Area_Man2

My dad has offered me his old bicycle to ride as a commuter in the streets of Philadelphia. However, I am hesitant as Philly seems to be very rough on bicycles and, if the bike is worth very much money, preservation would be the preferred action.
The bike is a ten speed '73 or '74 Frejus with Reynolds 351 Steel and all Campagnola components. The bike has been in storage for over twenty years, yet it still looks great. Original paint, seat, pedals, cranks, chains...original everything (minus a replaced front wheel that was stolen). Very minimal rust on front head tube. Wicked orange paint job with Italian colored Frejus decals up the seat stay. Very light bicycle.

I understand that pictures would be helpful, but I was unable to take some tonight and sadly have to go back to school tomorrow. My dad told me that when he rode it in California in the 70s, all the bike enthusiasts were, well, enthusiastic about his bike. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Do I get some new tires, oil her up and use her as a daily rider? Or keep her in storage or put her on the market and get myself a North Philly craigslist special.

khatfull

You keep it and find a CL special. I wouldn't ride it as a commuter, nor would I sell it....a bike like that with history with my father. No way. Get a cheap commuter to beat up, restore the Frejus and enjoy it. Bike like that...no way I'd ever consider selling it.

nwbikeman

A bike like this on e bay would bring upwards of a grand with those components no matter how dirty it is. That is a piece of history, dont let it go or get it lost. I am building 1983 Eddy Merckx for a customer and this is the nicest piece of history I have had the pleasure of doing in my 36 years of working in a bike shop. Good luck.

phillyrider

There's another thread on 60's frejus. I commute in Philly on mine - but my building lets me store bikes inside (secure locker - but I use my office). I did street park early on - only at Reading terminal, where there is a well lit underpass and foot traffic/police nearby (never late).

Depends on your intended use. If you are going to ride often, you will need a beater/back-up anyway. 80's japanese bikes are good, economical options. Since it's your Dad's - probably best to keep inside/in storage. 70's Frejus can be hit or miss - I've seen stamped drop-outs like this (beater option):

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/2047390479.html

If you expect to street park in Philly - you should use a 2 locks - a good U-lock, cables, and another lock type. Never leave a bike overnight or out late.

Good luck...

devinfan

I ride my '63 Cinelli and my '67 Zeus all the time in the City. You will enjoy your Dad's bike a lot more if you ride it. It sounds like a nice bike but it's not one of a kind or a museum piece. If I were you, I would pick up a beater that you can lock up all day without worrying about it, and then fix up and ride the Frejus when you know you can bring it inside with you and the weather's dry. That's what I do anyway. Quick lock-ups are okay too, as long as you have a good Kryptonite. If I have to lock up one of my nicer bikes in Toronto, I always lock it to the railing of a Starbucks. I figure whoever sees the bike will assume I am watching it from inside the Starbucks, even if I am not.

Have fun with the Frejus, clean it up and get it on the road. I'm sure your Dad would rather see you fix it up and ride it than sell it.

Road Fan

I agree with Devinfan: Spruce it up and ride it. See how it is on the road. It's not just history as a piece of bicycle, it's an example of an historic riding experience. Find out what your Dad loved. See what fueled the enthusiasts of those days.

jettore

Keep that bike as a fun weekend rider, not a Philly commuter. I commute daily in Philly and bought a 80's mountain bike with bolt on wheels. Works great for the daily commute on the city streets and doesn't get a second look by thieves. The bonus part is it's actually a great riding bike and I us it often on weekend rides to the Wissahickon trails.

Area_Man2

Currently I have a beat up old mountain bike that I can comfortably lock up anywhere with a single Kryptonite lock, but I'm looking to upgrade to something that will move a lot faster and enable me to explore the whole city, not just West Philly and Univ. City.

Bianchigirll 

pics?

cycleheimer

My vote it for ... keeping & preserving while doing recreational riding ... getting a different bike to commute on that can be set up specifically as a "commuter" (fenders, rack, lights, etc.), and do your other riding on the "family heirloom" bike. Daily commuting can also be rough on a bike, especially in bad weather. Besides, who relies on only 1 bike around here?

Area_Man2

Poor college students.

Area_Man2

Maybe in a couple weeks following the end of the semester.

cycleheimer

Hang out here...before you know it you will be buying "beer money" bikes (i.e. bikes purchased for the price of a 6-pack). Another problem with using the Frejus as a commuter is that guys will be stealing your Campy components for "beer money".

mickey85

I'd ride it like I stole it...but only for fun. It's kinda like having an old Ferrari. YOu might drive it to work once in a while, if you knew it could be safe, but most of the time? Country lanes and twisty curves.

Area_Man2

Thanks everyone for responding with your input.