When you stumble onto one that's out of your league...
07-20-22, 05:45 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: south kansas america
Posts: 1,910
Bikes: too many
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 411 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
140 Posts
When you stumble onto one that's out of your league...
... it's like she belongs in a museum. Even holding her, picking her up, leaning her against the wall.. it's all exciting, and terrifying. I want to pinch myself, to prove that it is real, but then, I don't want to chance not having both hands on her, firmly, but gently.
07-20-22, 05:51 PM
#2
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,695
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,527 Times
in
915 Posts
It'll push you to up your game.
Likes For Korina:
07-20-22, 06:19 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,475
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1829 Post(s)
Liked 3,373 Times
in
1,579 Posts
It sounds like you are having a great experience, with a bit of trepidation??
I'm not sure if it is the same, but I had feelings much like that when I was able to buy an essentially NIB 1974 Raleigh International about 22 years ago. It was pristine, and I wasn't sure if that was good. I wanted to ride the bike and not worry about it.
My solution/compromise was to have the frame lightly clear coated by a very trusted and esteemed frame builder. I ride the bike in benign conditions and treat it gently. It is still lovely and I still love it.
I hope that you also find an arrangement that meets your needs.
Steve in Peoria
I'm not sure if it is the same, but I had feelings much like that when I was able to buy an essentially NIB 1974 Raleigh International about 22 years ago. It was pristine, and I wasn't sure if that was good. I wanted to ride the bike and not worry about it.
My solution/compromise was to have the frame lightly clear coated by a very trusted and esteemed frame builder. I ride the bike in benign conditions and treat it gently. It is still lovely and I still love it.
I hope that you also find an arrangement that meets your needs.
Steve in Peoria
Likes For steelbikeguy:
07-20-22, 06:43 PM
#4
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,795
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2436 Post(s)
Liked 3,119 Times
in
1,962 Posts
Best solution is lean it up against a tree, let it fall and get a small scratch or a handlebar ding in the top tube...
No longer pristine and rideable!
No longer pristine and rideable!
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
Likes For jdawginsc:
07-20-22, 07:21 PM
#5
Partially Sane.
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Sunny Sacramento.
Posts: 3,559
Bikes: Soma Saga, pre-disc
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 643 Times
in
468 Posts
Sad but true. Unless you're a collector with a special place for it. Try for a small scratch though, a ding would be too painful. 😭😁😉
Likes For stardognine:
07-20-22, 07:35 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,034
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4510 Post(s)
Liked 6,377 Times
in
3,667 Posts
... it's like she belongs in a museum. Even holding her, picking her up, leaning her against the wall.. it's all exciting, and terrifying. I want to pinch myself, to prove that it is real, but then, I don't want to chance not having both hands on her, firmly, but gently.
Likes For merziac:
07-20-22, 07:43 PM
#7
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 228
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 53 Times
in
30 Posts
This sentiment turns my stomach, a bit. This is exactly what happened to the first one I stumbled upon that was out of my league. Italvega Super Speciale, Nouvo Record equipped. I was 14 years old, and this was my first Italian road bike. I leaned it up against something I shouldn't have. After it fell over, the top tube had a nice dent in it. It sickened me enough to motivate a full repaint. After dent rolling and paint (Imron, I believe), we made the drive down to Cyclart for correct decals. Then clear coat. Learn from my pain, don't choose this path! There are plenty of other ways to defile her...
Likes For Campagnerdo:
Likes For bamboobike4:
07-21-22, 10:01 AM
#9
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,110
Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 852 Post(s)
Liked 1,433 Times
in
815 Posts
Doing the work on my bikes myself pretty much guarantees they are not going to stay unmarked for long. I do not have to go through an install a blemish on purpose moment.
Likes For delbiker1:
07-21-22, 10:29 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,828 Times
in
1,995 Posts
Quality bikes are easier to work on
Likes For repechage:
07-21-22, 10:35 AM
#11
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,634
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4678 Post(s)
Liked 5,794 Times
in
2,281 Posts
Damn, never thought of that. Vintage Raleigh decals seem to flake off when you look at them. I think even a DIY rattle can using clear 1k would make the finish a lot more durable.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Likes For gugie:
07-21-22, 12:35 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,475
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1829 Post(s)
Liked 3,373 Times
in
1,579 Posts
Steve in Peoria
Likes For steelbikeguy:
07-21-22, 12:59 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,417
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Liked 1,000 Times
in
513 Posts
I felt that way about a Paramount that I acquired from a forum member a few years ago. I knew it was going to be a stretch for me and I may not be keeping it, so I was nervous about scratching it and ruining its value. I rode it long enough to enjoy the experience, but then passed it along to a much taller owner. Thankfully, there were no incidents along the way and the new owner was thrilled with its condition.
