Frame ID Help Wanted
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Frame ID Help Wanted
Could someone please help ID this frame? It's been stripped and re-painted, but I could get the serial number off the BB shell later this morning.
Thanks in advance.
Here's what I know (or believe I know) about it so far: gaspipe tubing (based off of seatpost diameter), the brake bridge is labeled "Esge", originally made for 27" wheels. I'm guessing it was one of the nicer department store bikes from the 1970s (i.e. Free Spirit). I also cold-set the frame to fit the current rear wheel which has a 126mm spacing. I believe it was originally 120mm.
Ride quality is a mixed bag: the rear is very compliant (probably due to the long chainstays and titanium saddle rails), but the fork redefines the term "rigid"
Thanks in advance.
Here's what I know (or believe I know) about it so far: gaspipe tubing (based off of seatpost diameter), the brake bridge is labeled "Esge", originally made for 27" wheels. I'm guessing it was one of the nicer department store bikes from the 1970s (i.e. Free Spirit). I also cold-set the frame to fit the current rear wheel which has a 126mm spacing. I believe it was originally 120mm.
Ride quality is a mixed bag: the rear is very compliant (probably due to the long chainstays and titanium saddle rails), but the fork redefines the term "rigid"
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Cheap low end frame from the 1970s. Stamped drop outs and brake bridge. Wild guess would be a Raleigh Grand Prix one of many others made then.. They ride very nice. Roger
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Kent? Royce Union? what kind of cranks are those?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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The cranks are not original to the bike (Raleigh cranks that I had laying around).
For a low-end frame (I had guessed it to be a department store bike from the '70s), she sure rides nice. As built in the photos, she's reasonably light weight also.
For a low-end frame (I had guessed it to be a department store bike from the '70s), she sure rides nice. As built in the photos, she's reasonably light weight also.
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I think it's European, that big fat brake "plate" was something you saw on Dutch and Austrian bikes in the '70s...it's not high end but if it's doing the job for you, then
I might guess a Puch made for Sears, but just a guess.
I might guess a Puch made for Sears, but just a guess.
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Looks very similar to a 1970's royce union that I have laying around, low end and indestructible
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Yea, I was thinking it might be a 1970s "Made in W. Germany" department store bike. Conversions can provide a good second life for those frames, and should work out well.
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Ooops! Just reread the thread. Esge is German, and they made fenders for touring bikes.
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I also believe that it is a low end European made bike, perhaps German, French, Austrian. This is mostly based on the rear brake bridge stamped 'esge', the rear dropouts, bb, and brazed on kicktstand mount.
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Thanks for the help everyone. The bike rides great (although as I've stated the fork is extremely rigid). Currently geared a little low, but since I've built her up she's been used on her share of recovery and base rides.
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Right, Esge is/was a German bike parts manufacturer. Maybe it's a Kalkhoff? Your Free Spirit idea seems pretty plausible as well.
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its a Kalkhoff
THAT is a Kalkhoff frame, originally equipped with a suntour group 5 speed, pivo stem and handlebar, and weinmann wheelset, and weinmann center pull brakes. I just found one at a thrift store that came stock in around the same color. The decals are still on mine, and the rear reads "esge" and 'pat pend' 'made in germany' etc. I might be selling the frame on craigslist soon, as its a little too big for me! Mine is about 56cm.
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