Vintage German 3 Speed
 

Just to start, I am pretty new to the world of classic and vintage bikes. That being said, I have usually been able to find info on every bike I acquire (from bikeforums.net!) However, I can't find anything about this German 3 speed I picked up at a garage sale.

The bike is labeled "Mentor" and "Classe De Luxe". Also, there is a sticker that says it was made in Western Germany. Does anyone know anything about this bike or the Mentor brand?? Thanks!

Here are a couple pictures of the bike: http://www.flickr.com/photos/3822251...37502728/show/

Looks like a pretty nice bike. " Fahrrad " is German, for bicycle. You might find some info, [ in German & can be traslated online ] by typing in " Mentor Fahrrad ."

Looks like a late 60's to mid 70's bike, what type of hub? Sachs? Any date codes?

Aaron:)

"Mentor" German 3 speed hub
 

I looked at the read hub, and it is labeled "Sachs Torpedo Dreigang". Thanks!

Sachs made a straight 3-speed, and a 3-speed coaster brake version. Yours is obviously the former. I don't know how similar the internal planetary gears are with the straight model (I've only had experience with the coaster brake variety), but, if they are close:
1st = -27%
2nd = one to one
3rd = +36%
I've been told by an old bikesmith that the Sachs hubs had the lowest 1st gear of any 3-speed hub made. Kinda helps on the hills!