Friday, November 25, 2011

Puch Brigadier Reynolds 531

Beautiful and unique Puch Brigadier we refurbished Here at Bike Boom. If your'e not familiar, Bike Boom is a used bike shop in Davis square, on the border of Cambridge and Somerville , near Boston MA. where we specialize in restoring and refurbishing used and vintage bikes and offer competitively priced bike repair services.

Are you looking to repair this bike?
Links below for parts you can buy now on amazon.
Over the years we repaired thousands of these and became experts in finding alternatives to original bike parts. 
Buying parts for older bikes is confusing, as most of the original parts have been discontinued. 
We use these parts everyday and created this list to make it easier for you to repair your bike.

Shifter cables and housing: https://amzn.to/38g40ol
Brake cables and housing: https://amzn.to/2DZqPPk
Handlebar Tape: https://amzn.to/2qxHiaf
Tires (good): https://amzn.to/2s9eipE (similar look, casual use, choose 27x1 1/4)
Tires (better): https://amzn.to/33YwOyl (super flat resistant and fast rolling, choose 27x1.25 or 27 1 1/4)
Shifters: Front and rear (right and left): https://amzn.to/347vWrv
Rear Derailleur (good): https://amzn.to/2DYUOXF (choose w/ direct attachment)
Rear Derailleur (Better): https://amzn.to/2PupyVA (choose GS type)
Front Derailleur (good): https://amzn.to/3415IXm (choose double)
Front derailleur (better): https://amzn.to/2LAI262 (better quality, fit and finish)
Bottom Bracket: https://amzn.to/2RydlSI (Likely 68x122.5 but must measure spindle length before purchase)
Crank (good): https://amzn.to/2Yw7miQ (better quality fit and finish, will likely need a new bottom bracket)
Crank (better): https://amzn.to/2rg0YQx (lesser quality option, likely will not need a bottom bracket)
Headset: https://amzn.to/38EkfvQ (Choose 27.0 but it's better to remove crown race and measure inside diameter for sure)
Pedals: https://amzn.to/3593fvC (Modern style)
Pedals: https://amzn.to/2DZbNZP (same style as original)
Chain: https://amzn.to/38ayVCI (fits 5, 6, 7 and 8 speeds)
Brake pads (good): https://amzn.to/36eEldP (casual use)
Brake pads (better): https://amzn.to/38ixNN7 (Improved performance and wet/cold condition)
Brakes (rear): https://amzn.to/2P31N8o
Brakes (front): https://amzn.to/2Prqcn2
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/2LQALz9 (similar to original
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)
Puch was an Austrian company who manufactured scooters, motorcycles, cars and trucks, apart from bicycles of course. The late 70's and early 80's bikes were made in Austria and the mid 80's models were made in japan for Puch. This Puch brigadier is quite interesting since it is made of the famous and highly coveted Reynolds 531 manganese steel tubing which at the time, apart from Italian brands, every single brand used for their high end bikes. So why is it unique? well, the bike is equipped with mid end components, stem shifters and safety levers which are the mark of low-mid end bikes. My guess is that it was Puch's way to market their bikes in the heavily populated low-mid market of the bike boom, by offering high end frames with a mid end price tag. sold to a french exchange student in MIT. 







8 comments:

  1. I have the same exact model and color. It's the last bike I ever bought and it's still going strong. I gave it a spring cleaning and a new tire yesterday I and I could swear I heard it begging me to go for a ride. Mine could use a nice restoration job like that. One minor detail: you seem to have omitted the BRIGADIER label from the top bar. (the one on mine wore of from leaning the bike). And one question, what would you recommend for giving it a modern drivetrain and brake components?

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    1. Hi Robert
      you can easily install a modern drivetrain with integrated shifters (STI). the best place for that would be EBAY. buy a takeoff groupo or a lightly used one. mid-late 80's frames can usually take 8-9 speed transmitions. you might need to widen the rear end though (sheldon brown has good guides about that. this puch should have an english (standard) BB so you can install a modern sealed one. the frame has downtube braze ons for the cables but you will need a tensioner on the cable itself since you will have no regulation for the front derailer cable tension or find cable stops that wrap around the downtube. To install modern brakes you will have to drill the fork and stays to accept the recessed allen bolt modern brakes are equipped with, that will also mean installing long reach brakes and replacing the wheels with 700c ones

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    2. Thanks for the answers. I'll run this by my local vintage bike shop, just a few blocks away. It still runs fine, so I may just use the money to get the Bianchi I've had on my mind.

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  2. My local mechanic can do it, but doesn't have the right painting shop. Just wondering if you could give me a rough estimate of cost if I ship the frame to you for paint and prep for new components. Also, what paint system do you use? (I'm considering powder-coating).

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  3. I'm flattered you want us to restore your bike but unfortunately we don't paint bikes. We have the ability to do touch ups and we do paint fenders and chain guards on our English 3 speeds but not full frames. I definitely think you should powder coat your frame as it gives a much nicer and stronger finish, around Boston you can get it sand blasted and coated in one tone for around $150. there are also shops like cyclart http://www.cyclart.com who are experts in bike restoration. good luck!

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  4. Puch made the 60s Sears -Ted Williams alloy frames- are the same bike to say?I have the gold anidized model and love the old school ride . Might even update it later.

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  5. I have one for sale on Columbus Oh. Craig's List

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  6. For sale. See Link.
    http://columbus.craigslist.org/bik/3864214747.html

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