Picked up the old Vello today!
10-12-19, 01:09 PM
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Picked up the old Vello today!
Finally made it back downtown to pick up the Norwegian Vello bike. 
I was told it and it’s companion folding bike had been in the back of the warehouse for well over ten years, and no one remembers where they came from.
I was told it and it’s companion folding bike had been in the back of the warehouse for well over ten years, and no one remembers where they came from.
10-12-19, 04:34 PM
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The second one was produced by DBS in Sandnes, Norway on the southwest coast.
DBS stands for Den Beste Sykkel. Founded by Jonas Oeglaend. Company did mainly adult practical transportation machines and juvenile models. Also did a few sports models.
They had some high end sports bikes done for them in the eighties by Daccordi of Italy.
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The second one was produced by DBS in Sandnes, Norway on the southwest coast.
DBS stands for Den Beste Sykkel. Founded by Jonas Oeglaend. Company did mainly adult practical transportation machines and juvenile models. Also did a few sports models.
They had some high end sports bikes done for them in the eighties by Daccordi of Italy.
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10-12-19, 05:08 PM
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Vello is also a DBS badge.
The Apache serie was produced 1972-80.
The one-piece chainsets on both machines appear to be Fauber.
Pedals Union (DE).
On the Apache left brake lever appears CLB and right more Weinmann-esque. One or the other must be a replacement.
Kombi serie launched 1962; do not know how long produced.
Here is a listing for a Vello sports model -
https://www.finn.no/159903176
This Wiki entry gives some history and background on DBS -
https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/DBS
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Vello is also a DBS badge.
The Apache serie was produced 1972-80.
The one-piece chainsets on both machines appear to be Fauber.
Pedals Union (DE).
On the Apache left brake lever appears CLB and right more Weinmann-esque. One or the other must be a replacement.
Kombi serie launched 1962; do not know how long produced.
Here is a listing for a Vello sports model -
https://www.finn.no/159903176
This Wiki entry gives some history and background on DBS -
https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/DBS
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Last edited by juvela; 10-13-19 at 08:31 AM. Reason: addition
10-12-19, 05:44 PM
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Aha, I just KNEW that wheel was attached to something cool. 😁 That Kombi Bird sticker is awesome. 👍
10-12-19, 08:35 PM
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For those that were asking, the tires are 26x1 1/2.
The rims are alloy, the fenders are stainless steel, and the tires appear to be original with the brand VIKING marked on them. The rear knobby tire is marked “Cross” probably for “crossover” or “cross country”
I was able to force some air through the odd two-piece presta style stems, and the tires are holding at the moment.
I so far removed the bells as they were toast, and the “Lucifer” generator which is frozen. I’ll see if I can free it up.
The drum brakes and the shifter are working perfectly.
Can anyone recommend a gentle de-greaser? I want to be cautious cleaning it up so I don’t damage the finish or decals.
The rims are alloy, the fenders are stainless steel, and the tires appear to be original with the brand VIKING marked on them. The rear knobby tire is marked “Cross” probably for “crossover” or “cross country”
I was able to force some air through the odd two-piece presta style stems, and the tires are holding at the moment.
I so far removed the bells as they were toast, and the “Lucifer” generator which is frozen. I’ll see if I can free it up.
The drum brakes and the shifter are working perfectly.
Can anyone recommend a gentle de-greaser? I want to be cautious cleaning it up so I don’t damage the finish or decals.
10-12-19, 09:02 PM
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You bought it!!! Sweet bike.
I've had good luck wiping down with mineral spirits, then using a cleaner/wax like Maguires.
You may want to replace the tubes, just for ease of filling.
I've had good luck wiping down with mineral spirits, then using a cleaner/wax like Maguires.
You may want to replace the tubes, just for ease of filling.
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10-12-19, 09:32 PM
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Thank you for the responses! I’ll try the dish soap first and mineral spirits on stubborn residue.
Snall world, I have been using Meguires cleaner wax on the Schwinn bikes. Works great to remove dirt and oxidation at once on painted surfaces.
PS: on that Kombi bicycle, it may not be a single speed. The rear hub looks identical to a German two speed kickback hub.
Snall world, I have been using Meguires cleaner wax on the Schwinn bikes. Works great to remove dirt and oxidation at once on painted surfaces.
PS: on that Kombi bicycle, it may not be a single speed. The rear hub looks identical to a German two speed kickback hub.
10-13-19, 12:27 AM
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That Vello is stupid cool. By which I mean, it's simultaneously really stupid and really cool. Rare combo. 
The folder looks like a hundred million other "shopping bikes" made all over Europe and Asia over the last 50 years. But on that subject, if you want a good read, check out Tim Moore's "The Cyclist Who Went out In the Cold." Very funny epic tale of a guy who bloody-mindedly rode the length of the old Iron Curtain on just such a bike. https://road.cc/content/review/22275...-went-out-cold
The folder looks like a hundred million other "shopping bikes" made all over Europe and Asia over the last 50 years. But on that subject, if you want a good read, check out Tim Moore's "The Cyclist Who Went out In the Cold." Very funny epic tale of a guy who bloody-mindedly rode the length of the old Iron Curtain on just such a bike. https://road.cc/content/review/22275...-went-out-cold
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
10-14-19, 01:18 PM
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Great to see you are moving forward with the bikes!
