Friday, January 21, 2011

1990s Caloi aluminum carbon frame set 54 cm

Sold:$3.14
1990s aluminum and carbon Caloi frameset 54 cm with decals 
Frame and Wheel is bringing a 1990s aluminum and carbon Caloi 54 cm frame set to market on eBay. The frameset has had one previous owner, who purchased it new at Open Road Bicycles in Jacksonville, Florida in 1997 (Jacksonville is or was the location of the Brazilian bicycle manufacturer’s US subsidiary). The previous owner rode the bicycle without any crashes for a few years, but then tired of its strong green finish and had the paint removed with the intention of having the frame repainted a more tolerable color. This project was never completed and the frameset has been in storage ever since. The model of this aluminum frame set is not known to Frame and Wheel. The frame set features a Kinesis carbon fiber front fork, an aluminum seatpost clamp, a Stronglight Delta headset, an aluminum seat post and a Caloi saddle. There are a variety of original Caloi decals for the down tube and head tube. The frameset weighs 3 kg (6.6 pounds). The serial number on the non-drive side dropout reads: DD69875. The owner is selling the frameset because he has a lighter and newer bike to race and ride and he needs to clear out the bike clutter in his house. The frameset is being sold as is.
Review of condition
The frame is clean and in good condition. There is no corrosion anywhere on the frame; there are no dents or bends in the frame; the frame is aligned properly; the derailleur hanger is straight; the head set turns smoothly; the threads in the bottom bracket are not corroded or stripped; the threading in the down tube shifter bolts is clean and not stripped; the seat post bolts work fine; the saddle has no scratches or tears; and the front forks are not cracked or scratched. Frame and Wheel found the following features: paint from the previous finish still remains in small patches on the chain stays, the seat stays and around the bottom bracket. The threads in the bottom bracket need to be cleaned. Frame and Wheel inspected this bicycle very carefully, but cannot guarantee that all imperfections have been spotted.
Frame and Wheel conclusion
This frame set will make a nice project for the restoration enthusiast. It is on its way to becoming a classic example of “hybrid” technology, when manufacturers were beginning to transition from aluminum to carbon.
Specifications
Frame: Caloi aluminum
Front fork: Kinesis carbon fiber
Measurements
Seat tube (c-t): 57.5 cm (c-c): 54 cm 
Top tube (c-c): 55.5 cm
Head tube: 12.5 cm
Spacing: 130 mm (R) 100 mm (F)
Bottom bracket 68 mm English thread
Weight: 3 kg (6.6 pounds)
Seat post: aluminum 26.4 mm
Headset: 1”

