ollo_ollo

Thanks Hudson & vertyg: I'm happy with the bike. As a mid to upper level bike boom Stella, it will be a good rider. I saw a flyer distributed by a SF bike shop in 1972 that featured one of these model #70 with Nuovo Record derailleurs, I have a set available but will probably build this one up with just the parts on hand + the Mafac/Pivo parts I bought.

I just used emery cloth, don't know the grit but at least 600, maybe 1000 and didn't make it completely flat, just smooth. Went the quick route of clear coat to cover the dullness, since I will do more CC over decals.

Noticed another sign of a bike boom frame build: Only 1 rear dropout will have axle adjusting screw, other is a plain, forged Campagnolo dropout. Plan to leave it that way as it is stronger. Think I have some dropout adjusters somewhere for the non screw side.

Stella's cost is $80 for frame & parts box + $30 for Pivo bar/stem with Mafac levers and calipers. $150 for PC. Decals will be about $45 + $40? cabling & brake pads + $40 for Michelin Dynamic tires/tubes should come in under $400 and be a classy rider that's at home with my others. Don

verktyg 

@oll ollo Looking at the closeup of the DS dropout, I suspect that it broke off at the adjuster screw hole. See the file marks on the end? I've seen that happen on occasion.

Someone welded the bottom of the dropout back on. That's why there's no screw hole. A properly done weld job can be better than new.

Warts give a bike character.

I've avoided for the most part buying wall hanger bikes. If they're too pretty they don't get ridden because I worrying about getting them dirty or scratched.

Go ride and enjoy.

Chas.

ollo_ollo

It will be awhile before I can ride this one, as I'm working on others 1st. But, I agree, warts = character. I also thought the dropout may have been broken/replaced since it had little to no chrome on it. If so, brazer managed to save the chroming on the stay.

The ridden with warts analogy applies to several of my current riders: One I like a lot is an 82 Lotus Classique, a recent buy. Decals were nearly gone. Paint was chalky and in poor condition with many, many, large & small, rusty chips. Alloy parts were dull with oxidation. But, wheels were true, with virtually no wear on brake surface of rims, as if it was ridden short distances, at low speed, then carelessly stored outdoors.

Instead of a total restore, I decided to clean, touch-up, & polish the paint. A good color match on a day I had steady hands, produced a pleasing result. The hubs, BB and headset all had black/gooey grease that cleaned right out, revealing no wear. Re-assembled, even with worn tires, it has a great ride. Don

ollo_ollo

vertyg, I see what you mean on that close-up in post #8 by mtmann. You can see something there even with the rust, so I took another look at the now cleaned up drop, and it's def welded with good clean-up. Think I see something on the DR hanger too. Looks a good repair. Don

ollo_ollo

Been working on other bikes and home projects, but yesterday the frame decals arrived. So, I applied them. I ordered the "Mixte" so the seat tube panel is more proportionate on Stella's 54 cm frame. Set the empty headset, fork, bar, seatpost/saddle and wheels loosely in place so I could see something like a bicycle. I like her. Now just waiting for triangular Tre-Tubi foil decal coming from down under. Don

Hudson308 

Wow that's sharp!

juvela

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Very nice work!

Thanks so much for the update.

The "...something on the gear hanger..." could be a fill-in of the spring hole for the Campag Sport stern mech. T-Mar has written that 1973 was the year for its disappearance; so given the bike's birthday it could fall on either side...

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RandolphCarter

Looking at the picture of the mocked up bike, I have to disagree. It looks great!

What did you use to line the lugs?

ollo_ollo

Thanks Randolph. It came from powder coat with some rough/gritty spots. Did, an emery paper rub, followed by a light clear coat. After curing in my warm/dry workshop, I did some fine sanding + 0000 steel wool to get a good surface, but it still has a small, tan, spot of on top tube needing touch-up. I have had better powder coat experiences previously for less $$. For lugs, used a Krylon "Short Cuts" paint pen. $7 at our local Bi-Mart. Don

GrainBrain

This has been a great read, thanks for posting this. I love how it's continued since '13! The bike looks great.

