Hi all,

I've been lurking this forum for a while and decided to make a post since i did not find what i was looking for. I got a free 1972 Puch 482 tubing with shimano parts, i've seen many threads suggesting making this frame a single speed..i would like to know why? also I would like to update the parts on this bike slowly, however i dont know where to start. currently its a 10 speed, what upgrades can I start with to make this bike a weekend warrior?

Thanks in Advance

First, we need pics, showing whats on there already, in order to suggest upgrades. Do you know the model of Puch it is? 482 tubing is just that, 482 tubing, came on several lower end Puch models as I recall...

For fixed gear, it is advisable to start with a frame that sports a high bottom bracket. The reason being that you cannot coast through a high speed turn, and with a high bottom bracket, there will be less chance of your pedals striking the ground.

i couldn't wait for the reply last night so i started taking the bike apart. i will try to take pictures of the bike as is with all the parts

If you chop-up a PUCH frame - may it rain lizards & toads on you for eternity. Sell it to someone who knows the value of a PUCH! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.......

hahah, I wouldn't chop up the bike, i do enjoy looking at the craftsmanship of the bike with all the brazed on joints. I'm currently taking it apart to clean and re-lube the components. also the more i read into fixed gears the more im interested in trying, the bike was free, and i do appricate the simplicity of not shifting. i noticed the brakes on the bike is labeled dia-compe. im wondering if i can ditch the old 27x1 1/4 and going to a 700c rims.... any suggestions?

here are the pictures as promised, i couldnt figure out the SDP 280 maybe someone can chime in on what it stands for










i hope someone can give me an interesting idea on what to do next with the bike...repaint or no?

wow, no response since my last post. i've cleaned up the rims and need help taking out the freewheel. does anyone know what im talking about? as i was washing the rear wheel i can hear the bearings rolling loose inside. thanks in advance

Looks identical to my bicycle, however it the top tube decals says Brigadier and not SP 280. https://velospace.org/node/20962

thats a clean bike u got there...it does look similar, except for the shifters..mine were mounted on the stem, as soon as the batteries in my camera is charged i'll post some pictures

close up

I own a puch sdp 280, and saw that you have one as well. Sdp stands for Steyr Daimler Puch. And they were lower end bicycles back when they made them. The old lugged frame is nice though as long as it doesn't get warped over time. Usually in the seat area is the problem. They are very hard to find parts for as I'm sure you've found out. I currently run a modern spacing on my rear wheel for convenience. I know that the thread about your bike is old. Do you still own that bike?

If it were mine I would not repaint it and I would definitely not go the single speed or fixed gear route, but that's just because I really appreciate having gears and enjoy shifting and selecting the right ratio for the task at hand.