Fried_Chicken

Considering taking a closer look at this Puch Marco Polo (not super easy for me to get to). Would love thoughts on whether it is a decent ride (currently have an 1981 Univega Sportour for comparison) before I commit to heading out.

Looks like it may need new tires, brake pads, bar wrap, cables, etc. and would have to repack BB and such.

But... seems to have decent components
+ Reynolds 531 frame
+ Suntour Power Shifter DT friction shifters
+ Suntour Cyclone RD (not sure what type of Suntour the FD is - anyone???)
+ Weinmann 610 / Vainqueur 999 brakes
+ SR Apex Crank and Chainring
+ SR World Champion bars (I think)
+ Can't tell what kind of wheels/hubs/seat it has (any ideas?)

Anything I should be on the lookout for if I go to inspect? Does it look mostly original?

Fried_Chicken

additional pictures

unworthy1

decent mid-range offering from Austria with good solid Suntour stuff, but not a big step up from the Univega. more like a "lateral" but with possibly 3-mains 531 (also could be plain-gage edit: I think A-D/Puch used DB 531 with their 3-mains models) compared with something from Miyata in the Uni.
I think the FD is a "high normal" SL with a (soft) alu cage, the hubs (maybe laced to 27" rims) are something like Atom/Normandy, again decent but I suspect the Univega has at least as good quality.
Unless this Puch has geometry that's significant (often they had longer than typical top tubes) or you just LOVE the paint... I think it's a nice bike and in great condition but what's the asking price? Unless it's also a great bargain I'd skip it.

Fried_Chicken

Thanks! My Univega's rear wheel was damaged, so considering getting another bike rather than repairing. The Univega has Shimano Uniglide hubs, dia compe brakes, shimano 600 arabesque shifters/derailleurs Puch is asking for $125, but said it is negotiable. What would you consider to be a bargain price?

r0ckh0und 

Looks to have Presta valves, which is a good bet that it's 700c wheels and IMHO the drive train is worth the asking

jdawginsc 

At $125 it is a solid to good bargain. Will be a bit heavier, but as long as you are looking at it as a townie/commuter type, it will be rock solid.

-Cyclone RD, Power shifters are rock stars.
-Suntour SL FD is excellent but the cage can bend
-Not a fan of the brakeset, but with Koolstop replacement pads, they will be decent.
- Crank is nothing special but is also not a detriment. Actually pretty valuable...SR Apex Check the teeth.

- The wheels are likely the popular HF Maillard-Normandy variety. Axles have a tendency to pop under load. At least I have seen them popped.

Good news is that you can replace whatever you wish since you are way under budget.

lokem

Nice one

non-fixie 

I am not familiar wit this particular model, but I do like its looks: relaxed frame angles, room for decent tires and fenders, good parts selection. IF you're looking for a nice sports tourer and IF it provides you with a nice French fit, I'd certainly be tempted to give it a whirl for $125.

By way of an example, this is what I did with a lower spec gaspipe frameset I bought a couple of years ago. As long as geometry and fit are right, it can be made into something rather wonderful. Please note I deliberately chose to use those Weinmann Vainqueur brakes.

juvela

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all quality fittings - very nice stuff

Normandy Luxe Competition hubs

the Mikashima Unique pedals are really first class

one twenty-five is a great buy

size appears ~fifty-six c-t-t

if that it a good size for you do not permit it to scamper

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unworthy1

I think if it FITS and you can get it for $125 or less, and it sounds like this bike is appealing to you... GO FOR IT.

SW84

I'd start out with an offer of $75 and see how determined he is to sell it.

rustystrings61 

Funny - this thread also features a Puch Marco Polo from the same era. The bike in question here is a 1976-77 model with a 3-tubes 531 double-butted frame and the same Bocama Professional lugs and forged Shimano dropouts as the full 531 Royal Force and Royal X; for that matter, the 1976-77 Austro-Daimler Vent Noir, as well. Zero braze-ons except for a pip to keep the shifter clamp from sliding down the downtube. The forks and stays are Puch 2600, their own brand of chro-mo tubing, as opposed to hi-ten or something lesser. Here's the catalog for 1977.

Loads of room for at least 32 mm tires - I ran my Royal Force with full-size 27 x 1 1/4-in tires and Bluemels fenders in the late 70s. DO check the wheels, because if it is a U.S. market Puch the stock wheels would likely have been 27s and 700C. It will also likely be spaced 120 mm in the rear rather than 126 or 128.

IF you like it and it fits, it should ride nicely when serviced. They took a lot of pride in precision mitering the tubes and silver brazing them up. They're not terribly common in the U.S., and the first couple of years, especially. I think they came in just in time for the great Bike Boom to peter out.

Here's mine, the next model up in 1976, discontinued in 1977, and purchased new in 1978.

jdawginsc 

Haha! Yeah, Weinmann centerpulls and I don’t get along for some odd reason. However, put good pads on them and they probably work like a charm.

Theybwere better than the DiaCompe copies.

Fried_Chicken

Thanks everyone for the input. I finally made it out to see the bike and bought it for less than asking

To round out the specs:
+ Puch 482 hi-ten for the fork (unfortunately not the 2600 chromoly)
+ Rigida 1319 27" rims (Presta valves)
+ Red Normandy hubs
+ Selle San Marco GI Lux suede saddle
+ Mikashima pedals

Appreciate all the help. I'm sure I'll have additional questions as I restore it.

unworthy1

sounds like you got a good deal, congrats. These Puch/A-D frames with some or all 531 tubing were an under-the-radar bargain and were perfect candidates for upgrading the components. Even with those 1319 Rigida 27" wheels (rep for being a soft alloy plus skinny which led to short lifespan) I'd use them until the tires are shot or a wheel gets ruined, then upgrade to a stronger 700C rim (something like a double-wall Sun CR-18) and the longer-reach brakes you MIGHT then require.
Happy building!

thumpism 

I sold some of those bikes new in the '80s, one to a fellow who rode it the length of US Route 1 from Fort Kent ME to Key West FL. He did it as a charity fundraiser and his wife drove sag for him. It's possible to do heroic things on such a bike.