Though I personally would have done it up with the arctic cat look. Around here it would be a conversation starter for sure. No argument the Stella graphics look better

ollo_ollo

I thought about going Arctic Cat. Would have needed to make my own decals, which is do-able as I reproduced labels for my 30's & 40's woodworking machines. Decided for the Stella as available on e-bay, although, maybe if I was back in Milford, NE....The Arctic Cat look would have traction. Don

ollo_ollo

Update: I installed the bottom bracket and headset a while ago, then the Columbus foil decal arrived so mounted it, followed by more clear coat over the decals. While that was curing, I saw a really nice, Patent 70, NR Derailleur on CL at a good price. Picked it up today and came home to find my new chain was here. So, I went down to my workshop to add a few parts. Cables are in the mail. Almost time for a ride. Don

Bikedued

Looks like pictures taken in a bike shop back when it was new, hehe. NICE job. What did they come with for wrap? Black cloth. white, orange?,,,,BD

ollo_ollo

I've seen orange, white and maroon cotton. Haven't decided what to do as I like cork but cotton will look better.
Don

Mlogicom

Hey all,

I’ve been given a mystery bike, assumed French, based on the 1980 10 centimes coin drilled and used as a washer on the front mudguard! What’s the best method for getting photos on here to see if anyone recognises if it’s a keeper or not?

Seat: Leather with plastic Reydel bag
Threaded seatpost! (Wondered why couldn’t raise it normally!)
Stem:BF?
Hubs: Atom
Rims: Rigida
Brake levers: Mafac
Brakes:Mafac ‘Racer’
Wheelnuts: Butterfly Huret
Gears & levers: 8 speed Simplex
Cranks: Nervar
Mudguards: Cibie

I’m only recently getting into road cycling, and as I age, so do the bikes! I’ve had an 80’s Raleigh in white with dayglo pink, still have the 80’s Falcon Team Banana (apparently they took over after Raleigh?), and a mystery Puch, assumed more 70’s, plus this ‘French’ anomaly. Glad I found joy in old steel frames, thought I didn’t like racers as I’d only tried cheap and harsh aluminium frames, with rubbish grips 😂

ollo_ollo

Welcome! 1st start your (new) thread, type text, click "go advanced", click "manage attachments", click "browse" and find image on your computer, click to highlight image, click "open" on up to 5 images, click upload & wait til loaded, then click "submit". Don

ericy

I don't know if brand new users can post images however. They might need to sit tight and participate elsewhere to get their post count up a little bit, and then come back to this.

Mlogicom

Thanks for the swift reply both, I’ll try in the morning when I can get some descent light, and if I’m allowed! 😂

bargainguy

Mlogicom, if you go to the Intro section and say hello to 8 of your new friends in their posts, you'll be at the 10 post minimum to attach pix. Once you get to that 10 post requirement - click on the Post Reply button in the left column (not the Quick Reply box at the bottom), then Manage Attachments, and upload from there.

Hudson308 

WOW that's turning out nice, Don! You might actually convert me into an "orange guy"!

Mlogicom

Hello again!

I made it back, been enjoying browsing (avoiding any classifieds that may have me spending more money I don’t have!). This is the bike in question to try and ID, any help appreciated:

Mlogicom

...

ericy

Is there a serial number stamped on the frame anywhere (oftentimes found on the bottom of the bottom bracket)? I don't how much it would help to have that info, but it might help narrow it down a little..

Mlogicom

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, the only markings are those in the penultimate picture showing underneath the B.B., looks like a 65 and P1(0?) to me

juvela

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Hello Mlogicom,

Thank you for sharing your mystery cycle.

It really should have its own thread; you will get more response to the inquiry that way.

Since it is an ID request it might be appropriate to post it to the "inquiries" forum -

https://m.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=273

wrt dating -

Suspect it may be very slightly later than one might guess at first glance. This clamp pattern for the bicycle's Simplex Prestige shift lever set did not launch until 1974. You may be able to find a date on the cycle's Rigida wheel rims, a two digit number inside a small diamond. There should also be a date marked on the back side of the rear mech.

If you should make any additional images please try to take them in stronger light.