Just bought a vintage "Luxus Sport"
01-26-21, 12:46 PM
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Just bought a vintage "Luxus Sport"
I know with these vintage folders it's pretty tough just sorting out who might have made them, but any info anyone has is appreciated. The frame reminds me of the Bianchi/Nealeco design.
01-26-21, 12:52 PM
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The plan is to do a full strip down rebuild. I'll track down a half-decent BMX bike and rebuild it with the alloy wheels and other bits from there. Also considering gearing options -- go with a 3-speed IGH or a freewheel + derailleur?
As it sits it's right at 34 pounds, so I definitely want to put it on a diet.
As it sits it's right at 34 pounds, so I definitely want to put it on a diet.
01-26-21, 05:36 PM
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The frame looks quite similar to my Italian Cinzia model.
The company is still in business I believe.
The company is still in business I believe.
01-26-21, 06:07 PM
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Similar but different!
01-27-21, 12:54 PM
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Well, I've documented the teardown here https://www.re-cycled.net/posts/2021/01/luxus-intro/
Now to start the restoration. This is going to be a job.
Now to start the restoration. This is going to be a job.
01-28-21, 12:11 PM
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Welcome to the delights of old folders 
It is interesting that it has no seat stays, so you have no choice but to have a rack.
Bottom brackets can be difficult to replace, but there is usually a cartridge out there somewhere that let's you switch to a more modern, lighter set of cranks. I saved a lot of weight by stripping almost everything on my Romet Jubilat, and kids bikes are always a great source of parts. Squeezing in a derailleur could be 'interesting' on such small wheels as the rear frame is probably very narrow and very stiff. I was lucky because I found a variant of my frame designed for a derailleur hub. Other than that most of mine just have a coaster brake hub for simplicity, and I have kit lying around, like wheels with summer street tires, wheels with off-road tires, straight bars, BMX style bars etc. to fit to meet the changing seasons.
It is interesting that it has no seat stays, so you have no choice but to have a rack.
Bottom brackets can be difficult to replace, but there is usually a cartridge out there somewhere that let's you switch to a more modern, lighter set of cranks. I saved a lot of weight by stripping almost everything on my Romet Jubilat, and kids bikes are always a great source of parts. Squeezing in a derailleur could be 'interesting' on such small wheels as the rear frame is probably very narrow and very stiff. I was lucky because I found a variant of my frame designed for a derailleur hub. Other than that most of mine just have a coaster brake hub for simplicity, and I have kit lying around, like wheels with summer street tires, wheels with off-road tires, straight bars, BMX style bars etc. to fit to meet the changing seasons.
01-28-21, 02:47 PM
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Yeah, I've seen some Italian frames with a similar integrated rack. it's a clever detail for a bike clearly designed for utility.
I've got a line on some BMX rims and other parts. I haven't measured it yet, but the bottom bracket looks like a standard "big" BB, like you'd see for single-piece cranks. If so, conversations for square tapers are readily available (although also a bit heavy)
I hadn't thought about the frame being awful stiff for a freewheel hub. I've cold-set frames before, but you're right, this one could be a challenge. I should proceed carefully (or go with the 3-speed IGH plan I've also been thinking about)
I've got a line on some BMX rims and other parts. I haven't measured it yet, but the bottom bracket looks like a standard "big" BB, like you'd see for single-piece cranks. If so, conversations for square tapers are readily available (although also a bit heavy)
I hadn't thought about the frame being awful stiff for a freewheel hub. I've cold-set frames before, but you're right, this one could be a challenge. I should proceed carefully (or go with the 3-speed IGH plan I've also been thinking about)
