fiataccompli

Hi folks, it's been a while since I've posted here. Last year, I acquired a rather fully original & complete, albeit a bit dusty & in need of the typical refreshing Lambert road bike. We both esteemed this includes the fabled 'death fork'. Part of what is cool about the bike is that almost every component is actually labeled as Lambert. Thing is, I probably will not ride it any, if at all...it's a bit large & I have a lot of bikes. I'm curious what folks think the current value of something like this, either "as is" or with a fully clean, careful (ie, gentle) polishing, and tune-up. sorry for the non-driveside photo. Thanks in advance.

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wrk101

I've got two Lamberts. I've come to the conclusion that they really have very little value. Bottom bracket is square non-tapered which makes replacement challenging. Lambert wheels that came with mine had the very nice cartridge bearing hubs. That plus a Crane RD and a leather saddle were the value points on mine.

I am not going to service and resell a bike with the death fork, so that means replacing the fork.

non-fixie 

If that were offered to me in my size for €100, I'd buy it. And ride it, death fork and all. Lovely bike. Great color.

zukahn1 

As presented I would say about $200 for the parts. I'm with wrk 101 on these not having as much value as people think. I have seen them sit on CL list for months even a year or more in the $300-400. Had one to help sell for the bike coop a couple of years ago ended up stripping it and selling the nicer parts for around $200-250 and ended up basically scraping the frame set and lesser parts. The whole death fork thing even if blown out of proportion means you can't really sell one of these as a rider and a collector only bike from the 70's is a tough sell in nearly any market. If I had one in good condition that was my size or close i would likely just fix it up and use it as an occasional rider death fork and all.

fiataccompli

Thanks folks. One thing that is interesting about this one, to me, is that I own one of the Reynolds 531/Joe Bell painted new(er) "Lambert " bikes that is basically the same color (but not faded, maybe deeper). I acquired it as a caretaker for it either to keep as what I said (basically an interesting wall hanger the complements another bike) or possibly to pass it on to another enthusiast. I figured maybe a few hundred bucks would be the value if passed along nominally so I suppose I was not far off. I wasn't looking for a project or a bike. It is certainly interesting and nods to a very different time in manufacturing and branding.

Bianchigirll 

I agree pretty color. I can’t wait to see it cleaned up

fiataccompli

I hope you will. I'm weighing out a million projects (several bikes & several cars) and this one is very firmly side-burnered. I may end up offering it for sale, though with the circumstances under which I received it from a friend, I'm not sure I'd want to sell it and I'd definitely not be trying to "bank" on it or something.

wrk101

If you have had the opportunity to pull and inspect one of those death forks, they are pretty scary (to me at least). Tiny little pin holding the steer tube to the fork crown. Terrible idea IMHO. And if something breaks in the front of a two wheel vehicle, it can get back fast. The fact that it has lasted for 40 years or more does not mean it won't fail tomorrow.

BikeAlmanac

I sold a hundred or so Lamberts back in the 1970s before we realized the problem with aluminum alloy fork blades and crown pinned to a steel steering tube. The bikes were pretty poorly designed in other ways. Some of my winter commuting customers had 'sealed' bearing hub failures. The good news is not one broken fork came my way. Of course, I'm not recommending anyone continue to use those original forks. - Jeff, author of BikeAlmanac.com

BikeAlmanac

BTW, the Lamberts, being one of the first sealed bearing bikes, seemed like a good idea at the time.

fiataccompli

I don't remember, but I'll look this evening!

wrk101

I particularly like the wheel hubs: cartridge bearing hubs on a mid 1970s bike!

kc0yef 

Oh is the kickstand a LAMBERT as well if it is it is VERY rare

zukahn1 

Yes I do believe that is a Lambert kickstand most of there bikes had them but it is a bit rare to see a bike that still has one.

kc0yef 

Solid

RB1oldguy

I rode one through my college years. Nothing wrong with it although it was a little noisy, clacking. Gave it away later.
They did have great advertising posters.

cny-bikeman

I came close to buying one back in the 70's, but thankfully settled on a Motobecane Grand Jubilee, which is still the bike that I most miss having and riding.

fiataccompli

huh?

fiataccompli

yes, it's got a crest