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

2004 Trek 5900 Superlight 54 cm 9 speed

Sold: $600
2004 Trek 5900 Superlight 54 cm carbon road bike 9 spd
Frame and Wheel is bringing a 2004 Trek 5900 Superlight 54 cm nine speed carbon road bicycle to market on eBay. The bicycle has had one previous owner, who purchased the frame new at Cyclemania in Portland, Maine, and then had the frame built up with components from a previous bike. Consequently, the bicycle is different from the original specification in the following ways:  the crank set is Dura Ace 7700 (nine speed); the rear derailleur is Shimano Ultegra 6600 (nine speed); the front derailleur is Shimano 7700 (nine speed); the brakes and shifters are Dura Ace 7700; the freewheel is Shimano Ultegra 6500 12-25; the wheels are Mavic Helium clinchers; the stem is Onyx Series, the handle bar is Deda; the seat post is unknown and the saddle is a Selle Italia. The bicycle was raced for a few years, crashed once, and for the  past few years, it has been used in poor weather and on a trainer. The owner is selling the bicycle because he has a newer one to ride and race and he needs to cut down on the bike clutter in his house. The bicycle weighs about 6 kg (13 pounds). The serial number on the bottom of the down tube is WN 3155447. Frame and Wheel confirmed with Trek Corporation that the frame is a 2004 5900 Superlight. Pedals are not included. This bicycle is being sold as is.
Review of condition
This bicycle is light and it is clean and it is ready to ride. Although the components are dated and there is visible evidence of wear and tear, the bicycle appears to have a few more thousand miles left in it. The shifting is smooth and complete; the brakes work fine; there is no play in the crank set or the head set; the wheels are true, round and spinning smoothly, and the spokes are tight. 
Frame and Wheel did find the following features: there is a hair line fissure that runs around the circumference of the seat tube, just above the braze on mount for the front derailleur; there is corrosion or a flaking of the finish on the underside of the top tube, right around the external cabling mounts; there are three scratches about 3 x 5 mm on the right side of the top tube; the underside of the front fork crown shows wear; the finish on the small and large chain ring is flaking off; the saddle has 2 x 3 cm tear on the right rear side; the braking surfaces on the rims are worn; the tab on the front skewer vibrates when in the closed position; the handlebar tape is worn; and the chain reads more than 1.0 on the chain wear tool. Frame and Wheel cleaned and inspected this bicycle very carefully, but cannot guarantee that all imperfections have been spotted.
Frame and Wheel conclusion
Frame and Wheel’s view is that this bicycle will make a very good “winter” bike for the cycling enthusiast who feels obligated to ride in poor weather, but who does not want to agonize about damaging or cleaning up the bicycle afterwards. It is remarkably light, and for off season riding, it has more than enough gears. It also has a future as a bicycle that is “permanently” mounted to an indoor trainer and perhaps it could find a life as a commuter for a cyclist who wants a light carbon bike with a racing pedigree, but who does not want to worry about the bicycle being abducted or mishandled by third parties.  
Specifications:
Frame: 2004 Trek 5900 Superlight 
Dimensions: Seat tube: 54 cm (c-t) top tube: 54.5 cm (c-c)
Material: carbon OCLV 110
Weight (complete bike): 7 kg (15 lbs)
Seat post: unknown 27.2 mm
Front fork: Bontrager Race XXX Lite
Cranks: Shimano Dura Ace 7700 
Bottom bracket: Shimano BC 1.37 68 English thread
Wheel set:  Mavic Helium clincher 28 (R) 26 (F) spoke 700 c
Spokes: straight gauge 2 mm
Nipples: external
Hubs: Mavic Helium 
Skewers: Mavic
Tires: Continental Ultra Race  23 F&R 
Brakes: Shimano Dura Ace 7700
Brake levers: Shimano Dura Ace 7700
Shifters: Shimano Dura Ace 7700
Front derailleur: Shimano Dura Ace 7700
Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura Ace 7700
Pedals: none
Chain ring: Shimano SG B 53/39
Freewheel: Shimano 12-25 nine speed
Chain: Shimano
Saddle: Selle Italia
Stem: Onyx Series 120 mm
Headset: Crane Creek
Handlebars: aluminum Deda  40 cm c-c

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Vintage 1985 Schwinn Paramount 55 cm steel road bike 6 spd

