Liberia, French, Reynolds 531 tretubi, 1970s, probably a C 15
#1
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Bikes: 1957 Motobecane camping bike, 1974 Manufrance Super Course STC, 1977 Peugeot camping bike, 1978 Liberia C15
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Liberia, French, Reynolds 531 tretubi, 1970s, probably a C 15
The last few weeks this Liberia was built up here. It is most probably a Liberia C 15 from the 1970s.
The Reynolds sticker is listed as from 1977 to 1982, though I have no clue if that has any merit.
Seattube: 54 CC
Toptube: 55 CC
Serial: 39341
Handlebar / stem: Ava set.
Brake levers, Dia Compe Ene (guidonnet, and they hang quite low compared to Mafac or CLB).
Crankset: Shimano 105 Golden Arrow.
Derailers and shifters: Shimano Z series.
Brakes: Tektro 539 nutted.
Hubs: Shimano Exage 7-speed.
Rims: Super Champion / Wolber Modele 58, silver anodized.
Seatpost: Ergotec, maybe made by Kalloy? 26,4 mm.
I still have 2 issues that I cannot seem to resolve myself.
1. The tires, Panaracer Pasela 28mm, don't go even on the rims. I tried multiple times, but I cannot get it to work. The inside of the rim has a sort of deeper bed. I used rimtape of 16mm which doesn't go even, but that is sideways uneven. Do I need a different size for the Modele 58, is that it? And go wider or smaller?
2. The inner tubes don't hold air. I have used different brands already. Is it that if spokes come out of the nipple, they are too long? I already spotted one that seems to be too long. This feels like a somewhat silly question
There is a similar Liberia here, in white. I has different rear dropouts and different cabling around the bottom-bracket.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...y-liberia.html
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
By the way, I put a slightly wrong Reynolds decal on it. The one below was originally on it.
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
31-ag77-82-french-with-r
The Reynolds sticker is listed as from 1977 to 1982, though I have no clue if that has any merit.
Seattube: 54 CC
Toptube: 55 CC
Serial: 39341
Handlebar / stem: Ava set.
Brake levers, Dia Compe Ene (guidonnet, and they hang quite low compared to Mafac or CLB).
Crankset: Shimano 105 Golden Arrow.
Derailers and shifters: Shimano Z series.
Brakes: Tektro 539 nutted.
Hubs: Shimano Exage 7-speed.
Rims: Super Champion / Wolber Modele 58, silver anodized.
Seatpost: Ergotec, maybe made by Kalloy? 26,4 mm.
I still have 2 issues that I cannot seem to resolve myself.
1. The tires, Panaracer Pasela 28mm, don't go even on the rims. I tried multiple times, but I cannot get it to work. The inside of the rim has a sort of deeper bed. I used rimtape of 16mm which doesn't go even, but that is sideways uneven. Do I need a different size for the Modele 58, is that it? And go wider or smaller?
2. The inner tubes don't hold air. I have used different brands already. Is it that if spokes come out of the nipple, they are too long? I already spotted one that seems to be too long. This feels like a somewhat silly question
There is a similar Liberia here, in white. I has different rear dropouts and different cabling around the bottom-bracket.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...y-liberia.html
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
By the way, I put a slightly wrong Reynolds decal on it. The one below was originally on it.
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi
31-ag77-82-french-with-r
Last edited by DanseMacabre; 07-22-23 at 02:44 PM.
#2
Senior Member
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lug pattern BOCAMA Competition 78 with cutout Nr. R1
crown marking imperfectly struck; are you able to make it out? crown? sailing ship? other?
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lug pattern BOCAMA Competition 78 with cutout Nr. R1
crown marking imperfectly struck; are you able to make it out? crown? sailing ship? other?
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#3
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Join Date: Mar 2022
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Bikes: 1957 Motobecane camping bike, 1974 Manufrance Super Course STC, 1977 Peugeot camping bike, 1978 Liberia C15
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Thank you, as always
Does Bocama 78 mean it was made in 1978 or later?
(edit: aha, novelty in October 1977).
And not sure what you mean with crown marking. There is an "L" in a circle on both sides. The top of the circle is not struck in completely. Left and right are similar in this regard, though the wear seems different.
Does Bocama 78 mean it was made in 1978 or later?
(edit: aha, novelty in October 1977).
And not sure what you mean with crown marking. There is an "L" in a circle on both sides. The top of the circle is not struck in completely. Left and right are similar in this regard, though the wear seems different.
Last edited by DanseMacabre; 07-22-23 at 02:14 PM.
#4
Senior Member
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one frequently seen Liberia "L" marking is "Li" as here -
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one frequently seen Liberia "L" marking is "Li" as here -
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#5
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Aha, that is a nice panto.
It is a different type of crown, so I can understand they changed it when changing crowns.
The white one, in another topic, does have the same crown as mine but no panto there. It might be an earlier model.
The rear dropout does have panto as well. I can see an "L", similar to the Liberia "L". The rest is unclear and faded, but I assume it says Liberia.
It is a different type of crown, so I can understand they changed it when changing crowns.
The white one, in another topic, does have the same crown as mine but no panto there. It might be an earlier model.
The rear dropout does have panto as well. I can see an "L", similar to the Liberia "L". The rest is unclear and faded, but I assume it says Liberia.
