I've been following the ad for the complete bike with some interest (a bit too big for me, and I think he's asking a bit much for an opening bid) mainly because the brand brings back a few frustrating memories for me.
Back in '71 my parents went over to Slovakia for a couple of weeks to visit relatives, and of course I requested that they give a try at picking me up a top of the line 531-tubed model (which I believe was selling for about half the price of a Gitane Super Corsa). One of my uncles, or something like that, was a minor functionary in the Communist party at that time, and I figured he could be of some assistance through whatever bureaucratic maze had to be transpired.
Unfortunately, despite my father and uncle blowing a day or two of the vacation, the entire effort came to naught, after running into a load of official disinterst in selling one bicycle to a college student in Erie, PA - for American dollars, no less. Yeah, they're not the worlds greatest, but I still dream of someday putting together a 56cm Favorit for daily riding.
To that end, I've managed to pick up a few components from time to time, when the price is right. Someday I'll hopefully get all the bits and finally put one together.
George R. "Syke" Paczolt Montpelier, VA USA
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