Hi Robert,

Do you know what model it is? Also, what components are on it?
Please post a picture if you can. That would help, too.

Ok, so 20 years ago I bought a left over early eighties model AD Olympian. 531 db frame, 531 fork. I put a few hundred miles on it, then due to health problems I quit riding. Now I am trying to get back into riding. My current beater is a very inexpensive Trek mountain bike. To make this long winded post longer, I like my old AD, but it needs work. Wheel bearings are bad, needs new brakes, tires, etc. The usual problems. The frame is in good shape will very little rust. What would you do with the bike? (Has original Huret/Weinmann components, except for rear derailier, which was bad the day I bought it, so it was swapped for a Suntour GT.)

Repack the bearings, install new cables & housing, replace brake pads, new tires/tubes, check wheels for true, lube all pivot points and give it a general cleaning. Check chain and freewheel for wear and replace or lube as necessary. A small layout of cash and a day in the garage will reward you with a pretty sweet ride. :)

Follow Nick's advice. :) Don't skimp on REPLACING the brake cables and their housings. Replace the brake pads with KoolStop salmons. You can't beat a classic lugged and butted moly steel frame.

Would you consider upgrading the components? I like the trigger shift on my Trek, but never really had problems with friction shifters. I am completely out of shape, would it be possible/advisable to lower the gearing? Oh and also, I have a slight rust spot on the head tube, where the paint cracked over the years...best way to fix?

I'd be inclined to go through the maintenance overhaul and cleaning first, take it for a couple rides and see how everything works and suits you. If all the components still operate satisfactorily and the current gearing meets the needs of your terrain and riding style, I'd leave it as is. If you desire different gearing, you can always pick up a more suitable freewheel.
As far as the rust spot goes, gently clean off the rust with low grit sandpaper and fill in with touch up paint.

Ok, so my mechanical skills are as embryonic as my riding, the wheels are grunching like the bearings have gone square, is it likely I will need new bearings? Would they be hard to find? I will also need to get a tool kit, cone wrenches and such. I'm using the Bicycle Magazine maintenance book, and I know which end of the wrench to use so I figure I can do this. Any advise? (Embryonic in the sense, I pulled the tires and tubes off, and that was the first time I ever did it, today!)

Here are three links that you should find very useful:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

http://www.parktool.com/

http://www.loosescrews.com

You should be able to find just about everything you need information and materials-wise there.

And yes, you likely will need new bearings for your wheels. I'd also do the bottom bracket and headset bearings as well. There are some specialized tools you will need for each task. Sheldon explains all this in good detail.
Since you have the tires and tubes off, take a gander at the integrity of the rim strips. Replace them if needed. Good cloth rim strips such as Velox are my personal favorite.
Good luck with it and have fun overhauling it.

I started visiting the suggested sites. Now I need to figure out the cost of the tools, etc. Teacher on summer break, no income...

I recently picked up an Austro-Daimler SE for 60 bucks off of craigslist, that's I'm making into a fixie. Can anyone give me more info about the frame? It seems to be in good shape and the back info on this thread has helped alot but, I haven't been able to find anything about this specific model. f

I noticed "SLE" models listed for 1981 & 1982 at the following site...
http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/AustroDaimler/

ex-puch rider too. we have all missed another two austrian brands; ktm and hrinkow. i always liked the ktm's i saw in Austria, but as I was studying in Graz, it felt like treachery to actually get one ;)

Keep saving your money and KEEP the Austro-Daimler when you buy the motorbike. If you keep bicycling, your body will thank you when you are my age. :)

Was there ever a Puch model name Tour de France. Where did it place amongst their model line? High range?

Yes the model tour de france was produce in 1981, and it was an entry level bike with an price of 300 $
The color of the frame was green and equipped with inexpensive components.
I have the Puch original Brochure from 1981 where the bike is displayed. If you need the picture I can scann it and send you per e mail

Hello Manfred,

Good to hear from you again. I trust all is well with you in Austria. I took the Ultima out for a nice ride through the state park Tuesday. Haven't ridden in quite a while, but it was still fun. As always, the bike out-performed me.

Best Wishes from Alabama,
Drew

Currently an Austro-Daimler "TEAM" bike on ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-AUSTRO-D...item3cb057ac14

oh boy that is sweet! (and my size)

I am looking at buying a frame set of a Puch to start road biking. The item is on Craigslist and I don't know what model it is. But I know it is silver with what appears to be a french flag(red white and blue) striped on the fork and twice on all the other tubes. Does anyone know what model this could be?

Joesdad -
Eman2005 -

This is an ancient thread and would suggest each of you start a new one with any questions you may have - You will find a lot of interested knowledgeable people willing to help.



PS - Zaphod - That A-D was nice while it lasted, but it looks like the ebay seller sold it locally,( or had a change or heart about selling it at all. )

I recently bought an A D SL w/fenders at a garage sale for $20, bike is in very good condition, I need to replace rims and gears it was set up as a 12 speed, can anyone tell me if it came new with 12 or 10?

dmorris, I'm going to take a guess it came with a 5 cog freewheel/10 speed ... especially if it was built in the '70's. Nice find for $20 ..

Scott