Dang, no one is answering these ???
What it sounds similar too, are Hostetlers, a German brand and not to be confused with a model by Gitano of the same name.
I bought a Tansini ten speed "racing" bike in 1977. Originally had sew-up tires...that didn't last long...I used it for bicycle touring, Cape Cod from NJ, Seattle to San Fransisco. It has been a workhorse, and still my only bike. Can anyone tell me anything about this bike manufacturer?
I'm considering buying this old Fuji bike, but I can't figure out what model it is. Anyone have any ideas?
The lower head tube lug is stamped "Fuji," but the main triangle tubes are all covered up with 3M reflective tape (!), so I have no idea what model this is. Original paint appears to be all black with some minor red highlights (red top of fork crown thing, and red ring around lower down tube near bottom bracket), and half chrome forks. Dia-comp brakes, SunTour VGT rear derailer (I think). High flange front hub. Can't remember much else about it.
I like the bike because it has a 27 inch seatpost (!) (which fits me) and a fairly short top tube (24 inches?), so I can sit fairly upright even though it's a huge frame.
I can't really tell from the pic but does it have stamped or forged dropouts? Forged indicates "better than entry level". However, the fork crown is lower end and the crankset is similar. Still, a lower end Fuji is still a fine bike and a good rider. If it fits, keep it.
It's pretty well disguised - but I would guess a mid-70s S10S, the first of the really big-selling Japanese 10-speeds. They were on the heavy side, but the ones I rode were quite good handling. Should be a great beater.
Thanks for the replies! I'm thinking S10S, too.
How does one distinguish between stamped and forged dropouts? What should I look for? I should be able to see the bike again tomorrow and can check it out.
Apart from the (hidden) decals, how can I be sure this is not something like a Del Rey?
I think the dropouts are stamped. Probably not a Del Ray.
Stamped dropouts are like old 3 speeds and are about 1/8" thick and rarely have an integral rear derailleur hanger. Forged (and cast) dropouts are about 1/4", have a hanger and often have brand names.
My question.....because I can't remember......the bottom bracket cup on the drive / chain side.......which way does it thread in order to remove it? If you are facing it - does it losen by turning to the right? Is it opposite? Or does it thread the normal way?
On MOST bikes, the RH/drive side/fixed cup is LEFT-HAND threaded. Older French and Italian bikes may have RH threaded fixed cups. They would probably have French or Italian manufactured bottom brackets as well. Good luck.
French BB cups are often marked 35x1.00 or 'Metric'.
So, does that mean you turn it to the right to losen it - and turn it to the left to tighten it?
Falcon is a fairly big english marque and they're still in business. They've had distribution in small numbers in North America so it's not surprising to see one.
653 refers to the alloy make up of the butted Reynolds tubeset used on the bike. It's a more modern tubeset (last 15-20 years?) and is no longer in production.