As if Wednesday’s drivesidequickreleaseskewerlevergate wasn’t enough.  Today’s OTS—a Firenze GL5000 sent in by Sean D in Buffalo, New York—offers us two of the OTSG’s most debated topics the drivesidequickreleaseskewerlevergate AND theforklooksbentgate. Throw in a bottomed out saddle that even Julie S would find alarming, and you’ve got plenty to think about this weekend. And when you’re done, GO RIDE YOUR BIKE!

Hey OTS! This is my first finished project bike. The Firenze GL5000.

I am not sure of the year but I do know the story of how they were given away in 1970s San Francisco with the purchase of a stove or TV. Somehow it made its way all the way here to Buffalo, NY. I picked it up from a local guy on criagslist for $120, put $170 into it. New wraps, seat, baguette bag, rear rack, and a custom paint job.

I love your site and cant wait to upload my next project once its done (1971 fuji)

Thanks Sean

Felix in Berlin Germany has sent this, his Motobecane Mirage Sport—clean and classy from top to bottom.  Felix, I wasn’t familiar with those Crud Roadracer Fenders (Mudguards) until you mentioned them.  I like them so much, I’m thinking of picking up a set for myself.

hi, I’m Felix.

I’m 19 years old, student from Berlin, Germany- and bought my first racing bicycle.
It’s a Motobécane Mirage Sport from the 80′s – dunno the exact year.
it was 160€. that is approximately 240 dollars. I invested some more 120 € since:
new tires (conti gp 4000s), new bowden cable for the rear wheel, centering both wheels – such minor things. i also bought an old brooks and fixed brown tape to the end of the bartape.
but the overall configuration is completely original.
I just love it – cleaned it several times very thoroughly which has created a special binding to the cycle.
there are just two more things i want to have: leather chainstay guard from velo orange and 35 mm honjo hammered fenders. but they’re so expensive – i even thought about taking some that are cheaper and good-looking – like crud roadracer. what do you guys think?

greetings – love your website

Thanks Felix

Scott F in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was nice enough to send us his beautiful blue 1974 Schwinn Le Tour. Immaculate indeed!  But I just know you’re going to get the, “…why’d you put the front wheel on backwards?” comments now. To me, if you have a bike that looks this good, you can put the wheel on any dang way you please.

I would like to submit my bike for your site.
This is a 1974 Schwinn Le Tour. That is first year Schwinn introduced the model. These bikes were made in Japan, the first bikes Schwinn ever offered that was not a USA produced bike. The frame was made for Schwinn by Panasonic which was known for making very fine lightweight racing bicycles.
I bought this particular Le Tour from the original owner who used the bike only for a indoor trainer and then only for a very short time. It has spent the last 30 years in a closet away from heat and cold or moisture. I believe this is one of the most beautiful examples of this model I have ever seen.
The bike had absolutely no rust on it and only a very small amount of wear. After purchasing the bike I stripped it down to the last nut & bolt. Every part hast has been cleaned, inspected and polished. I have replaced the seat, chain and handlebar wrap. A new chain as well as new cables, brake pads and brake hoods were fitted. New tires & tubes were installed. I have completely rebuilt the steer head, bottom crank bracket and wheel hubs including installing new bearings.
This bike is immaculate and though the frame does have some small chips & scratches the original paint and decals are in very nice condition.
I believe this bike is one of if not the nicest vintage bikes in Tulsa.

Scott F

Thanks Scott

This is Jeff V‘s 1979 Schwinn Suburban HTF.

Hi Cameron,

Jeff V.  here.   I’m sending this to you more for your personal enjoyment, since it’s a 5 speed Schwinn Suburban, from 1979.   All original, except for new tires.   Just finished cleaning it up.   It’s a taller size frame with a 22 inch seat tube.   I believe the “wide fanny” Mesinger seat is original as I’ve seen these seats on quite a few Schwinns.

Before discovering OTS, I never paid attention to pie plates.   But thanks to you and your OTS site, now they’re the first thing I notice on bikes!  And this beauty has the largest one I’ve seen, a whopping personal pan pizza pie size at a full 9 inch diameter!   Pass the napkins, and let’s go riding after dinner!

Thanks Jeff

This is a Sekai 2400 sent to us by Bob H in Madison, Wisconsin.  Bob, Bob, Bob! Bar-ends on a set of low-slung flop-n-chops?  Please tell me this is only temporary!

Cameron – here’s my Sekai 2400 which I pulled off a trailer load of stuff headed to the dump several years ago. Most of the components have been swapped out. It’s a nice bike that get’s ridden regularly.
Headseat: Tange Nova
Stem: Nitto
Bars: SR Road Champion
Shifters: Suntour
Brakes: Shimano SLR
Cranks: Sugino GT
Pedals: KMT (?) Tri-Athelete
Front DL: Suntour ARX
Rear DL: Shimano 600
Saddle: Planet Bike
Rims: Matrix Titan
Hubs: ??

Thanks Bob