Hello group,
I'm new here, so I'll introduce myself quickly. My name's Joe Decruyenaere; I live in the Los Angeles area; I'm a biologist, and I own two bikes, both steel. The first one I bought about 20 years ago; it's a Trek 500. Nothing fabulous, a little fishy, but it gets me to work every morning. The second bike is actually quite a bit older, and much finer. The frame was built in 1972 by Viner in Italy, and imported and sold under the name Simes. "Simes" is Jack Simes; apparently he and Jerry Casale ran the operation. I think I've got this all right. I actually contacted Mr. Simes a year ago or so, and he told me who made the bikes and when.
Anyway, it's a beautiful bike and a great ride. It's not entirely original, but I have most of the parts. Do any of you out there know anything about these bikes? I know they were made of Columbus tubing and they have all the cool little braze-ons, like the bottom bracket cable guides and what looks to be an allen bolt brazed on to the bottom of the top tube as a pump boss. I'd be interested in seeing some of the original components, colors and decals. Mine's been repainted and the only marks are a set of "SIMES" decals on the seat and down tubes. Don't know if those are anything like the original marks. I'd be interested in restoring this bike some day and thought I'd ask the experts what may have hung on it.
Thanks,
Joe
South Pasadena, CA, USA