Austro-Daimler SLE
 

This frame came across my radar late last summer. But because I had zero experience in building up a bike with a starting point from just a frame I passed.

Well it came across my radar again. I really liked the one jdawginsc offered up for sale, but that one was unfortunately not my size.

Since I’ve built exactly one bike, starting with just a frame, I’m thinking of doing another. Even though I’m not quite done with the first and I swore I’d never do that again…..

My guess is 1980. Not enough of the Reynolds sticker is left to tell if it’s full or just main 531 tubing. Probably just main since it has Shimano dropouts. I don’t really know.

pictures:

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9346f52be.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...96b7ad3cb.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...70a089ba1.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c5f9cf90e.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...72bf8b56f.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e7905f172.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1bd85140d.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0e06cd42d.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ec870ecf1.jpeg

Looks like you're off to a good start! Since you already have a headset and bottom bracket, if there are any threading issues (I don't think AD used anything besides ISO, but I've been wrong before!) you've avoided them. What's your vision for the build? I love that three-arm Stronglight crank. Given that it has clamp on TT guides, my guess is late 70's. One important widget you'll need to track down is a clamp on cable stop for the rear derailleur.

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launch for the A-D marque in the U.S. was 1976

chainset is Verot TS (Touring Sport)

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...17b62a09a4.jpg
lug pattern of BOCAMA Professional

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b18af0ea77.jpg


although dropouts forged fork ends stamped, suggesting a midliner sort of model


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IdahoBrett You've probably been through these before, but I'll post them.
Catalogs, (missing 1980)
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/AustroDaimler/

This site shows a pic of a bike and claims it's a 80 SLE, looks very similar to the frame you posted,
Ride It or Die: Austro-Daimler SLE Rebuild

I bought an Ultima frame from another forum member a few years back and built it up with a Shimano group. It is a really nice riding bike, one of my favorites.

One more link, AD history,
My Austro-Daimler "Vent Noir II" Bicycle And Brief History of Steyr Daimler Puch

Even back in 1960, Capo was ISO-threaded (based on my 3 samples), and I believe Steyr-Daimler-Puch has always done the same. I have never seen an Austrian bike with other than ISO.

I can confirm BSA threading. Three main tubes 531 DB, not sure of the stays. Fork is Puch hi tensile I believe.

My vision is to stay European. My wallet size says Shimano or Suntour.

In my vision a set of Campagnolo Super Record derailleurs from about the late 70's, Weinmann side pulls (Carrera maybe) and drilled levers, wheel size will likely be decided on caliper reach (rookie guess) but definitely clincher, Cinelli or GB bars and stem.

My wallet size may end up dictating the parts procurement department.

They actually had SR stem and Friko bars on them. Some were spec-ed with SunTour livery and Weinmann 605 stoppery...some with Huret gears.

I have some original stuff if you are interested.

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Hello Brett,

purchase of the fittings you envision piecemeal would be killer expensive

you could come out much better purchasing a donor machine built to ISO standard and fitted with an approximation of the fittings you desire then selling off the extra frame


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Idaho Brett: If you need a clamp-on cable stop for the rear derailleur, send me a PM. I have some new old stock. Happy to send you one.

A lot of ADs came with Shimano components. Could that mean they might have JIS spec components?

I've got the same AD-SLE bike in a 23" size, same color.

My bike's Huret components date from late 1977 (49th and 50th weeks), and my brake levers are dated 1/77.

My bike's serial # is considerably older, 600406*.

I am weakly recalling that the geometry is fairly relaxed, 72 degrees or so.

It is. Sprightly, yet comfortable. Basic sport tourer, with a little AD magic mixed in.

It seems like a 1978 model if I recall correctly, so those Huret dates line up pretty well. Mine is a few years later.

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Hello rett,

one topic not as yet mentioned with the Oesterreichisches frame is size

it appears by eye to be in the vicinity of 63-64cm

this looks like it may be slightly larger than your blue cycle

if a difference in size both cannot be ideal, although both may be workable

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9346f52be.jpeghttps://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bcd35c0d6.jpeg


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The AD frame has not yet arrived but as the seller measured it at 63.5cm it’ll be close to the A08 juvela .

My 25” Cannondale ST400 frame that I’ve been riding more lately feels more comfortable every time I ride it. I have the inseam to clear that size frame. But in my limited experience of staying at the 60cm frame size, initially had me apprehensive about climbing aboard a bigger frame.

I’m learnin’ stuff I never put an ounce of thought into before. This forum and my bikes have been a pleasant distraction to the world around me.

Over the years I have migrated to larger frames. Also Austro Daimler bikes are the bomb!

Yes!

I'm looking forward to hearing more about this one. I've got some Shimano Tri-Color group stuff that could work with that one, if that interests you.
My Ultima was a 76 and originally equipped with Tubulars. I used 27" clinchers and the clearances are tight. 700c might be a better size.

I have an Olympian that measures 63.5 CTT, the Vent Noir I sold was the same size. I ride/rode them with narrow handlebars and skinny, hard tires (22 & 25mm tubulars). IMHO, handling is superb. In this large size, they are not the stiffest frame, but spin don't mash :rolleyes:. Your marginally heavier fork & stays might be a step in the right direction. Regardless, I consider AD to be an excellent ride. (as a comparison, an '85 SLX Merckx in 63cm was also not stiff, but a heavenly ride, for me.)


Be sure to update this thread. I'm always more interested in the ride report than the build list - unless it's a 100% original (or nearly) Euro component reassembly.

700c definitely clears bigger tires, but the caliper choice is key. I found that out when I started (and abandoned) the build of mine.

Also, the chainstay angles are a bit wonky for some reason and you have to get the chainrings as tight to the chainstay as you can to clear the front derailleur.

Could have just been me and choices of front derailleur, but it was a bit of a challenge.

Speaking of (Austrian) riders on tall Austrian frames, Adolph Christian racing photos show very little seatpost. I think tall frames were popular in the 1960s, so you fit right in.

I used to strictly stop at 23" and routinely 25" now though 23.5" still works. Seems most frames don't get much longer as they get over 23.

Work has begun on the AD. This bike will take me awhile due to the time of year. More outside stuff vs indoors.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...14de4bd47.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f6be29a87.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...921705b3f.jpeg

And a mock up for self motivation…

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...49e3901e6.jpeg

That will be a handsome ride!

Super clearance!