Alpina mystery bike

[dimrub]

Christmas came early this year (or late last year?) Anyway, almost all of the components I've ordered for the Alpina have arrived:

However the missing component is kind of critical - it's those inner tubes that I was supposed to get together with the tires, but didn't. Still, I can put the rim tape, and install the saddle, and then, plenty of work on the other bikes.

 

[dimrub]

Got the rim tape on. First time doing that, so I hope I did a reasonable job of it. The tape might have been a tiny bit too wide, but I think it was the narrowest on sale. Still waiting for the inner tubes, so this is stuck again.

 

[dimrub]

We're getting there...

Still waiting for the tubes, but once they arrive, it's tubes in, wheels on, chain on, rear mech on, some adjustments and done.

 

[dimrub]

Getting there...

Did I put gumwall tires, golden chain, an armchair saddle and a fake vintage saddle bag on the first bike I restored? I did. Do I regret anything? I don't.

 

[All uphill]

Getting there...

View attachment 721085

Did I put gumwall tires, golden chain, an armchair saddle and a fake vintage saddle bag on the first bike I restored? I did. Do I regret anything? I don't.

That's going to be a very enjoyable bike!

I love the blue paint.

 

[dimrub]

Ok, my TODO list for this bike is empty. Here we go:

I did a test ride, and it was mildly terrifying. It's all wrong (for me, with my riding habits). The handlebar is too low, the brake levers - too far (I was prewarned, and didn't try to use the "suicide levers"), the tires too slim, not to mention my complete lack of experience with unindexed gears. Oh, and did I say the TODO list is empty? Well it's time to start filling it in again. Because either the BB axle or the crankset is misaligned, the rear brake is not adjusted properly, the rear wheel might be a bit out of true, and the front mech is kind of meh, but maybe it's because of the BB axle. But I can still hardly believe it: I brought a bike from the dead, and the ticking of its freewheel is like music to my ears.

I first laid my eyes on it on Dec 27, which means it took 43 days, most of which were idle due to waiting for the parts to arrive. I spent circa $135 on said parts, and got the bike itself for free. I also spent an unspecified sum on the tools and materials, to be used on future projects. And, like in that VISA commercial, the experience I gained fixing it, and the fun I had - priceless.

 

[All uphill]

Nice job @dimrub

 

[GeraldS1]

I owned an Alpina in the late 80’s as a teenager. It was a reputable brand back then for road racing. I’ll try dig up some photos of mine in the coming days

 

[wafter]

Looks nice - love the colour and it's interesting that it looks unlugged given it's apparant age.

FWIW I'd recommend flattening out the saddle and rotating the bars down a fair bit at the front so that the levers are ballpart vertical - this will reduce reach and improve ergonomics as I can't imagine operating the levers is much fun currently!

 

[Gunk]

I took those photos yesterday, rubbed the front wheel for a little while (this amazing feeling when the shiny chrome starts showing through the dull and rusty surface), then the sun was setting and I didn't have light anymore, so I went for a cup of tea at a nearby cafe.

View attachment 717305

If that’s the tea, I’d ask for your money back.

 

[dimrub]

If that’s the tea, I’d ask for your money back.

Yep, this joke is just telling itself.

 

[GeraldS1]

I owned an Alpina in the late 80’s as a teenager. It was a reputable brand back then for road racing. I’ll try dig up some photos of mine in the coming days

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Back in the day when sheep were scared and real cyclist churned a 21 big sprocket.

 

[Windle]

Back in the day when sheep were scared and real cyclist churned a 21 big sprocket.

With a 42 tooth chainring as well, none of these piddly 34 tooth compact things they have now.