brandongetty

Just found this tattered beauty on craigslist and I'm looking for some input:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/bik/905672173.html





Looks like one heck of a project, and $200 seems negotiable. Should I take the plunge, or is this not even worth it? See the listing for more information.

nlerner

That's a definite project. The Titan stem and seatpost would probably fetch you back a good chunk of your outlay if you wanted to put your energy into hanging more interesting parts on the frame itself.

Neal

rhm

Yeah, big project, but looks to be a very nice frame, assuming it's straight &c. It has what appears to be a long wheelbase, so it should have a pretty comfortable ride. You can probably save the paint, if you like 'patina.' I don't like the paint very much; the lining on the lugs somehow makes them look cheap, and I don't like the decals much, but the pinstriping is nice. On the other hand, it would somehow seem a shame to repaint it.

I wonder if the fork is original.

Finding modern headset and BB for it may be a bit of a challenge, if the threading is French or something funky like that.

As for the price, I suspect if you took all the parts off it and sold just the frame on ebay, it could go for as much as $200... so the price is probably okay. Not that I'd do that, of course.

sailorbenjamin

Well, the price is stiff but maybe not out of line.
I bet it would shine up just fine.

dbakl

Just posted that to the cl finds.

I think it looks like a nice frame with lower end parts; not uncommon back in the day. I'd guess the frame and bar and stem easily worth 200 bucks.

If I had the money I'd go for it...

edit: fork looks like a Nervex crown, I'd guess original, just faded to silver base coat.
ah, keep the headset and bb, shouldn't need to be replaced...

plodderslusk

This is rather weird. I bought the same frame at a Norwegian fleamarket someyears ago. It was in quite a similar condition. I guess that it is a French frame bought by the norwegian company DBS. The fork looks like mine and could be the original 531 fork. I have not been able to find a quality headset for the frame. A modern French headset has a too narrow crownrace. This is a very stiff frame and I used it as a single speed winter beater before the headset gave up completely. I ditched the spindle from the BB but kept the rest (thank you Sheldon !) If you find a source for a decent headset please let me know. 200$ seems pretty steep but it is a nice frame. Mine is from 1963 and I gues this is about the same age.

dbakl

A good bike store should be able to ream the fork seat to fit, or find a race that does...

wrk101

Only makes sense if you have the time, skill, and energy to do all the work yourself. If so, could be a fun project.

All markets are local.

badmother

If new headset is difficult, at least look for a second hand one! Did you try Den Rustne Eike in Oslo? They`we got a lot of spares for old bikes, a lot for DBS.

https://www.denrustneeike.no/

plodderslusk

Sorry to say they do not exist any more. I wonder if what I need is a french threaded headset with a 27 mm crownrace.

badmother

They (he) DO exist. e-mail or call him, he is selling from his place in Bislet, Oslo.