Which bike should I choose? Atala or Superia?

[Nielskeiser]

Hi,

I am very much in doubt about two bikes I'm kind of keen on:

The one I like the most is a Atala Olympic bike with Sachs Huret Eco S derailleurs from about 1980. http://www.ebay.nl/itm/BICI-corsa-ATALA ... 6e0&_uhb=1

The other one is a Superia Explorer with Shimano 600 deraillerus.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/310858841721?ssP ... 1436.l2648

I am new to this whole bike-thing, but I have fallen in love with these two bikes and I am looking for a bike that is fun riding and wouldn't be too much for a "newbie" to handle, regarding getting replacement parts etc etc.

So which one would you guys recommend?
I must say that I really like the Atala, but if it's too much trouble finding spare parts for it, and if the derailleurs etc. is worthless then I would have to go for the superia, but because of my lack of knowledge I want to hear some advice and recommendations from some experienced guys

Many thanks

 

[Johnsqual]

Hello and welcome to the bottomless money pit that is Retrobike

Of those two bikes, the Superia is clearly the, er, superior one for at least the following reasons:

1) The Superia has cotterless cranks. That means the cranks can be removed with a relatively simple tool so it's much easier to service and replace the bottom bracket or change the cranks. The Atala has cottered cranks: you need to hammer out the little pin to remove the cranks, which is difficult and annoying. The Atala cranks are also most likely steel, which is heavier.

2) The Superia has forged drop outs (the little hook that the wheels attach to). These are usually stronger and are generally a sign of a better quality bike. The Atala has drop outs that are pressed from a sheet of metal, cheaper and usually only used on lower quality bikes from this period.

3) Both companies had some racing history, but Superia sponsored Eddy Merckx and Rik Van Looy among others so it was quite an important team in the history of cycling (not that that means anything for the quality of the bikes).

4) Shimano 600 is pretty good stuff, probably a bit better than what Huret was making at that time. The Huret stuff isn't really rubbish, but Shimano 600 is probably a bit better.

In short: get the Superia, it is a better bike and almost certainly worth the extra money.

Good luck,

Johnny

 

[bugloss]

If you're in love with both bikes, there is a simple solution to the problem.
That is...............................well you know the answer, don't you. Buy both bikes.

Problem solved. I'll send you the bill for the consultation

 

[bugloss]

Oh! I can guarantee that you will end up with more than one anyway.

 

[Robbied196]

As Johnny said above I'd go for the Superia Explorer.

It a much better spec bike and probably a little lighter in weight. The tyres on the Atala look slightly perished but much better tyres on the Superia. If you figure the cost of new tyres the extra cost of the Superia isn't a lot. Toe clips are another plus

 

[Nielskeiser]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I also got the feeling that the superia is the best one of the two. I'm buying it tonight!

I just really loved the frame on the Atala - But I guess I'll have to find a frame next summer and build my own bike.

Since I'm very new to this "business", do you guys have some tips for what to look after on bikes and equipment to estimate its quality and functionality?

Like, what kind of Derailleurs etc

 

[Johnsqual]

Hey, good choice, I hope you enjoy riding it.

For choosing old bikes, here is some general advice. Maybe others will disagree though:

If you're new to collecting and restoring bikes I would start with a 1970s bike. The 1970s was a boom period for bikes so there is still a lot of stuff around. 1960s and earlier stuff is a bit rarer and more expensive. By the 1980s, companies were developing indexing, which means you have to be more careful when matching parts like shifters and freewheels. 1970s friction gears are easy to install, service and adjust and you can mix different brands and models without too much trouble.

For frames, the earlier tips still apply: forged drop outs with a built in hanger for the rear derailleur are usually a sign of better quality. Columbus, Reynolds and Vitus frame tubes also usually mean a better quality bike, but people sometimes put fake stickers on their bikes so e.g. a Reynolds 531 sticker doesn't automatically mean a good set of tubes.
Seatpost diameter can reveal a good quality frame: thin, light tubes require a wider seatpost, normally 27.2mm. This isn't a 100% guarantee but it's usually a good sign...

For gears and other stuff, Campagnolo is what everyone wants because most pro cyclists used that stuff in the classic period of cycling, up to the 1980s. Nuovo and Super Record are expensive because of this: they usually cost more than the inherent quality of the stuff deserves.

Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport, Victory and Triomphe seem to be cheaper than the high end stuff, a bit heavier but the shifting quality is probably about the same.

If you want the best in terms of actual intrinsic quality, choose Suntour. Their VX derailleur was not their elite model but it is better than what Shimano of Campagnolo were making at the time. Cyclone and Superbe are both really nice too, and Suntour's Power shift gear levers are some of the best non-indexed shifters - loads better than Campagnolo's shifters of the time! Suntour VX derailleurs sell for 10-12 euros near me, compared to up to 50m euro for a Campagnolo derailleur, it's a no brainer...

In the end, though, it is economically and technically realistic to try out a few different models of derailleurs till you find one you like. It's not that expensive to buy a few different old derailleurs and set them up to see if you like them, certainly compared to modern prices!

One other thing: avoid steel rimmed wheels! They are heavy and your brakes won't work very well. Also check that your brake pads match your rims: if you chuck away a pair of steel rimmed wheels, the brake pads need to go too: brake pads for steel rims will destroy aluminium rims.

Good luck and enjoy your search,

Johnny