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-   -   Crescent 10 speed (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1242118-crescent-10-speed.html)

Lman 11-11-21 05:39 PM

Crescent 10 speed
 
I had one in 73.. anyone have a Crescent size XL ,,?

verktyg 11-12-21 02:42 AM

Swedish Crescent Bikes
 

Originally Posted by Lman (Post 22304315)
I had one in 73.. anyone have a Crescent size XL ,,?

During the US bike boom of the early 70's a wide variety of Crescent models were imported into the country. They ranged from the 40 lb. welded gas pipe Sport 305 Clunkers to the all Campy (except for the brakes) Pepita Special 320 with a Reynolds 531 frame. They also offered some models with the 3 main tubes made of straight gauge 304 stainless steel.

We sold some Crescents during those years but I rarely saw any bikes with frames over 23". Crescents offered a lot of bang for the buck, especially for the racing set but the workmanship was pretty crude. I don't think that many survived the 70's

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c16c24cf11.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fb68763165.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...69b4cc64b9.jpg
US racer John Howard hammering on a Crescent in the early 70's.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...11ec377935.jpg

verktyg :50:

Prowler 11-12-21 06:51 AM


Originally Posted by verktyg (Post 22304637)
We sold some Crescents during those years but I rarely saw any bikes with frames over 23". Crescents offered a lot of bang for the buck, especially for the racing set but the workmanship was pretty crude. I don't think that many survived the 70's.

I'm real pleased that my 319 survived. It's 60cm ctc but you'll need to do the math to inches. I keep seeing internet comments along the "workmanship was pretty crude" track. Pity I didn't get one. I've found only one quality issue and its cosmetic. Otherwise it's a well made bike and a joy to ride. Mine is built with Suntour FD, RDs, barcons and 6spd FW. Woohooooo. Mine is also blue vs orange. Quite happy.

76SLT 11-12-21 08:48 AM

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d3c3ffb5b0.jpg
White was only available with the 318 model I believe.

Duke7777 11-12-21 01:55 PM

Crescents were fairly common here in Vancouver, as there was a Volvo dealer that imported them in the 1970s and sponsored a racing team. My first race bike was a 319, and I still own two 319/320s in the 24" size. They still come up fairly regularly on Craigslist, and I see there is one there now: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...401655258.html

juvela 11-12-21 02:23 PM


Originally Posted by 76SLT (Post 22304826)
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d3c3ffb5b0.jpg
White was only available with the 318 model I believe.

-----

the local MCB stockist in the San Francisco area offered Monark badged 319's and 320's in all three finishes: white, blue & orange

his explanation of the colours was that the factory sponsored both a professional and an amateur team. one rode the blue and one the orange. the white being for independents.

have no idea if this is correct; simply what i was told by the stockist who was in a position to know. he had married a svenska flicka so there was no language barrier with respect to communication with the factory.


-----

oneclick 11-12-21 05:31 PM


Originally Posted by Prowler (Post 22304717)
I keep seeing internet comments along the "workmanship was pretty crude" track. Pity I didn't get one. I've found only one quality issue and its cosmetic.

The one I got had some lumpy bits of brazing, and the lugs showed little if any detail work. Yes cosmetic, still a nice bike, but a bit agricultural...


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