Jan V.’s 1970 Monark Ultra Lyx and 1985 Mustang Update (Sweden)

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The slow moving train that is International Week, is making a stop in Sweden.  Our resident Swede, Jan, sent in two of their finest for our enjoyment.  The first is a Monark Ultra Lyx.  Note the one piece crank; I thought we Americans were the only ones who did those?  My eyes may be messing with me, but that bottom bracket looks to be somewhere between a standard American BB and a Euro BB in diameter.  Jan, can you shed some light on all this?  One other note: In the second thumbnail image, the name S. Maes is stamped into the bar.  Is that perhaps the originator of the Maes bend?

Monark Ultra Lyx

M. Kint, A. Schott, S. Maes, V. Stef?ergen, why don't you all just take the credit.

A typical sports bike from the 60-70´s era made for the aware and fast commuter! These kind of hybrids between race and easy everyday riding were the key for the bike as something else than just transport in Sweden. They were often seen in long distance races for amateurs. This is a Monark Ultra Lyx (“Massive luxury”) with Simplex derailluer, crankset and Racer brakes. Very stylish bar, rack and mudguards makes it a timeless glider. Unfortanely its a bit too small for me (27 1/4 wheels) but I consider trying to rebuild to fit 28″ wheels (those lovely mudguards has to make way?) but I´m not sure. Anyhow, it will be safe in my garage and I can enjoy it now and then poppin´ down to the local shop.

 

Here is an update on Jan’s Dusty Rose Mustang from last November.  After seeing this—the coolest Dadsmobile in the Northern Hemisphere—how could anyone bear to lumber down the bike path on a “comfort” bike lugging a Burley?

Daddy'd Up Mustang

The Mustang really knocks the socks off any father-figure-bike-wanne-be! Me and Franz (15 months) just gliiide! Take care – Jan.

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  • Joe

    You said…”Unfortanely its a bit too small for me (27 1/4 wheels)”

    It’s not the wheel size, but the frame size that determines rider height.

  • J. Valentin

    as joe correctly points out, its not the wheels. Nor in this case, its the frame. But frame + wheels make it rather small (compare with the 63 cm Mustang). I thought the pics made it obvious.
    28″ size wheels will lift it a bit.

  • J. Valentin

    Cameron! About crank and BB, the type is Fauber and most common on bikes not specified to be true racing. I would say they´ve been standard in Sweden for a long time (late 40`s-late 60`s). The diameter vary between 34,7 – 39,5 mm (if that was what you meant). Cheers!

  • Craig Brna

    I own a Monark Ultra Lyx 3 speed bicycle and am interested in finding a owners manual or book about this particular bike if anyone could please help me.Thanks!!