Does anyone know anything about this frame? I've heard of the company, do they have a rep. for making good frames? Where are they made? I'm thinking about buying this one and building a fixie/SS. Thanks.

-Links

Does anyone know anything about this frame? I've heard of the company, do they have a rep. for making good frames? Where are they made? I'm thinking about buying this one and building a fixie/SS. Thanks.

-Links

I don't know that model specifically, but Puchs are decent bikes. However, this frame is likely to have goofy threading/tube sizes/etc. that won't work with modern components. Before you buy, make sure you understand:

- What the bottom bracket threading is
- What the fork threading is.
- If the frame comes with a bottom bracket and headset, what kind of shape are they in?
- What stem size the frame takes

I'd tell you to check the seat tube diameter as well, but if you are going to make the bike into a fixie, that doesn't really matter.

BTW: If you are talking about the bike on eBay, note that it has a cheap "gas-pipe" frame made from heavy mild-steel tubing. Not a big deal, but the bike is not a race bike. Still, it would have a lot of character, and it would be a fun project.

Yours,

FBB

I don't know that model specifically, but Puchs are decent bikes. However, this frame is likely to have goofy threading/tube sizes/etc. that won't work with modern components. Before you buy, make sure you understand:

- What the bottom bracket threading is
- What the fork threading is.
- If the frame comes with a bottom bracket and headset, what kind of shape are they in?
- What stem size the frame takes

I'd tell you to check the seat tube diameter as well, but if you are going to make the bike into a fixie, that doesn't really matter.

BTW: If you are talking about the bike on eBay, note that it has a cheap "gas-pipe" frame made from heavy mild-steel tubing. Not a big deal, but the bike is not a race bike. Still, it would have a lot of character, and it would be a fun project.

Yours,

FBB

Another issue with Puchs was weird geometry. Even the smallest frames have a 56cm top tube. Check the geometry before you buy

The bike is a size 62cm frame with a 60cm top tube. It is the one on eBay and it looks like it would be a neat bike. I'll find out about the BB size and threads. I have everything I need to finish this fixie, just need a frame.

-Links

I asked about the BB and will wait to hear from the seller. I love the lugged look and this frame does have some character. There used to be LBS that always had old road bike frames for sale, now that I want to build a commuter, he hasn't seen one in months. Frustrating.

-Links

I asked about the BB and will wait to hear from the seller. I love the lugged look and this frame does have some character. There used to be LBS that always had old road bike frames for sale, now that I want to build a commuter, he hasn't seen one in months. Frustrating.

-Links

That will make a sweet fixed gear. It's a very cool looking frame. it looks like the seller left the BB in so as long as it's in decent shape, you might be OK.

That will make a sweet fixed gear. It's a very cool looking frame. it looks like the seller left the BB in so as long as it's in decent shape, you might be OK.

Yeah. Wut Dave said on all counts!

- FBB

more info on Puch

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Austria/AD.htm

In the early 1970's, Puch supplied boat loads of bikes, rebranded "Free Spirit", to Sears. Some of these Free Spirits were Reynolds 531, which of course meant nothing to most of the people who bought them. I had one of those.

In the early 1990s, Puch sponsored some top US racers, like Connie Carpenter.

I'd ask about the seat tube inside diameter. The seat post shown is one of those "candle-type posts" for the old, bent sheet metal sprung saddle clamp, so there's a small chance that the seat tube inside diameter isn't one of the standard 0.2 mm increments. Nothing a shim wouldn't fix, though.

I had a puch when I was in highschool- it was a great bike right up until it got hit by a car...

I remember it being very solid, none too light, but bulletproof. Again, not car-proof, but, hey, what is?

Thanks for all the replys. The bike uses a 22.2 stem. I don't think I would have much trouble finding that. I think I'll keep the BB, just clean it up some. I hope it will work with the cranks I have. I was a little hesitant posting about this frame becuase I wanted to keep it a secret. You all did an awesome job telling me about the bike and what to look out for. Thanks for all your help. I'll let you know what happens.

-Links

I asked the seller about the BB and he says it's in good shape and that the pegs are square for a cotterless crank. The cranks I have now are square too, but the bottom bracket they're on is a tapered square. Will this be a problem? will I have to get a new crank set to fit this cotterless system? I have the park tool home mech. tool set, will I need to buy any new tools the the removal/installation of this BB? Thanks.

-Links

I asked the seller about the BB and he says it's in good shape and that the pegs are square for a cotterless crank. The cranks I have now are square too, but the bottom bracket they're on is a tapered square. Will this be a problem? will I have to get a new crank set to fit this cotterless system? I have the park tool home mech. tool set, will I need to buy any new tools the the removal/installation of this BB? Thanks.

-Links

cotterless should be the same as square tapered. If so, you will be OK..

Worst case is you will have to buy a new spindle. The cups are the problem since they have unique threads. As long as you have those, you can get a spindle to work. Sheldon Brown(Harris Cyclery) sells replacement spindles if the current one won't work....

Must have been the name "Brigadier" that brought back some memories of a small Puch-built military vehicle: the "Pinzgauer" (named after a hardy Austrian breed of horses).

The Pinzgauer was tested by the US. Special Forces some time ago and recognized for its "higher payloads than the Humvee, but with a much smaller footprint." I think production has now shifted to the UK.

Here is an early Puch Pinzgauer in the Austrian Alps, put to use as a go-anywhere party wagon.

I originally didn't get the frame. I told myself I wouldn't go above 80 and the final bid was for 158. Two days later I get an email from the seller re-offering the frame to me for 96. Not to bad, I'm still interested. But in the email the seller states that he is "now in Romania for business", and if I send him my address, he'll set up the deal. I don't mind paying 96 for the frame, it's what I really want. What bothers me is the fishy sense I'm getting about this deal. I think if I waited I could find a more reliable deal, and maybe save some money. What do you think?

-Links

What bothers me is the fishy sense I'm getting about this deal.

Yup, that sure does sound fishy. What is the seller's feedback score?

- FBB

I originally didn't get the frame. I told myself I wouldn't go above 80 and the final bid was for 158. Two days later I get an email from the seller re-offering the frame to me for 96. Not to bad, I'm still interested. But in the email the seller states that he is "now in Romania for business", and if I send him my address, he'll set up the deal. I don't mind paying 96 for the frame, it's what I really want. What bothers me is the fishy sense I'm getting about this deal. I think if I waited I could find a more reliable deal, and maybe save some money. What do you think?

-Links

Check the email properties of the guy that sent you the email. My guess is a hijacked account or he is consealing his true email address...

I'd walk away

i emailed the person that won the auction to ask what had happened, and to say he was surprised to here about me being offered the frame is an understatement. He said he paid shortly after the auction ended and was expecting the frame any day now. Something is up with this and I want no part. There will be other frames.

-Links

He may still get the frame. I've heard about other bidders being offered 2nd chance offers that turn out to have nothing to do with the original seller. Now, if he sent money to some guy allegedly on business in Romania, he is likely being scammed too.

The one that e-mailed you is a guaranteed scammer. The only business they have going on in Romania is monkey business. This is not unusual to have a scammer try to pull this type of scam.

If you get a legit 2nd chance offer, it should come via your messages on the actual ebay site.