The Jonas Oeglaend concern produced cycles in the Sandnes facility for about a century - 1895-1996. They had to close the manufacturing operation due to low cost imports from abroad but have kept the name going through contract built machines done in other lands.
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Since you have a Kombi you might like to see this Kombi tandem we had here at the forum -
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...bi-tandem.html
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This DBS example bears some similarities to your items -
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...on-needed.html
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If you would wish to learn more of the company and their produce you might have a visit to this Norwegian cycling forum -
https://www.terrengsykkel.no/ubb/
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Great to see you are moving forward with the bikes!
The Jonas Oeglaend concern produced cycles in the Sandnes facility for about a century - 1895-1996. They had to close the manufacturing operation due to low cost imports from abroad but have kept the name going through contract built machines done in other lands.
---
Since you have a Kombi you might like to see this Kombi tandem we had here at the forum -
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...bi-tandem.html
---
This DBS example bears some similarities to your items -
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...on-needed.html
---
If you would wish to learn more of the company and their produce you might have a visit to this Norwegian cycling forum -
https://www.terrengsykkel.no/ubb/
-----
10-14-19, 07:57 PM
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Thank you for the info!
I didn’t buy the Kombi, but I’m thinking about going back to get it because I do like it, and it’s in almost as excellent condition as the Apache.
I didn’t buy the Kombi, but I’m thinking about going back to get it because I do like it, and it’s in almost as excellent condition as the Apache.
10-15-19, 05:08 AM
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Wondering anent the Apache's dashboard.
Since it is empty - without instruments, it gives rise to conjecture as to whether or not it is "factory."
The combination of stick shift and dashboard suggest automobile attributes as seen on some American cycles of yesteryear...
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Wondering anent the Apache's dashboard.
Since it is empty - without instruments, it gives rise to conjecture as to whether or not it is "factory."
The combination of stick shift and dashboard suggest automobile attributes as seen on some American cycles of yesteryear...
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10-15-19, 05:56 AM
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I wondered that myself, but a period factory photo shows the dashboard to be original and correct. I’m guessing it allowed you to bolt on accessories if desired.
10-15-19, 09:42 AM
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She cleaned up pretty well!
This bike has a generous amount of aluminum alloys and stainless steel, making cleanup a breeze compared to most old bikes I’ve tackled.
The combination of dish soap and cleaner wax took care of most of it.
Now to go after the 3-speed hub which is stuck in first gear.
I will try putting some machine oil into the oil hole to see if it will free it up. After that, I’m open to suggestions, since I’ve never worked on a 3-speed before.
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10-15-19, 10:10 AM
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Well, that was easy.
A little oil and elbow grease got the hub free and shifting smoothly and perfectly.
Brakes were already tight and well adjusted.
now a fully functional bike!
A little oil and elbow grease got the hub free and shifting smoothly and perfectly.
Brakes were already tight and well adjusted.
now a fully functional bike!
10-15-19, 10:28 AM
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Thanks for the updates and sharing the progress - coming along most nicely!
While the bike did not come fitted with the wheel lock or lamp bracket shown in the brochure image it does have a Schieffer-Klutt frame pump and Rampinelli (REG) pump holder set.
With the banana seat and sissy bar arrangement it is interesting to see how the user is expected to do their seat height adjustment. A choice of four heights is offered.
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Thanks for the updates and sharing the progress - coming along most nicely!
While the bike did not come fitted with the wheel lock or lamp bracket shown in the brochure image it does have a Schieffer-Klutt frame pump and Rampinelli (REG) pump holder set.
With the banana seat and sissy bar arrangement it is interesting to see how the user is expected to do their seat height adjustment. A choice of four heights is offered.
-----
10-15-19, 01:42 PM
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Looking good there. 👍 I guess I misunderstood you before, I thought you bought both bikes. Not to worry, you chose the right one, in my opinion. And don't feel pressured about going back for the other one. Unless you have someone to go riding with, lol. 😁😉
10-15-19, 04:11 PM
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BTW< to the OP - cool clock.
10-16-19, 08:46 PM
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Thank you guys!
If that folder is a two-speed, I’m interested in it, as I’ve always wanted one.
Thats a George Nelson clock, I’m insane for mid-century-modern stuff and my furniture and decor is almost nothing but.
Took the Vello bike out for its first ride after finally replacing the inner tubes. It rides beautifully! Tight, no squeaks or rattles. It has excellent gearing, and those drum brakes are awesome. That weirdo seat is surprisingly comfortable.
Nice little bike!
If that folder is a two-speed, I’m interested in it, as I’ve always wanted one.
Thats a George Nelson clock, I’m insane for mid-century-modern stuff and my furniture and decor is almost nothing but.
Took the Vello bike out for its first ride after finally replacing the inner tubes. It rides beautifully! Tight, no squeaks or rattles. It has excellent gearing, and those drum brakes are awesome. That weirdo seat is surprisingly comfortable.
Nice little bike!