#6
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Thank you for sharing the Liberia. What a tasteful build! One of my favorite colors. I need to find another bike with metric 531.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#7
Senior Member
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yes, would estimate your fellow two to three years later than the white example
(the recessed brake mount accomplished via alteration)
suspect either 1978 or 1979
you could check respective serials for reference - do not know if they actually run sequentially
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forgot to menton above:
crown appears NERVEX Professionnel -
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yes, would estimate your fellow two to three years later than the white example
(the recessed brake mount accomplished via alteration)
suspect either 1978 or 1979
you could check respective serials for reference - do not know if they actually run sequentially
---
forgot to menton above:
crown appears NERVEX Professionnel -
-----
Last edited by juvela; 07-22-23 at 04:07 PM. Reason: addition
#8
Junior Member
Regarding the rims, I just built up a pair of the silver ano model 58 in 700c for my daughters bike. I've had a few different tires on those rims with no problems. Are you trying to jam a 700c tire on a 27" rim, that won't be happening.
Also, this is not a box section rim, so make sure to file all the spokes that are coming through the nipples, it's quick work with a sharp file or even quicker with a dremel but easy to cut into the nipple. Protruding spokes will give you flats especially with a poor quality rimstrip.
Also, this is not a box section rim, so make sure to file all the spokes that are coming through the nipples, it's quick work with a sharp file or even quicker with a dremel but easy to cut into the nipple. Protruding spokes will give you flats especially with a poor quality rimstrip.
Last edited by robobike316; 07-22-23 at 06:58 PM.
#10
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Regarding the rims, I just built up a pair of the silver ano model 58 in 700c for my daughters bike. I've had a few different tires on those rims with no problems. Are you trying to jam a 700c tire on a 27" rim, that won't be happening.
Also, this is not a box section rim, so make sure to file all the spokes that are coming through the nipples, it's quick work with a sharp file or even quicker with a dremel but easy to cut into the nipple. Protruding spokes will give you flats especially with a poor quality rimstrip.
Also, this is not a box section rim, so make sure to file all the spokes that are coming through the nipples, it's quick work with a sharp file or even quicker with a dremel but easy to cut into the nipple. Protruding spokes will give you flats especially with a poor quality rimstrip.
The decal is red, most 27" should be blue. But I also read that Wolber made a mess of the decals, so thruth cannot be found there.
And thank you, I will file the spoke ends away and see how far I get. I think I destroyed three inner tubes already.
#11
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So I exchanged front wheels with a 700c bike. Looking at the position of the brake pads I can guesstimate 2mm difference (not 4mm).
Together with the wobbly tires I decided to order two 630mm tires.
Together with the wobbly tires I decided to order two 630mm tires.
#12
Senior Member
Flats -
It could be spoke heads but...
It could also be cut when struggling to mount the tires - cut by rim and bead of tire.
It could also be an object that has remained imbedded in the tire - pucturing each tube as it is inflated.
The puncture will tell you which it is based upon its appearance (circular rub mark, slice, pin hole) and location on the tube (inner diameter, edge, outer diameter).
I hate flats!
It could be spoke heads but...
It could also be cut when struggling to mount the tires - cut by rim and bead of tire.
It could also be an object that has remained imbedded in the tire - pucturing each tube as it is inflated.
The puncture will tell you which it is based upon its appearance (circular rub mark, slice, pin hole) and location on the tube (inner diameter, edge, outer diameter).
I hate flats!
#13
Senior Member
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wrt difficulty in mounting -
have had Super Champion/Wolber model Nr. 58 and Gentleman rims which were a whisker oversize where mounting was a challenge
could take same tyre and mount to a different brand of rim and things would go smoothly
blameth notteth thineself
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wrt difficulty in mounting -
have had Super Champion/Wolber model Nr. 58 and Gentleman rims which were a whisker oversize where mounting was a challenge
could take same tyre and mount to a different brand of rim and things would go smoothly
blameth notteth thineself
-----
#14
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Join Date: Mar 2022
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Bikes: 1957 Motobecane camping bike, 1974 Manufrance Super Course STC, 1977 Peugeot camping bike, 1978 Liberia C15
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It did turn out to have 622 wheels. With some soap and high pressure it is now much better. Making the rims a bit more round also helped
The bike handles well. It is really stable while I do prefer nervous bikes But for bikepacking stability will be good.
I did expect a bit more comfort and souplesse (planing). I do still get a buzz in my bottom legs, as I always get from souplesse
For some reason, after building up a bike, I need to build up some faith in the bike. Yesterday I did a 80km trip which went fine and without any issues.
Some pictures of the panto in the fork crown:
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi with panto L
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi with panto L
The bike handles well. It is really stable while I do prefer nervous bikes But for bikepacking stability will be good.
I did expect a bit more comfort and souplesse (planing). I do still get a buzz in my bottom legs, as I always get from souplesse
For some reason, after building up a bike, I need to build up some faith in the bike. Yesterday I did a 80km trip which went fine and without any issues.
Some pictures of the panto in the fork crown:
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi with panto L
1970s Liberia (C 15 maybe) Reynolds 531 tretubi with panto L
#15
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 125
Bikes: 1957 Motobecane camping bike, 1974 Manufrance Super Course STC, 1977 Peugeot camping bike, 1978 Liberia C15
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For some time I have been wondering what year my Liberia was from. The Bocama Competition 78 place it in 1978 or later, but the end date is less clear.
On Ebay.fr there is now a similar Liberia Reynolds 531 in tretubi. It uses the same Bocama lugs. There are cable guides on the toptube, which is more modern. The top of the seat-stays is different and there are Simplex dropouts. The cables are still above the bottom-bracket. This seems to be a more modern variation.
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/296428661392
A later Liberia with cableguides and different top of seat-stays and simplex dropouts
On Ebay.fr there is now a similar Liberia Reynolds 531 in tretubi. It uses the same Bocama lugs. There are cable guides on the toptube, which is more modern. The top of the seat-stays is different and there are Simplex dropouts. The cables are still above the bottom-bracket. This seems to be a more modern variation.
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/296428661392
A later Liberia with cableguides and different top of seat-stays and simplex dropouts