Greg,
What you are referring to would be a mid 1970's vintage Crescent model 305 Sports Racer. This would be a relatively inexpensive middle range adult 10 speed bicycle that had an original MSRP of $110.00 to $125.00 USD, although according to the 1973 edition of The Complete Buyers Guide To Bicycles, it was not uncommon to find this bike being sold for as much as $135.95 during the peak of the U.S. Bike Boom. Culled from the 1973 Crescent catalog, the following itemization would be "correct" for what would have typically been original equipment and specification for this particular bike:
Type: 10 speed road / sport type 1970s model 305 Sports Racer
Size: 19", 21", 22 1/2", or 24"
Color: Crescent racing orange (...three color coats over a rust inhibitive zinc phosphate treatment)
Frameset: SIS 1412 1.4 mm roll-welded straight gauge tubing with Huret dropouts and fork ends
Headset: Crescent heavy duty chrome plated steel
Stem: AVA Super Dural alloy
Handlebars: AVA Criterium (...chrome plated steel)
Crankset: Crescent / Fauber steel crank (...one piece Ashtabula style) with double Simplex aluminum chain rings
Chain: Regina
Hubset: Campagnolo Nuovo Tipo or Normandy Luxe large flange with quick release
Rims: Fiamme 27" aluminum alloy rims clincher style
Tires: Varnamo Mistral nylon tires with butyl inner tubes
Freewheel: Regina or Atom
Shifters: Huret Allvit model 1882 double shift levers (short style)
Front Derailleur: Huret Avant model 700 wide range double / triple capacity
Rear Derailleur: Huret Super Allvit model 1999 - 13 to 34 tooth freewheel capacity / 26 to 53 tooth chain wheel capacity
Brake Levers: CLB Racer type center pull calipers / CLB Racer levers
Pedals: Atom "rat-trap" style racing pedals (...often with reflectors)
Saddle: Genuine leather saddle of unknown origin or make
Seat Post: SIS chrome plated steel
Accessories: Huret model 999 chromed steel spoke protector
Options: REG or ESGE aluminum alloy kickstand
It is my opinion and observation that these Crescent Sports Racers are extremely durable (...at least with respect to the frameset itself) and passably enjoyable bicycles to ride (...for short distances) and I suppose they have a small measure of cachet in certain crowds by virtue of being a recognized European brand. More often than not, however, examples found these days show ample signs of use (...bordering on abuse) in keeping with their original unglamorous and utilitarian intent.
Robert "orange you glad you asked" Broderick ...the "Chronically Cloudy Clime" of Oregon Portland, USA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Greg Lone Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 9:38 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR] RE Crescent with simplex crank
Hi list, I have also found the odd low end Crescent with Simplex 3 arm adaptors and alloy Simplex sprockets. The cranks themselves were standard issue Crescent one piece if I recall correctly. These bikes would generally also have the quite decent wheel set as well. Campy Tipo large flange hubs with Fiame yellow label 27 x1 1/4 clincher rims. I always kept an eye out for them as they could be occasionally found quite cheaply. I haven't seen one in quite a long time. They must have been a slightly better model, but I have never seen a catalog listing mentioning them specifically. Anyone have any further info? Greg Lone Langley B.C. Canada
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