Two Puch Questions
 

I've got two questions about an old Puch.

1.
What is this mechanism? What is its purpose?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c940fbed68.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8cad4e5b01.jpg


2.
Why are there three holes in the front wheel drop outs? I can see the need for one or two mount points (racks and fenders/mud guards), but this bike has three. And why is one rectangular shaped?
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7a44905c08.jpg


Here is a pic of the bike for reference:
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a68549208c.jpg

Great pics. The brake quick release brake is to open up your center pull brakes so you can get the wheels out. I have no idea what that rectangular hole on the drop out is for.

The rectangular hole in the dropout is likely for a wheel retaining washer of some sort

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/U0cAA...yxI/s-l640.jpg

The brake quick release appears to need restoration. The flange on the barrel is supposed to engage the edge of the thin cam plate, but often bends away from the barrel and thus can't work. A flat along the length of the barrel is supposed to face the plate. Very common failure btw.

The rectangular hole in the dropouts might serve as a bungee anchor point for handlebar bags that require a tether.
EDIT: Probably an axle retainer slot as just mentioned above.

Nice bike OP!

Two Pooch Question~

Which one will make your ankle bleed?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8b09dae053.jpg

Yes, most likely that bike originally had nutted axles, with a washer that had a tab that fit into that hole.

Another failure mode is the nut holding the whole thing together gets backed off a bit the resulting slop makes the ridge of the adjustable barrel fall off the edge of the cam it's supposed to riding on. Easy fix, in that case.

They're probably thinking about how much dog food they couild buy by selling that Richard Sachs . . .

(I know this one!)

YES!!!

Poster number 2 is correct. Astro Damiler was their high end stuff. I bought 2 French bikes brand new & admired them back then. Bianchi bought out Puch in the very late, 1980's.

Thanks.
I had the same thought about their purpose - but when I move the lever nothing happens.

Interesting. I've never seen the rectangular hole for retain washers in that position before (not saying it isn't possible, just that I've never seen it). Normally the hole is aligned with the center-line of the fork arm.

The need for restoration would explain why they don’t work and originally had me questioning what their purpose was. Thanks for clarifying it for me.

in the 50's I had a 3 speed I bought from Sears , they had them made in Austria,, By AD-Puch.. but badged JC Higgins. Then..

It looks like the "T" shaped support for the Pletscher rack was mistakenly bolted to the quick release cable stop in such a way as to render it incapable of working properly. The "T"support is supposed to be attached to the rear brake mounting bolt.

Good point. On Weinmann centerpull brake systems I prefer the foolproof cable tension releases built into the brake levers.