Sold: $321 Buyer: USA
Vintage 1985 Schwinn Paramount 55 cm steel road bike 6 spd
Frame and Wheel is bringing a vintage Waterford-made 1985 Schwinn Paramount 55 cm steel road racing bicycle to market on eBay. The bicycle was ordered from Schwinn by the original owner through Champion Schwinn (Arlington branch) in Jacksonville, Florida. The bicycle features Columbus tubing and lugged construction; chrome drive-side chain stay; a built in mount for a frame pump; down tube shifting; Campagnolo Super Record rear and front derailleurs and shifters; Campagnolo Record front and rear hubs; Campagnolo rear drop outs and front fork ends; Cinelli Criterium bars and stem; vintage Shimano 105 brakes, cranks and pedals; and 36-spoke tubular rims. The bicycle was raced in the late 80s and early 90s and was crashed once. It has spent the past decade in storage. The original owner whose name is painted on the non-drive side chain stay no longer rides this bicycle and is selling it because he needs to create some space in his house. The bicycle weighs about 20 pounds (9 kg). The serial number on the bottom bracket shell is 558WH85082.  The bicycle is being sold as is. 
Review of condition
This is a classic racing bicycle that is clean and in good condition despite being more than 25 years old. Although there are signs of wear and tear, the bicycle has been lightly used and stored properly. Elsewhere, the frame and fork are aligned; there are no dents or bends in the frame or the fork; the derailleur hanger is straight; there are no major scratches on the finish and the decals are still in place; the headset turns smoothly; there is no play in the bottom bracket; the shifting is smooth; the wheels are round, true and spinning smoothly and all the spokes are taught; and, the brakes work fine and the pads show about 5 mm. 
Frame and Wheel did find the following features: there is 4 x 7 cm patch of corrosion under the paint on the top tube just just forward of where the top tube meets the seat tube; there is corrosion where the seat tube goes into the bottom bracket, on the eyelets that hold the rear brake cable to the top tube, on the drive-side of the chain stay; and on the bottom of the down tube. The paint is peeling off the left pedal and the left side of the tip of the saddle has a tear. The rear tubular tire inflates, but the tread has worn off in some places; the tread on the front tire is less worn but the tire is showing signs of age. Both tires should be replaced with new tires and new glue before riding. There is some wear on the braking surfaces of the rims. A spoke on the left side of the rear wheel has a bend in it. There is a small amount of play in the headset. The chain measures more than one on the chain wear indicator. The cranks is missing one chain ring bolt. The Campagnolo rear derailleur has Shimano pullies.  Frame and Wheel has looked over this bike very carefully, but cannot guarantee that every imperfection has been spotted.
Frame and Wheel conclusion
This is a “modern day classic” racing bicycle that with a little servicing (primarily new tires) will be restored to its former glory. It is a heavy bicycle, but this will not bother the rider who seeks the smooth feel of a steel frame, the zen of “index less” down-tube shifting and the style of 1980s cycling. A restoration enthusiast might consider sending the frame back to Waterford for a new paint job and new decals, but this is not necessary for those who want to enjoy a “retro” ride.
Specifications:
Frame: Schwinn Paramount 
Dimensions: Seat tube: 55 cm (c-t) top tube: 54.5 cm (t-t)
Material: steel with Campagnolo dropouts
Weight (complete bike): 9 kg (19.8 lbs)
Spacing: Rear 126 mm / Front 100 mm
Seat post: LaPrade 26.7 mm
Front fork: Schwinn Paramount steel with Campagnolo drop outs
Cranks: Shimano 105 172.5 mm
Bottom bracket: Shimano BC 1.37 68 English thread
Wheel set:  tubular 36-spoke 700 c unknown rim
Spokes: straight gauge 2 mm
Nipples: external
Hubs: Campagnolo Record 
Skewers: Campagnolo Record
Tires: Clement Super Condor (F) Vittoria Formula Uno 21 28 (Rear)
Brakes: Shimano 105
Brake levers: Shimano 105
Shifters: Campagnolo Record
Front derailleur: Campagnolo Record
Rear derailleur: Campagnolo Record
Pedals: Shimano 1056
Chain ring: Shimano 105 52/42
Freewheel: Regina CX 13,14,15,16,17, 18
Chain: unknown
Saddle: Forte Carbon Pro SLX
Stem: Cinelli 115 mm zero angle
Headset: Spidel Stronlight 1”
Handlebars: aluminum Cinelli Criterium 39 cm c-c
Serial number analysis
The serial number on the frame is 558WH85082. Using information on the Waterford website, Frame and Wheel interprets this to mean that the frame size is 55 cm (55), manufactured by Waterford in May (H) of 1985 (85), and was the 82nd frame planned for production that month (082). Frame and Wheel does not know what the “8” represents. Information about Paramount serial numbers: Waterford - Custom Bicycles and Frames