Some of the bikes here proved to be very challenging, each with its own unique scenario, for example completely stripping the rusted and corroded copper and paint from the poor old Puch Bergmeister. Trying to get a a brushed and polished steel frame clear coated to prevent rusting proved to be a chore. Bent fork and steer tube wow, looking back I can hardly believe that worked out so well. Notice the raked out fork, beautiful for a touring bike wheel base, even if it is a bit silly.
Lost but not forgotten vintage Motobecane Prestige left at our property in Colorado for several years with original roller generator and spoke lock, another one of a kind find that while I had listed it for sale I hoped it wouldn't sell. I enjoy the silly thing not only for it's unique steel lugged classic design with unique Sachs Huret components and steel rack, fender accessories but also the silly integrated chain guard on the crankset that permits me to ride it with any work pants and not tear up the pant leg or cover with grease stains. A true commuter's bike with roller generator lights works very well with Scwalbe Marathon tires. Chrome rear rack and even has anti theft spoke lock, tiny braze ons for routing the light wires from generator to lights, very well thought out design for bicycle commuting and touring. Even with the 58cm frame size being a bit tall for me, I still enjoy it.
Each bike shown here with exception of Razesa and the Diamond Back were in such a state of disrepair that our local bike shops either wouldn't want to mess with having to come up with creative solutions for the repairs and upgrades or they would have charged a huge sum in repair cost. That having been said these bikes serve as analogies of having been beaten down and here they are back on the road, looking good as dependable, safe, enjoyable rides. A reminder that patience with ourselves and hard work are worth the effort and though I cussed quite a bit through some of the painstaking efforts and mistakes, I am grateful for these simple things in life. Here's a link to Vimeo video that lends a bit of a sentimental touch to refurbishing vintage bikes. Reminds me that Lisa suggests I get before and after photos of these projects. Guess I haven't figured that out, not that it's necessary. At least I had the where with all to thank her for putting up with my grumbling efforts. Enjoy.