Picked this one up on this week's dump run.
https://s5.postimg.org/i0rv3gk1j/IMG_0098.jpg

Talk about luck. My friend who found the Trek 760 a couple of weeks ago, just made another find. An aluminum Vitus. Silver "lugs" and black tubes, with a tri color 600 group. His price? $120... The frame is my size or so he says, so I will end up with it probably, but at 230ish I may be more human than the bike is meant for. I may trade it for something on the frame doesn't fit thread. Maybe build for the weight weenie thread instead, haha. While texting with him last night, he was determined to use that Modolo stem. I told him they're notorious for the clamp separating from the rest of the stem, but he wasn't buying it. I told him if it broke I would laugh at him and keep riding, lol. I think he got the message. Not that I would mind you, but purposely using a stem known for failures is just asking for a hospital bill. My humble opinion.,,,,BD


http://bikexprt.com/witness/product/...and%20bars.jpg

^^ For some reason the posting button doesn't show up when I try to quote a previous post?

That Vitus was a fantastic fine. I would not buy that bike for yourself, I had a friend that bought one back in the 80's about when they first came out, he weighed 245 pounds but he was also a body builder so he was all muscle, he broke two of those in 6 months at the bottom bracket, but Vitus was very good about warrantying the bikes; the 3rd one he got after the 2nd one broke he never rode, last I heard it's still in his garage having never been ridden! I tried to buy from him about 15 years ago because it was my size but he wouldn't sell it, I guess he liked looking at it.

But he also had 2 Kliens break at the BB, and 2 or 3 Cannondales, but each of those lasted about a year or two longer than the Vitus bikes did. After all those bikes failed he contacted Grant Petersen of Rivendell and told him his situation and Grant designed a custom built bike that would handle him and a load for touring, he's had that bike for about 15 or so years and it's still going strong last I heard and has taken it on many touring trips. I'm not sure if Grant does that kind of custom designing based on a person's weight and load it will be carrying since he's moved his production of the Rivendell branded bike to Waterford.

Bikes of any quality are pretty rare in my area, so when I see anything bike shaped at a yard sale I always stop to check it out. Picked this up yesterday for 25 bucks. I ride a 60cm, so the 49cm frame is way on the small side.


[IMG]http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psrox2ey6k.jpg[/IMG]
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[IMG]http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psrasltlf7.jpg[/IMG]http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psrkxobfsv.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psadeq8unf.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psj4ro0kcr.jpg[/IMG]

Now I have the quandry on what to do with it. 27" araya rims are nice and true. I have lots of ideas for the parts, but might just see if the frame doesnt fit thread can snag me something interesting in a 59 to 60cm range. Other than some top tube storage scratches its very clean.

I asked if they still had the original bars and brake levers, but no dice. Original owner, she says she probably rode it less than 50 miles.

This turned up on CL several days ago for $85, being sold by the local co-op. I had passed on one for $100 in April, even though I was preparing for my four-pannier TransAm attempt. Turns out I borrowed a friend's B.O.B. to try out on one leg of the trip but was not a convert following that experience. Still, I was sorry to have missed the one earlier and, surprisingly, did not jump on this one immediately. Called them today and said to hold it for me and just returned from picking it up. Included three skewers but no bag, no fender and no retaining pins; a real deal nonetheless.

Just snagged this off CL a couple hours ago, 23 inch '86 Schwinn Prelude. It was C-H-E-A-P! It had been on there for about 3 weeks and somehow I overlooked it until last night, I was positive it would be gone but I lucked out. They said they had it on CL before this listing and didn't get any calls and figured they'd give it one more shot. It has all it's original components, wheels are true and no corrosion on any of the aluminum but it has some pretty good scratches and it needs a complete overhaul. The brake hoods look almost new and are very pliable, they may have been replaced recently. I've paid as much for replacement hoods as I did this whole bike. But even with the rock hard and cracked tires, petrified brake pads, rusty chain and cables and unraveling bar tape it rode nicely. I've been riding 25 inch frames for years but this one seems to fit me well, I was very comfortable on it, I had no issue reaching the shifters. I'm finding reaching DT shifters on 25 inch frames isn't as easy as it used to be as I get older. I went to look at it with the idea of flipping it but I believe this one is a keeper. Which means one or two others will be looking for new homes.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/n...pszgyvcrbe.jpg

I love that rear derailleur. Great catch.

Nice looking frame and a great set of parts! Helluva deal for 25 clams.

I've been hankering for a nice Japanese tourer but they are not easy to find for a good price----even the lowliest Miyata is listed for a few hundred bucks here in Toronto. So I was happy to pick up this Panasonic Touring Deluxe yesterday for a reasonable price given it's condition. She is a real garage queen, I'd bet there are less than 500 miles on this beauty.

I already have front and rear racks in my parts bin and I have a couple of nice sets of Honjo fenders that I picked up on clearance, not sure if I will go with the hammered or smooth set. I'm excited!

http://i.imgur.com/1z1cZF6.jpg

Sweet! :thumb::thumb:

Nice Panasonic Touring Deluxe. I have the same model and year but not quite as pristine. Congrats and enjoy.

Picked up a free Gary Fisher, in the process of becoming my gravel bike. The county is chip sealing the hell out of my roads.



http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/...psrxcxvkbv.jpg

I'm not really on board with the whole vintage MTB drop bar thing yet but I see potential with this one. If I keep on looking at everyone's projects on BF, I'll be compelled to dig out the old GT Karakoram from the far recesses of my garage.

Nice find at an even nicer price. :thumb:

Pulled one of those from the dump yesterday. Quite a bit of rust but easily fixable. Unfortunately for me, it is way too big. For someone 6'2 to 6'6.

My Ross Project Bike - Finished pics
 

Here is my dumpster project. My first in several years.

I pulled this Ross Signature from the throwaway pile and clearly I was the only one who wanted it. Too bad I didn't take pictures before my project. Suffice to say that it had the usual rust, tons of caked on crud everywhere. The saddle was completely shot. Foam handlebar covers were disintegrating. Fits me perfectly!

The project below was done mainly with spare parts I had lying around and a few new and used internet acquired parts.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1471199479

The first thing I did was clean up the rust and gunk using abrasive pads, degreaser, etc. Most of the parts shined up nicely. Then I tossed out the saddle and put on a spare that was lying around. It is a "ladies" saddle, but meh, looks good enough for me. It's not pink or anything!

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1471199479

I changed the tires and tubes. Tossed the disintegrating original Ross tires in the trash and replaced them with Vredstein Fortezza.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1471199451

I ordered some Brooks leather bar tape from Bike Nashbar in a color that I thought would be close to the bike, but it ended up being a bit too pinkish for me. But I can live with it. Made in China and you can tell. The cork bar ends were already falling apart. I ended up using some ends from Scotch whiskey bottles that fit perfectly and look better too! Scots clearly have better quality control. Don't throw out your corks!

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1471200418

Also got some used TRP RRL SR Drilled Alloy Retro Road Bike Brake Levers from eBay for about half of retail. They made a huge difference.

Of course, replaced the cables and oiled and lubed.

Putting on the fenders was a hassle. They only have parts for threaded eyelets or adapters. Problem is, the adapters only fit on quick release wheels. So they were okay for the front, but not the back.

The back was problematic because I had to find my own makeshift nuts and bolts, since the adapters did not fit the wheel. They could not protrude much or they would touch the chain (see pic). I got one to fit by using an extra tube nut as a spacer. I also had to replace the rear reflector which was blocking the height adjustment for the fender.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1471199479

Also, a plastic attachment on the other side was half broken, so I taped it up with electrical tape to keep it from breaking completely. Got to love Chinese quality. :mad:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1471200549

In the end, I am very pleased with the result and plan to give it many more miles.

Two weekends ago picked this up and gave it to my mother. Wallet crushing price of a whopping $10. Front reflector is busted otherwise the original owner had garage kept it and it is in really nice condition. Added air to the tires, all shifters and the brakes worked fine without need to adjust, fantastic! Rand Trail Blazer 2 (10-Speed Ladies MTB).:
http://www.tweeg.psoarchive.com/othe...blazer_2_1.JPG

Found a 700c rear wheel with decent tire and sprockets still attached at a yard sale yesterday for the whopping price of $2. And then the guy having the sale tells me his brother had been an unemployed bike nut that free-loaded off of him some years back and there was still a mostly intact bike of unknown condition under his porch I was welcome to have for ten bucks. Not my size, but for ten dollars I'll put new tires on and let one of my nephews ride it when visiting.
http://www.tweeg.psoarchive.com/other/b/IMG_8073.JPG

Schwinn Mirada (18-Speed, 17" seat tube) - 26" tire Hybrid Bike
Not sure of manufacture date, but it is made in China. Research seems to suggest there was a relaunch of the "Mirada" models series in the early 2000's and that would seem to fit. It's labeled as having come from a "high-end" regarded LBS that went out of business back in 2014, so at least know it was originally assembled properly. Best I can tell it's all stock down to the horribly dry-rotted gumwall tires. Rear wheel tube will not hold air, front tire pumped up to 50 lbs upon arrival home yesterday and still seems firm. Not cleaned the bike yet, but here is a picture.

http://www.tweeg.psoarchive.com/other/b/mirada_01.JPG

I sure wouldn't but that Panasonic below a Miyata, you got a great mid level bike, some Schwinn mid level touring bikes were rebadged Panasonics. The one you found is a very nice looking bike, congrats.

Schwinn Voyageur 11.8 - 1982
 

Not exactly original, but for $5, it rides great

Beat up paint, but no rust
weinmann rims (not original araya) but true and tight
Shimano PD-t100 platform pedals with original kkt clip and straps
nasty replacement brake levers, not nice drilled original ones
no handle bar tape
replacement seat (not to bad to start with)

All original shifters/derailleurs/brakes (brake pads a wee bit dry)

End of the day garage sale - guy had flipped the handle bars, put on pool noodles to serve as hand rests, attached it to a roller, put masking tape all over to hold on the controls to the roller, and about 10 years worth of basement nastyness baked on. He told his wife to get rid of it...so she did. Thanks!

Found two today, well actually four. The other two are sale material to recoup some money. I had mentioned a possible multi-bike sale a few weeks ago. Today, it finally came true. The Bianchi that my friend said was a "Special" turned out to be a Stelvio. I am happy to FINALLY have an actual Italian made Bianchi in the stable. It's crusty, but salvageable. In a few weeks I should have it looking more acceptable. I need to find some Modolo Corsa brake levers. Pantographed stem, and conservatively pantographed cranks. Ofmega I guess? Is this Campy Victory I guess? I have done zero research so far.

Please forgive the yard. It floods badly when it rains quite a bit, which it did yesterday... As dry as it's been, it will probably disappear in a couple of days. The surrounding properties have raised their lawns, which causes me and my adjacent neighbor's yard to fill rather quickly.

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...61407019_o.jpg


Second is a Gary Fisher X Caliber. Covered in band stickers, rasta electrical tape, etc etc... It's going to be a heat gun special. It is LIGHT! I love this era of mountain bike. Just new enough to be capable, but still vintage enough to be cool. I have always seen these cranks around, but never had a bike with them. Pretty stoked about having one finally, and XT LX mix. It's going to take some work to bring both of these bikes back, but a labor of love as usual.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-...56175939_o.jpg

Thankfully I have a quite modern Ironhorse mtb 26 inch with disc brakes to sell, and also a mid to late 90's Trek 7000 ZX as well. These will sell quickly I hope and should recoup my overhead if I sell them cheap enough. It should leave me with the Gary Fisher and Bianchi for pretty much free.

Maybe not so vintage but just picked up this 1996 Trek 2120, Carbonfiber with Aluminum lugs, and 105SC. To small for me, will prbably just flip it. It looks to be all original. even the tires are original according to the catalog.
https://vivalaslider.files.wordpress...311.jpeg?w=700

This was a full 2 hours of fun. Given to me (so the giver would be rid of it)... it was a mess. A new inner tube from Walmart, a brake adjustment (I also sanded the shine off the pads), and a good scrubbing. I hung a for sale sign on it ($12) and rolled it to the front of the house. Fifteen minutes later it was sold.

A little boy had a cool Trek to ride after dinner tonight.

After a little research, I am thinking the Bianchi is Triomphe equipped, not Victory. Research is ongoing as usual. There is not a whole hell of a lot of info on this model online. The cranks look similar to Campy, but I guess are Gipiemme or Ofmega? No info on the back of the cranks that I can see (not even a length?), but I have not had it on the stand yet. Tried a little polish on the top and seat tubes, and the results were very promising. Now, if the hardware on the shifters comes out well, I will be very happy. Miche hubs with Mavic Module E2 clinchers. The wheels match and are straight as an arrow, as is the fork. This one will be fun to refurb, even if it is a wee bit small. I will suck it up and ride race position hehe. Does anyone know what bars came on this model? I am imagining 3T to match the seatpost? Head & seat tube are fairly laid back for such a high BB. Nothing like the 78* on the stripper frame I had a while back.,,,,BD


Columbus decal on the frame reads "Tre Tubi Rinforzati, Bianchi Special, Produzione Columbus".

Fork decal reads, "Foderi Forcella, Bianchi Special, Columbus".

Both decals have the usual dove.

S/N is S6248D.5, on the BB. Through looking around I guess is a 1985 model?

I Found this in my garage
 

[IMG] http://i64.tinypic.com/zuld9y.jpg [IMG]
[IMG] http://i66.tinypic.com/2evets9.jpg [IMG]

Fify

I don't need another bike but this was less than the cost of the Deltas that are on it plus it is my size. The paint is a bit rough but I can live with it, I'll swap out the bars and stem and see how she rides tonight.

http://i.imgur.com/r2QzSpL.jpg


http://imgur.com/a/q5lhd
http://imgur.com/a/q5lhd