Hi All,
Before I add my "two bits" to this Eisentraut on ebay thing I would first like to introduce myself.
My name is Kris Koller , I reside in Martinez, CA. and even though I'm new to the list both the list and Classicrendezvous are not new to me. I've enjoyed both for quite some time now and I sure have received a good education on all matters surrounding classic lightweight bicycles. Now I wouldn't consider myself a "hard core" classic bike collector even though I do have a modest collection, but more of a all around bike enthusiast with a deep love and appreciation for the classic European style lightweight lugged steel bicycle. I've always loved these bikes ever since I was a kid when I received my "10 speed" as a birthday present. It was a "Premium" made in Japan (does anyone remember those) that was styled after the lower-end European bikes of the day. I always envied my friends who owned Peugeot UO8s, Gitane Grand Sports and Interclubs, Mercier 100s, Raleigh Grand Prixs, etc., etc.. But one thing I do remember my bike always shifted better and went up hills easier than any of my friends bikes. Sorry no offense to anyone but I think it had something to do with the Shimano derailleurs and the Maeda 14/32 freewheel!
My collection includes:
1.. Early 60s INVICTA English 3-speed (Inherited from my Uncle who said he bought it at Sears).
2.. Early 70s MOTOBECANE Le Champion - Peacock Blue w/white head lugs (ridable but in dire need of a restoration).
3.. 1975 MOTOBECANE Grand Record - black and red, high school graduation present (some modifications but currently collecting the parts to make it original).
d.. 70's vintage French ASTRA Tour De France and GITANE Interclub Framesets ( both waiting on restoration, when get the time).
e.. 1982/83 PEUGEOT light touring - Reynolds 501 frame, pearl white ( this is my commuter bike and has many "period type" newer parts, not sure on model # ).
6.. 1983 GUERCIOTTI JET - BMW blue w/Super Record and partial "Pantograph" (mostly original, some mods, have all the original parts and wheels, awesome ride).
7.. 1969 PEUGEOT PX10 - the Jewel of my collection ( all original except for the tires, original owner said he only rode it twice and then hung up in his garage for over 25 years because it was uncomfortable. He was 5' 5" tall and the bike is 58cm, don't figure Huh! But I believe him because the bike is pristine).
Now back to the Eisentraut on ebay http://ebay.com/
I question the origin of this bike, it is being advertised as a "Vintage Eisentraut Italian Road Bike". Now I may be all messed up, but thought I that Albert Eisentraut built his bikes in Oakland CA.! Please correct me if I am wrong because I've always been under the elusion that Oakland CA. was located in the San Francisco Bay Area, USA not in the Tuscany region of Italy!
Thanks,
Kris Koller
Martinez, CA.