Crescent, what can you tell me?
#1
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Crescent, what can you tell me?
What say you?
seller's description
58 cm bought new in 1973 S/N 45925-2. Mostly original. Reynolds 531 double butted frame. Campagnolo drop outs, headset, bottom bracket, seat post, front derailleur, down tube shifters, crank, chain rings and 8 speed cassette. Original Shimano Dura-Ace side pull brakes. Components replaced are handlebars, stem, rear derailleur and Xero deep dish aluminum wheels.
#3
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Should have been 100% Campy, some downgrades there. I believe its an early 1970s Crescent 320, I have one just like it, except it has more of the Campy parts plus TTT stem/bar combo.
I love how the seller states it's mostly original, when it's mostly NOT original. Bars, stem, saddle, brakes, pedals, wheels, rear derailleur, all are not original. Given how high the seat post is, I do not think it is original either.
I love how the seller states it's mostly original, when it's mostly NOT original. Bars, stem, saddle, brakes, pedals, wheels, rear derailleur, all are not original. Given how high the seat post is, I do not think it is original either.
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The subject bicycle is a boom era Crescent Pepita Special 320. The OEM brakeset was MAFAC Racer centre-pull. The Dura-Ace side-pulls were a common owner upgrade on bicycles that were all Campagnolo except for the brakes. As previously noted, the bars, stem, wheels, cogs, pedals, rear derailleur saddle and post are not OEM.
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It's actually much nicer than most of the Crescents you'll find in this country.
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Nothing wrong with it, I would change the bars and stem and enjoy the ride.
I have a Crescent with all Campagnolo and 531 which rides quite well.
The campy drops and the lugs are a plus in my book.
Ben
I have a Crescent with all Campagnolo and 531 which rides quite well.
The campy drops and the lugs are a plus in my book.
Ben
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#7
Thrifty Bill
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Now despite my earlier comments, at the right price and if it fits (not the sky high seat post), then I would be a buyer. The stem, bars, and wheels would have to go. But since I have a pile of parts, no problem making it look more appropriate. I'd stick with the DA brakes, they are era correct and work fine.
French BB threading, not that big of a deal but something to remember. I find those old Campy BB to be VERY durable.
French BB threading, not that big of a deal but something to remember. I find those old Campy BB to be VERY durable.
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The seller likely has no idea what the original parts were. I'd buy the bike even with the fugly upgrades. One thing to watch out for is that the rear triangle likely has been spread from 120 to 130. That's very doable (there's a whole thread on bike forums of old bikes upgraded in this way) but in addition to checking the bike to make sure it has not been crashed, I'd take a good look at the rear triangle as well to determine how the stays handled the stress of being spread like this. It's very likely just fine but something to keep in mind.
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Canadian prices tend to be higher than in the US even when controlling for currency differences. $400 Canadian is right around $300 US. That's not a terrible price if you like the bike and it fits. It's not as if one of these pop up on a regular basis. You can always offer $300 and see if you can end up at $350.
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