So I had a Jan Heine moment last night
11-19-19, 11:16 AM
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So I had a Jan Heine moment last night
I just got back to Germany and my new house is less than 4 miles from work so I decided I needed a commuter bike. I’ve always been a closet Jan Heine fan if for no other reason than every bike he reviews/rides is sexy so I decided to be a fat version of him. So now I’m the owner of a somewhat pricy, freshly powder coated, French BSO. I imagine it’ll be here sometime next week hopefully fully assembled now I gotta sell my soul to Brooks and Velo Orange to finalize what I see in my head. Here’s my new to me supposedly 1980 Mercier with all the right high quality French parts and hammered fenders <—- for which I am a sucker and yes I know I need to fix the rear to get a good line. The plus side of this ~$400 bike is all the disposables have been replaced and the front wheel has been re-laced.
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11-19-19, 11:28 AM
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Doesn't look like a BSO to me. With those forged dropouts the frame is at least of medium quality if not higher. Do you know what model it originally was?
Did you get it powder-coated or was that the previous owner? I like the color. I would have added braze-ons before powder though (could use some rack tabs on the fork and top tube/BB cable guides. Maybe centerpull braze-on studs if feeling fancy).
You'll also need a decaleur if you're going to use that rack. I'm assuming that will be your VO purchase.
Did you get it powder-coated or was that the previous owner? I like the color. I would have added braze-ons before powder though (could use some rack tabs on the fork and top tube/BB cable guides. Maybe centerpull braze-on studs if feeling fancy).
You'll also need a decaleur if you're going to use that rack. I'm assuming that will be your VO purchase.
11-19-19, 12:15 PM
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Doesn't look like a BSO to me. With those forged dropouts the frame is at least of medium quality if not higher. Do you know what model it originally was?
Did you get it powder-coated or was that the previous owner? I like the color. I would have added braze-ons before powder though (could use some rack tabs on the fork and top tube/BB cable guides. Maybe centerpull braze-on studs if feeling fancy).
You'll also need a decaleur if you're going to use that rack. I'm assuming that will be your VO purchase.
Did you get it powder-coated or was that the previous owner? I like the color. I would have added braze-ons before powder though (could use some rack tabs on the fork and top tube/BB cable guides. Maybe centerpull braze-on studs if feeling fancy).
You'll also need a decaleur if you're going to use that rack. I'm assuming that will be your VO purchase.
I’ll get the decaleur and bag from VO and the saddle and tape from brooks
The frame is 531 and the dropouts are forged but I don’t know what it was originally. What I do know from powder coating my Colnago is that’s it costs ~€150 combine that with all the polishing, cleaning, and parts replacement he’s/ she’s got the €325 in it.
11-19-19, 01:20 PM
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Looks pretty. Are the seat stay tops concave? can't quite tell from the pic.
11-19-19, 03:40 PM
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Nice looking bicycle. Hope you enjoy it a lot.
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11-19-19, 04:09 PM
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Gorgeous, all vintage. If you use a small enough front bag a decaleur may not be needed. What bag are you planning on using?
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11-19-19, 04:47 PM
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Pretty!
The - otherwise very nice - Turbo saddle does indeed look wrong on this bike. A Brooks or Idéale would look (and probably feel) better.
Oh, and maybe it's just me, but while you're at it, try to find a set of original MAFAC brake pad holders. These modern dual compound thingies are a bit distracting. Just my two cents.
Enjoy!
The - otherwise very nice - Turbo saddle does indeed look wrong on this bike. A Brooks or Idéale would look (and probably feel) better.
Oh, and maybe it's just me, but while you're at it, try to find a set of original MAFAC brake pad holders. These modern dual compound thingies are a bit distracting. Just my two cents.
Enjoy!
11-19-19, 05:13 PM
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11-19-19, 09:20 PM
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Interesting bike stand. Where can I find info about it?
11-20-19, 11:40 AM
#13
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