I posted this a few months ago in the iBOB list before I knew of this list. I thought some on this list may have some more info for me. Sorry if this is redundant.
I found a bike at the local used bike shop for only $40
Frame: Foil type decals saying "Hosteler" with rainbow stripes on downtube and "made in France" and Olympic rings on seat tube decal, "Huret derailleur" on chain stay no head tube badge, just another hosteler decal Reynolds 531 butted tubing decal in French medium point lugs, not real delicate chrome rear stays and fork tips, poor condition wrap-around seat stay looks to be brazed on, stays somewhat beefy at top. roughly 60x60cm with parallel 73° angles (long top tube)
no braze-ons, campy fork tips, long horizontal rear forged dropouts with adjusters tight rear end with little clearance for tire removal,
Components: Stronglight 93 crank Maillard 700 high flange hubs Atom 700 pedals stronglight competition headset Mafac Racer brakeset Belliri stem and bars, nice long stem and wide bars! Huret Jubilee rear der. and shifters Maillard course 5sp freewheel rims, front der. and seat post are all cheap replacements
I have never heard of the brand Hosteler. does anybody have some information about the brand? Is it worth worrying about the decals if I want to clean up the frame? It fits me well and I want to take care of the bit of rust that is there.
Thanks,
Micah Roberts