For second tier models, probably the Raleigh Competition from say 1967 (?) throught the '70s belongs, and perhaps the PX-10 family. Most companies had a big jump, for example the Atala Valentino-equipped bike boom bargains to the high-end Atalas. I think Peug was unique in having a high-ender that was comparable to teh 2nd tiers, a wonder of cost-effective bicycle design. From Italy several companies followed this pattern, Atala as I mentioned, Fiorelli, and notably Frejus and Legnano. Bianchi may have been there, but was not on my radar screen in those days. The first Bianchi I ever saw was celeste, crud-ish looking, low cost, and super light. I rode my friend's bike in 1972 and thought it was as stiff as can be, didn't like it!
Ken Freeman, ducking under the return fire in Ann Arbor, MI USA
> Not sure if the question was about second tier marques or second tier models.
\r?\n> And if second tier marques, which would those be? Some on the list seem to
\r?\n> think anything except Masi is second tier. Others, anything except Herse and
\r?\n> Singer.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> But, assuming second tier models, I have a few of my own favorites:
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Follis model 172 (circa 1972), 531 DB maintubes and forks, Stronglight DO's
\r?\n> with Campy style adjusters. Nervar, Normandy, Lyotard and Simplex Criterium
\r?\n> except, strangely, a SunTour Seven FD, which based on comparing notes with other
\r?\n> mod 172 owners, appears, believe it or not, to be original. Weinmann 500 SP's.
\r?\n> No snob appeal, but everything woks just the way I like.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Motobecane Grand Record. Everyone knows this model. Eclectic mix of
\r?\n> components, but it works. Love the black/red/gold paint scheme.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Mid 80's Mercier Bordeaux-Paris (or is it Paris-Bordeaux?). Light blue rather
\r?\n> than pink, Columbus Tretubi, cool engraved Mercier crown logo on the fork crown.
\r?\n> Originally Campy Victory/Triomphe, but now tout Mavic.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Mercier 531 3 Tubes, this one pink. Bought as a used frameset, built up with
\r?\n> mostly Huret/TA. Fork crown as above.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Early/mid 80's Torpado Italia, in the pink typical of this model, Columbus
\r?\n> Tretubi. Original components farily low end. Now higher end
\r?\n> Ofmega/Galli/Modolo/Gipiemme, nearly all Italian, but absolutely NO Campy. Just
\r?\n> wanted to show it can be done.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> This being macho Texas, my wife rides the two pink ones. One of the things I
\r?\n> like about second tier models is some of the original components are neither
\r?\n> that special nor that expensive, so I feel free to use the period correct stuff
\r?\n> I like. The Grand Record is the exception though. And on the Follis, the only
\r?\n> parts I really thought it desirable to change were the Lyotard pedals to TA and
\r?\n> the Normandy Sport sewups to clinchers for touring/commuting.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Regards,
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Jerry Moos
\r?\n> Big Spring, TX
\r?\n>
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\r?\n>
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Doug Smith wrote:
\r?\n> Charles Neighbour wrote:-
\r?\n> As we talk mostly about 1st tier bicycles, i.e. Hetchins, Masi,
\r?\n> Colnago, Sachs I thought it would be interesting to hear about CR
\r?\n> members personnel experience with second tier bicycles worth
\r?\n> mentioning.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Am I the only one who has bothered to reply on the subject ?
\r?\n> Why is so often we get a member like Charles and others who invite
\r?\n> views on which could be another interesting subject find their
\r?\n> effort disappear into the sunset!
\r?\n>
\r?\n> I am personally getting a bit fed up with lots of the material of late
\r?\n> especially with the subjects going on too long. Then tonight we have
\r?\n> something which sounds promising its completely ignored for us all
\r?\n> to enjoy. This attitude of by some of the membership choosing not
\r?\n> to participate on something that does 'nt interest them spoils the
\r?\n> whole idea of what the listing stands for!
\r?\n>
\r?\n> To my views on the subject in hand and to say I 'm not quite sure
\r?\n> what I would class as second tier here in the UK with the hundreds
\r?\n> of marque's which have always been available over the years. The big
\r?\n> and the small suppliers/manufacturers have always produced a very
\r?\n> high class of machine so it makes it difficult to select a runner up.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> I ,like many us , have our favourite bike the one we use most of the
\r?\n> time and turn to another as second choice when need for a change.
\r?\n> In my book I think I will stick to calling the little known , the
\r?\n> obscure , the good and forgotten and rate them all as equals! They
\r?\n> are all worth a mention I suppose!!
\r?\n> Doug Smith
\r?\n> North Dorset
\r?\n> UK
\r?\n>
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\r?\n>
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