ABOUT SPEEDBICYCLES COMPANY
ABOUT THE SPEEDBICYCLES VIRTUAL MUSEUM COLLECTION
ABOUT SPEEDBICYCLES WANT/OFFER
ABOUT SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION
ABOUT DIMENSIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
ABOUT RESTORING VINTAGE BICYCLES
ABOUT COLLECTING VINTAGE BICYCLES
ABOUT USING VINTAGE BIKES
ABOUT SPEEDBICYCLES COMPANY
When Speedbicycles was founded?
2003. Speedbicycles company was found in Basel, Switzerland at
the end of 2003. Speedbicycles company foundation was the result
of long lasting activities and collection in vintage bicycles over
two decades.
Is Speedbicycles a registered company?
Yes. Speedbicycles is registered
at Swiss Trade Register by the name Speedbicycles GmbH. Speedbicycles
brand and logos are protected by copyright laws.
ABOUT THE SPEEDBICYCLES VIRTUAL MUSEUM COLLECTION
Are the bikes
from the collection for sale?
No. The bikes out of the Speedbicycles
VIRTUAL MUSEUM COLLECTION are not for sale. Most bikes had been provided by third parties for photo shootings. Bikes from Speedbicycles had been traded over the years, only few are in current stock.
Is it possible for to have a
real view on the bikes?
No. The Speedbicycles VIRTUAL MUSEUM COLLECTION
could be visited only in the web is as its name already suggests.
Speedbicycles has no showroom.
Is there a representing theme in
the collection?
No. The Speedbicycles VIRTUAL MUSEUM COLLECTION
is based on any topic and may not represent a theme. It mainly
includes exclusive and special road and track bikes from the last
century. Displayed bikes are mostly from different collectors or cyclistst, others had been traded by Speedbicycles, few are in current stock.
When
did the collection started?
In the 90s. Speedbicycles VIRTUAL MUSEUM
COLLECTION started in mid 90s as a take over of Stefan Schaefter's
collection which was founded in the early 80s.
How many bikes does the collection include?
Virtual plus 300. Actual there are some over 300 bikes presented in the
Speedbicycles VIRTUAL MUSEUM COLLECTION which is steadily growing.
Are
the bikes in original conditions?
Predominantly. The bikes of the
Speedbicycles VIRTUAL MUSEUM COLLECTION are mostly in original
condition. Owners often upgraded or changed equipmemt
because of tuning, repair or maintenance. Because of this it is
not possible to claim the bikes as original delivery status. If known that there are non-original or replaced parts it will be noted in the description of the bike.
ABOUT SPEEDBICYCLES WANT/OFFER
Does Speedbicycles buy vintage bikes
and/or parts?
Yes. Speedbicycles is always looking for and buying
interesting lightweight bikes. We will be happy about every offer.
How
much will Speedbicycles pay for a bike?
If Speedbicycles will be
in interest for a purchase we will be happy for to give a fair
price offer. This will depend an market value and expected effort
and reactivation costs. Please contact us for our offer.
Does Speedbicycles
sell bikes and parts?
Yes. Speedbicycles offers regular bikes,
parts and accessoires. Speedbicycles
does not administrate a stock list but clients may ask if they
are in need for something particular.
ABOUT SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION
How much will cost shipping of
a bicycle?
Depending on the destination a bike shipping from
Speedbicycles will cost an average of around US$ 150 (for example: Switzerland
to USA).
To which countries Speedbicycles will ship bikes?
In general Speedbicycles
will ship world wide.
ABOUT DIMENSIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
How determines Speedbicycles bike sizes?
Center-to-center. For
the traditional diamond shaped road bike frame with horizontal
top tube there are mainly two different options to describe the
size. Against the italian center-to-top seat tube version Speedbicycles
prefers to meter frame sizes at seat tube from the center of bottom bracket to center of top tube.
Which dimensions
are important for a bike?
Beside the seat tube lenght the length
of the top tube is significant. Length of stem and width of handlebar
are important too. For to specify handling and purpose the frame
geometry (angles), wheel base and some other details will be
needed.
Which bike size fits to riders size?
For perfect, powerful and
comfortable ride a matching bike size is important. But there is
no standard size index list. Beside their body height people differ
in extremities dimensions. Speedbicycles recommendes for to check
a cyclists needs in a local bike shop.
ABOUT RESTORING VINTAGE BICYCLES
What is the most important point
in a restoration?
Any radical changes of substance will happen
fast and could be irrecoverable. A prudential and careful practice
is highly recommended.
What will speak for or against a repaint/rechroming?
If the original
paintwork is found in reasonably condition it is always recommended
for to preserve or rehabiltate it. Generally an original paintwork
will give more satisfaction that any repaint. A professional repaint
could be very expensive. Fresh and shiny repaint will demand fresh
and shiny equipment. These parts are often hard to find and costy.
ABOUT
COLLECTING VINTAGE BICYCLES
What is important in a vintage bike
purchase?
There is a rule that the more expensive buy is the
better. For buying a high priced collector bike experience and
sense is recommended. Note that there are a lot of shady offers
on the market. Even reputable providers can pull you over the table. Speedbicycles may
support you in finding the right bike from the right hand.
Which are the most sought-after
vintage bikes?
Bikes with history. Bikes with documented story,
competition success and from palmy cyclists. Here it is very important
that the stories can be proved valid. Furthermore experienced collectors
are looking for special designed or limited bikes from the well
known makers. Generally there are always the top-of-the-range models
which are wanted and and could be accordingly expensive.
Is there
a recommended price guide for vintage bikes available?
No. There
are some buyer- and price guides on the web but these are often
not up to date or have poor research and are generalized. Recommended
are routine market checks and comparisons. Vintage bike market
is still not consolidated and prices vary from day to day and offer
to offer. Please note that ebay auction results are not equatable
to real market values.
How could the value of a vintage bike be determined?
Difficult.
Finding the right price demands experience. Many details matter
like make, model, age, condition, state of repair, frame size,
equipment, etc. Speedbicycles may offer a skilled estimation and advice.
ABOUT
USING VINTAGE BIKES
Could a vintage road bike be utilized for safe
cycling?
Yes. All security relevant components and frame should
be checked in detail and all systems should be aligned and tuned
by experts. The cyclist should be always aware to use obsolete
material and adapt operation characteristics.
What are the main
differencies in use of a vintage vs. modern bikes?
Handling of
braking and gear changing. Both matters will work fine on vintage
bikes but braking needs a more powerful grip and shifting is less
precise and slow. As long as the cyclist will not go for competition
he could be very fast and good on a vintage bike.
What kind of tires
should be used - tubular or clincher?
Tubulars are the right thing for road bikes until the eighties. There is less weight,
better looking and better handling. Modern clinchers are on a par
but to not agree to vintage look. In mid-eighties clinchers became standard on road bikes and even pro's started tu use them.
Where do i find spare parts for
a vintage bike?
All on the internet. In recent years several specialized
suppliers have established to deal with parts and accessoires for
vintage bikes. Beware of rip-off.
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