RECICLONE, Antique bicycles restoration, Restauración de bicicletas antiguas: Catalogo de bicicletas Gimson

Great webpage where you found the catalog; there are a lot of really neat restoration projects.

Jim,

To jolt your memory a little:

https://www.bikeforums.net/17306089-post110.html

It's one of the best lines I've seen on BF.


verktyg

Chas.

Wow. Thank you. You have a better memory than I do, Gunga-Din.

It is also interesting to hear them get excited about finds that seem more localized. My Spanish is fair, but I translated it with Google as well.

The older Gimson bikes had some flair. I came across one with the head lugs as stars in the front. Very cool. Apparently they made motorcycles as well. A star was part of logo. Gimbernat Hermanos (brothers). Sons of Gimbernat....Gimsons. haha

I have learned to put bici, biciclete, bicicleta.... in front of some of the obscure names. Or the lesser known italians.