Not a speck of Campy on this bike, but something about it called out to be photographed when I saw it parked in front of the local grocery store. The Astra brand was basically a rebadged, low-end Motobecane, imported in about 1971-72. This one apparently lived originally in El Centro, CA, per the 1972 city bicycle license on the seat tube. Despite the low-end (and non-Campy) parts, this is a good example of a French-made everyday bike from the height of the 1970s bike boom: nice lugged frame and fork, comfortable geometry ... and ten speeds! More photos here.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Today's Bike (Non-Campy)
Not a speck of Campy on this bike, but something about it called out to be photographed when I saw it parked in front of the local grocery store. The Astra brand was basically a rebadged, low-end Motobecane, imported in about 1971-72. This one apparently lived originally in El Centro, CA, per the 1972 city bicycle license on the seat tube. Despite the low-end (and non-Campy) parts, this is a good example of a French-made everyday bike from the height of the 1970s bike boom: nice lugged frame and fork, comfortable geometry ... and ten speeds! More photos here.
I have a "Tour de Belgique" from 1971...low-end, but fun and a little bit classy all the same. Mine came with stainless-steel full coverage fenders, too.
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