Vintage German 3 Speed
06-10-09 | 04:03 AM
#1
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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: https://www.flickr.com/photos/3822251...37502728/show/
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: https://www.flickr.com/photos/3822251...37502728/show/
Last edited by taxman29; 06-13-09 at 10:53 AM.
06-10-09 | 05:54 AM
#3
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From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Looks like a late 60's to mid 70's bike, what type of hub? Sachs? Any date codes?
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
06-13-09 | 12:13 PM
#5
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 808
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From: Tucson, AZ
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!
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!
