Lou Deeter pointed out this Flandria on Ebay...
>http://ebay.com/<blah>
>
>Hard to believe this one hasn't attracted more interest, particularly given
>it is NOS, 30 years old and has original DuraAce parts. I didn't even know
>DuraAce was made in 1970!! I would have pegged this bike for mid-70s
>given the
>parts. Is the seller a listmember? Lou Deeter, Orlando FL
I don't think Shimano knew Dura Ace was made in 1970 either
http://dura-ace.shimano.com/
According to Shimano's web page:
1972 Known as a maker of serviceable light alloy components for sport and recreation bicycles, Shimano sets up a product development program aimed at producing a world-class road racing component group.
1973 The first generation Dura-Ace components are introduced. They use the Crane Derailleur, a precursor to the Dura-Ace model, which features Shimano's double-pantagraph (dual-spring) design. "Dura" from the duralumin alloy used in production, and "Ace" simply meaning The Best.
The components are first raced in Europe by the Belgium Flandria team whose members include well known cyclists Walter Godefroot, Freddy Martens and Michael Pollentier. Out of the 12 teams in the Tour de France, 9 ride Campagnolo, 2 ride French Components and one team rides Shimano. The team captured stage victories in the Tour de France, the first for any Japanese component manufacturer. Later in the year Freddy Martens rides a Dura-Ace equipped bicycle to a second place finish in the World Road Championships.
1974 Shimano becomes a major sponsor of the Shimano Flandria and Shimano US-Pro teams. ***********
Pretty nifty bike, no? Even if it is a later-than-1970 bike.
Couple of points... First gen DA came out with centerpulls and side pulls followed. Also rare and interesting... Black Dura Ace. I know of a NOS black crank with really clean packaging in de box...
My 1973 Schwinn World Voyageur is outfitted with 1973 Dura Ace, high flange hubs and all. Still looking for the right levers though.