Likes For Pompiere:
07-21-22, 01:14 PM
#14
Old bikes, Older guy
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Fiscal Conservative on the Lefty Coast - Oregon
Posts: 841
Bikes: A few modern, Several vintage, All ridden when weather allows.
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 250 Post(s)
Liked 165 Times
in
114 Posts
If you own it, you gotta ride it! Just bite the bullet, but be very, very careful.🙂
Cheers,
Van
Cheers,
Van
__________________
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
Likes For Senior Ryder 00:
07-21-22, 01:55 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,034
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4510 Post(s)
Liked 6,377 Times
in
3,667 Posts
Out of my league, you must be joking, I'm foolish enough to think I can handle them all. 
Likes For merziac:
07-21-22, 01:56 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,034
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4510 Post(s)
Liked 6,377 Times
in
3,667 Posts
I felt that way about a Paramount that I acquired from a forum member a few years ago. I knew it was going to be a stretch for me and I may not be keeping it, so I was nervous about scratching it and ruining its value. I rode it long enough to enjoy the experience, but then passed it along to a much taller owner. Thankfully, there were no incidents along the way and the new owner was thrilled with its condition.
Likes For merziac:
07-21-22, 02:52 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,417
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Liked 1,000 Times
in
513 Posts
Here you go. There were a few minor chips in the paint, but it was a 35 year old frame that had actually been ridden, not a wall hanger. I think the touring geometry and Columbus tubing combined to make an outstanding ride. I have standing permission from the wife to get another (in the proper size), if one should crop up.
1984 Paramount touring frame
1984 Paramount touring frame
Likes For Pompiere:
07-22-22, 09:43 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Saratoga calif.
Posts: 1,049
Bikes: Miyata 610(66cm), GT Vantara Hybrid (64cm), Nishiki International (64cm), Peugeot rat rod (62 cm), Trek 800 Burning Man helicopter bike, Bob Jackson frame (to be restored?) plus a never ending stream of neglected waifs from the Bike exchange.
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 339 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 632 Times
in
229 Posts
I have refurbished quite a few bikes for the Bike Exchange over the last 10 or so years and I often will clear coat the frame and fork with Rustoleum automotive clear after a thorough cleaning, de rusting, and rubbing with white polishing compound. The result is fantastic. Not only does it preserve the finish, it also brings back the color and shine to the paint. With judicious paint touch up including the decals the bike will look almost like new again. This Sport was dull and faded before. The rubbing and clear coat transformed it. 
Likes For capnjonny:
07-22-22, 10:11 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 4,777
Bikes: Numerous
Mentioned: 150 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1676 Post(s)
Liked 3,089 Times
in
911 Posts
Happened to me, but I was persistent, nice to her, bought her presents and then a really nice ring and she said yes.
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
Likes For Spaghetti Legs:
07-22-22, 07:10 PM
#20
Old bikes, Older guy
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Fiscal Conservative on the Lefty Coast - Oregon
Posts: 841
Bikes: A few modern, Several vintage, All ridden when weather allows.
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 250 Post(s)
Liked 165 Times
in
114 Posts
Here you go. There were a few minor chips in the paint, but it was a 35 year old frame that had actually been ridden, not a wall hanger. I think the touring geometry and Columbus tubing combined to make an outstanding ride. I have standing permission from the wife to get another (in the proper size), if one should crop up.
1984 Paramount touring frame
1984 Paramount touring frame
Cheers,
Van
__________________
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
07-22-22, 07:57 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,417
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Liked 1,000 Times
in
513 Posts
1984 Paramount Touring
I test fitted some 35 mm tires before I sold it. There wasn't much room, but 32 mm would definitely work.
fork clearance
rear brake bridge
Likes For N2deep:
07-22-22, 09:05 PM
#23
Friendship is Magic
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,984
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26400 Post(s)
Liked 10,373 Times
in
7,202 Posts
Positive affirmations...
__________________
Likes For 3alarmer:
07-22-22, 09:36 PM
#24
Newbie
I’m the kind of guy that checks Craigslist while vacationing in other towns. It is a good day I think. I’m guessing late ‘90s from the graphics. New enough for brifters/ indexed shifting.8 speed Camp. Voloce. Pretty complete group including hubs and head tube bearings. Seat tube decals are great but down tubes show some flaking. Dolmen tubing sticker on frame and fork. Probably change the seat and get a shorter stem, get new tires and ride it, but I’d take suggestions about proper care. And I’d be grateful for any more info. I like classy steel and simple machines, but I’m no vintage expert and I bought it to ride. Good day for sure.
PS- do you think one day those yellow graphics will look as cool and vintage as the Empire State Building does now?
Last edited by birdly; 07-22-22 at 09:46 PM.
07-22-22, 09:51 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
When you stumble onto one that's out of your league...
you make a fool of yourself, cuz it's your only shot
you make a fool of yourself, cuz it's your only shot
Likes For rumrunn6: