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The author is hosting this article translated into German at http://www.company7.com/bosendorfer/ADbicycle_de.html.
Who Were Austro-Daimler? When I bought my Vent Noir II in 1981 Austro-Daimler Puch was a wholly owned subsidiary of the famous Steyr-Daimler-Puch consortium. The company history began in 1891 when mechanic and inventor Johann Puch (b. 27 June 1862 in Juršinci, Georgendorf, Germany) started to manufacture bicycles. In 1899 his own company was formed as the "Johann Puch Erste Steiermärkische Fahrrad-Fabriks-Aktiengesellschaft" (First Styrian Bicycle Factory Corporation) in Graz, Austria. While the company originally produced bicycles, by 1903 it expanded into the production of motorcycles and by 1904 it was also manufacturing small automobiles. Johann Puch retired in 1912 but he continued to contribute in an Emeritus status. Puch died on 19 July 1914 in Zagreb (German Agram) and the company name was changed to "Puchwerke Aktiengesellschaft" (AG). On 31 March 1928 Puch merged with the Austro Daimler bodywork plant and by 28 December the new company Austro Daimler Puchwerke Aktiengesellschaft is entered in the Vienna register of companies. After the merger the production of cars by Puch was ended although Austro Daimler continued making cars until its merger in 1934 with Steyr-Werke AG forming Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, this merger was registered in Vienna by 1935. During the late 1930's and throughout World War II these companies were part of the German manufacturing base providing motor vehicles, engines, weapons and other components for the war effort much as General Motors, Ford and other large corporations transitioned to war time production.
Left: Aluminum Head Badge on author's Austro-Daimler Vent Noir II (18,250 bytes). To the above right is a Puch Head Badge (26,892 bytes).
Later Puch and Austro-Daimler frames may have a decal applied instead of the metal plate.
By the 1960's Steyr-Daimler-Puch resumed production of bicycles bearing the Puch trademark; the expectations are high when buying a bike associated with those great Austrian and German names! By the 1970's Steyr-Daimler-Puch was marketing on several continents under three brand names simultaneously: Austro-Daimler, Steyr-Daimler-Puch, and Puch. The Puch, Steyr Daimler Puch, and Austro-Daimler bicycle frames were all manufactured and assembled in Austria. The Puch brand offerings included BMX models and road bikes sold in Austria and overseas that represented the lower priced offerings of the maker, although Puch would also offer some very fine road models in the USA. The Steyr Daimler Puch brand was reserved for frames exported for sale in other European countries (Germany, France, etc.). And while there was some some overlap of the features between the three trademarks road bikes, the Austro-Daimler trademark was reserved for their more upscale line of bicycles marketed in the English speaking nations (USA, UK, etc.) market. Some of these bikes were so well regarded that they were successfully raced by some Olympic and National Team members.
Interest by management in bicycle production seems to have tapered starting around 1984 or so. The Puch Austro-Daimler bicycles remained in production in Austria until the motorcycle and bicycle production portions of the company were sold in the mid 1987 to Piaggio & C. S.p.A. of Italy. Piaggio is the holding company for a group of companies that manufacture light vehicles most notably two-wheeled motor scooters including the Vespa motor scooter, motorcycles, and bicycles. After 1987 Piaggio's F.I.V. Edoardo Bianchi S.p.A manufacturing operation included Bianchi, Raleigh (formerly of the United Kingdom), and Puch bicycles. While Austro-Daimler parts and designs and some staff and marketing people went to Bianchi, the rights to use the name 'Austro-Daimler' were never transferred to Piaggio. Some bicycles bearing the 'Puch' name continued in production at Bianchi (and maybe under contract in Japan) through 1995 when the Puch name rights were sold to first a company in the Netherlands, and later to a company in Sweden. By 2003 bicycles bearing the Puch name were again available, made with aluminum frames coming from Taiwan and components from Asian providers. These could be found being distributed through Cycleurope Deutschland GmbH in Europe for example.
The finale for the Steyr Daimler Puch AG conglomerate came about in the 1990's when Steyr Tractor was sold to Case Corporation. By 1998 Steyr's automobile production became combined with Magna International, Inc. as Magna Steyr. Steyr Mannlicher GmbH & Co KG remains in Austria independently producing small arms for hunting, law enforcement and defense agencies. In 1998 the production of military vehicles was sold to an Austrian investor company which in 2003 sold the company then called Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug GmbH (SSF) to the US based General Dynamics. It is amazing to see how this consortium evolved and how it all started with Johann Puch making bicycles in 1891 but do not ever again anticipate seeing any new Austro-Daimler bicycles come from a General Dynamics subsidiary (selling for less than $1 million each).
The Vent Noir series were among those bicycles made bearing the 'Puch' or 'Austro-Daimler' Head Badge metal plaque. The original Vent Noir was equipped as a mid level model in the product line, it was distinguished by its matte black painted frame and black anodized components. For any ignoramuses out there Vent Noir is French for 'Black Wind' - OK, I had to look that up.
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1. by 1975 the Vent Noir and Vent Noir II were marketed in the USA and UK as 'AUSTRO-DAIMLER'. While in most of Europe and elsewhere the same frame could be found bearing the 'PUCH' trademark shown at right.
2. the Vent Noir and Vent Noir II were marketed with various component groups and components (by Shimano, Campagnolo, etc.).
3. earlier Austro-Daimler trademarked models bear the "AD" Head Badge. But by about 1983 the Austro-Daimler Vent Noir II sold bear the Puch Head Badge.
4. some later models bear "by Puch" alongside the Austro-Daimler name, and these were sold bearing the Puch Head Badge.
The 'Austro-Daimler' and European market 'Puch' Vent Noir ten speed bicycles were originally provided with Shimano Dura Ace components with parts of these anodized black, Weinmann hubs and wheel rims, and with 'Regina Oro' cassette and chain in gold finish. The Austro-Daimler Vent Noir frames I have seen in the USA have a bit more elegant trim than the Puch models sold here, with the AD having gold pinstripes and with gold detailing of the Lugs (painted by hand) in a manner similar to my own Vent Noir II. It may be that Vent Noir models details and components varied depending on their Puch or AD designation, or where they were to be sold - in Europe or USA for example, or from year to year. I have seen early 1980's factory Puch literature showing an 18 speed version of the Austro-Daimler Vent Noir in black frame and with 'PUCH' vertically engraved on the frame Top Stay tips, and where the components changed to the T/A Cyclo Tourist crank, Duo-Par titanium rear derailleur, and Weinmann Carrera side pull brakes, 'Regina Oro' cassette and chain in gold finish; this was listed as weighing 22 lbs.
The original Vent Noir was followed no later than 1978 by the release of the Vent Noir II which is in fact not finished in black and neither were it's components. Both the Vent Noir and the later Vent Noir II frames were assembled in Austria incorporating Reynolds 531 (pronounced "five-three-one") Manganese-Molybdenum alloy tube stock sourced from 'Tubes Investments Reynolds Limited' of Birmingham, England. Even though in 1978 the Vent Noir II was marketed as "The All European Limited Edition" (see the brochure near the end of this article) I find it curious to note the 1978 and 1981 brochures lists Shimano parts; the 'all Euro' claim probably was devised by the same fellow who did not know the meaning of 'vent noir'.
On the earlier Vent Noir and Vent Noir II frames the Top Stay Tube Tips are welded onto either side of the Seat Tube Lug, and these Tips have an elliptical flat area that accommodates engraving. The Top Stay are are the two frame tubes that rise from the rear axle and are brazed onto either side of the Lug which joins the Seat Tube and the Top Tube just below the Seat. The earlier Vent Noir and Vent Noir II frames have either the letters 'PUCH' or 'AD' engraved arranged vertically on the frame Top Stay tips; this is another detail that was often found only on the better bike frames of this era. While on the later Puch and Austro-Daimler later bicyles the engraving has been omitted. Furthermore, on those frames made even later in the 1980's the Top Stay tubes are attached with their tips into the rear of the Seat Tube Lug with no flat area to accommodate the engraving. Also on the later production models the pin striping has been scaled back.
Left: Austro-Daimler Vent Noir II Top Stay Tip, a Bocama Lug, and Campagnolo Seat Binder Bolt. Note hand painted gold trim and lettering (52,688 bytes)
Click on image to see enlarged view (139,533 bytes).
The last of the series was the Vent Noir Aero introduced in 1982 for sale in the the European market only and marketed bearing the Puch trademark. The Vent Noir Aero is finished with the same smoked chrome process, and was equipped with the Shimano Dura Ace AX components gruppo. The Vent Noir Aero frame bears the model designation Vent Noir, but the Aero is readily distinguished by its Reynolds 531 'Speed Stream' tapered frame Seat and Down tubes.
- Head: 31.7mm
- Top: 25.4mm, 73° (other information suggests 72, 73, 74, 75°)
- Down: 28.6mm, 61° (other information suggests 58, 59, 60, 61°)
- Seat: 28.6mm, 73° (other information suggests 72, 73, 74, 75°)
- The Campagnolo 50th Anniversary Group demo set I bought was missing the Cables for the Brake and Derailleurs, and the Toe Clips that attach to the furnished Pedals. But Larry Black had some of these on hand and he provided black leather Toe Clip straps by Cinelli, these appear to be of better quality and appearance than the Campagnolo straps.
- The demo 50th Anniversary set included a Bottom Bracket, but one that was threaded to fit the Italian pattern and therefore not compatible with my Vent Noir II frame. And so there I went again, negotiating to find a compatible 50th Bottom Bracket with the correct English Threading.
- And when I did find what was represented to be correct Bottom Bracket set for sale on eBay, the Bearings were a mismatch to the Spindle! The seller in the U.K. provided Super Record Bearings with the 50th Anniversary Group "Nuovo Record" Spindle. After I came to suspect a mismatch I E-Mailed him and he reassured me the set provided had just been removed from another bike intact. This glitch caused me some distress since I could not complete or ride the bicycle until this could be sorted out and the proper bearings procured. In retrospect, I might have been better off to simply pay the extra to acquire a complete 50th set in the case, but in some ways the hunt for the parts needed to complete my 50th demo set was entertaining and the costs were notably less than what it cost to buy a complete boxed set.
- Saddle:
The new state of the art carbon saddle that I bought recently just did not look right on a bicycle of this class and vintage. And that light weight saddle was not as comfortable as the old worn and scuffed Avocet saddle that I had on this bicycle when the entire upgrade process began late in 2006. So, again I monitored eBay until I found a and acquired the Cinelli "UNICANITOR", a matt black Buffalo leather saddle. This Saddle arrived new in the bag just as these were sold from the 1970's to early 1980's. The Cinelli name in bold capital letters is embossed in yellow across the back of the black leather seat, while the UNICANITOR is on the sides. This Saddle went nicely with the date of my bike, and it blends nicely with the Black leather covered Cinelli Handlebar and Stem.
There are several interesting aspects of this vintage Saddle. For one, it is a hell of a lot more comfortable to ride than most of the modern, arguably overpriced new Saddles. Cinelli made four (4) versions of this Saddle, and quite by accident I may have acquired the best one for me; this is a Unicanitor Model 4 Saddle and this indicates it is provided with extra padding from the factory
- Reynolds Ltd. '531' Frame:
This Austro-Daimler frame was assembled in Austria with Reynolds 531 double-butted tubing.
These tube sets were provided with decals that were applied by the bicycle frame preparer after the frame was joined together and painted (or in this case chromed). The decals indicate the material and their origin: "TI" (Tubes Investments Reynolds Ltd - after 1977) is the version of the Reynolds '531' tubing sticker on my Austro-Daimler and the set consists of a rectangular decal on the Down Tube with '531' in green at a 45 degree angle, and triangular decals with 'REYNOLDS 531 FORK' on both sides of the fork tines.
The original decals have taken some wear and tear. And so in order to truly complete the restoration of my Vent Noir II I was able to locate sources for all the decals. Some are represented to be original, unused (New Old Stock), while some are excellent reproductions.
I was able to locate the set of three exact Reynolds 531 TI decals on eBay from seller "gts753" (gtsoftley@ozemail.com.au), his eBay Store is "Cyclomondo". He is a specialist source for decals and other labels who supplies restoration shops and will also sell directly. He offers an incredible selection of decals for almost every bike make, for almost every type of metal, and choices of other decals that are appropriate to the time period. For example, he offered so many Reynolds 531 decal sets that I had to take pictures of mine and compare these against his catalog on eBay. The transaction of buying the decals from him went smoothly and quickly, and at a moderate cost including shipping from Australia. He was also very helpful and quick to answer E-Mail when I had any questions. His decals look very good, and are often very close to the originals so that most people would not notice the differences - and they would certainly be better than having nothing on the frame.
However, as was pointed out to me by Mr. Gillies in 2009, the replacement set do differ in several ways from the original:
Above: the reproduction decal set scanned in and color adjusted to show their real appearance as much as possible.
The same for an original set at right. The original set's coloration is balanced after comparing the image to the original
decals still on my bicycle, the bronze colored areas are in reality a bit more sparkly than how they appear here.
Click on the image above right to see enlarged view.I have yet to go through the effort of removing replacing the original decals since after thinking about it I decided these are in good enough condition to remain.
- Austro-Daimler Decals:
The bicycle frame has decals applied that explain the Make and Model of the bike, as well as its origin.
The 'Made in Austria' decal is wrapped around the front of the Seat Tube (parallel to the Frame Pump). This decal has the worst damage since the original Zefal Frame Pump that I bought is provided with a metal clamp that marred the fragile decal. Fortunately there is a source for these decals, CyclArt, Inc., 2590 "A" Pioneer Avenue, Vista, CA 92081-8427. Their telephone: 760-599-1015, and E-Mail
And so my pursuit of replacing all the remaining decals pretty much came to a halt when I decided the originals are overall in good condition. And I did not think it justified the risks involved with shipping "Old Faithful" to California. I will go ahead and accept their offer to sell to me the 'Made in Austria' decals soon.
- Frame Pump:
I was aggravated to come to the understanding that in my youthful ignorance in 1981 the Zefal Frame Pump metal clamp had marred the 'Made in Austria' decal. And on the opposite side of this is the yellow 'College Park Bicycles' decal which was likewise marred by the clamp, though not too badly. So I was determined to either dispense with the Frame Pump or come to an alternative solution that would compliment the class of this bike.
After some research I learned about the 'Impero' frame pumps made by 'Silca s.r.l.' in Italy. Felice Sacchi founded the Silca company in 1917 in what was then post World War I Italy. The company survived and has prospered. Currently Claudio Sacchi, the grandson of Felice continues a tradition that retains for Silca the title of oldest company in the cycling industry to be continuously operated by a single family. This sense of history gave Silca another edge up against alternatives in my quest for something that would be interesting, beautiful and traditional installed on my Austro-Daimler. The Silca 'Impero' model features a mounting arrangement where spring tension holds it in place standing in front of the Seat Tube (between the Top and Down tubes); the model was made in various lengths to suit the numerous frame geometries. It can be installed under the Top Tube as well.
To my surprise on eBay I was able to find one in brand new condition, still in its box and sealed wrapper. I bid and won this for a price that seemed less than what I might have paid for it in the 1980's. It is the perfect solution, elegant in appearance and perfect in function as you may have noted in the pictures of the bike at the top of this article. It just so happens the 'Lock Sock' has a Velcro fastener that wraps around the Seat Tube and the Frame Pump and this provides additional reassurance that the Silca Pump will not slip off and disappear while I am riding.
But I should confess, that my days of using a Frame Pump are behind me and I now carry a CO2 cartridge based tire tube inflator in the 'Brooks' black leather Saddle Pouch. Anyway, why would anyone wish to violate the sanctity of a new Silca Impero?
- Frame Pump:
 Austro-Daimler Vent Noir |
 Puch Vent Noir |
 Puch Vent Noir II (cousin of my AD Vent Noir II) |
 Puch Vent Noir Aero |
Above Left to Right: The Austro-Daimler and Puch trademarked Vent Noir bicycles.
Click on each image to see the enlarged view.
Lust At First Sight From the moment that I first gazed upon it in the showroom the Vent Noir II was a sight to behold, and it remains so to this day. The elegant appearance of this bike attracted me to it immediately. And even though at the time I knew nothing about Puch or Austro-Daimler bicycles, my knowing that it was made in Austria and also related to Daimler was reassuring. The 57cm frame geometry is a perfect fit for me. It is tastefully appointed in its finish and markings; this is less and less common for bikes made in recent years when their frames are often splashed with every form of commercial trademark to sell this or that from any conceivable angle. The tips of the frame Top Stay tips of my Vent Noir II are engraved with "AD" in a vertical arrangement, and with the "AD" Head Plate (shown above right). And instead of being painted as most other bikes are, the Vent Noir II's entire frame and fork were chemically treated with a hard anodizing process producing a durable dark golden greenish brown color described as "Smoked Chrome" in the literature. Rarely before or since have I seen such an elegant frame tubing treatment; photos can not do it justice as it takes on different tones at varying times of day and in differing surroundings. On 7 May 1981 I bought this ten speed road bicycle from Larry Black the founder and owner of College Park Bicycles in Maryland.
The frame of my Vent Noir II's is built with Reynolds 531 double-butted tubing. This tubing is a non heat treated Manganese-Molybdenum tubing stock that was first offered in 1935. But 531 reached its zenith in terms of popularity in the era from around 1955 to 1977. Furthermore, up to 1977 the bicycles that won 20 out of the most recent annual 21 Tour de France races were made of Reynolds 531 cycle tubes. And the top ten finishers in 1977 rode on 531!
A complete Reynolds tubeset included the top tube, seat tube, down tube, chainstays, seat stays, two fork blades, a head tube, and a steerer (but NOT the lugs). These frames could weigh between five and six lbs. depending on the intended application. This complete Vent Noir II would have left the factory weighing about 22.5 lbs. I have not weighed it since I have changed the components over to all Campy but it sure feels lighter and more agile.
The Vent Noir II that I purchased is somewhat better equipped than I expected. For example, the Reynolds 531 tubes of my Vent Noir II are joined by Lugs made by Bocama of France. Those on my frame appear to be their Professional Series, with medium tips and marked 'BCM'. The angle of at one of these reads '72Δ'. The AD sales literature specifies a 73° Headtube angle frame, and at least one Bocama document specifies the following dimensions for the Professional Lug Set with Medium Points:
Some professional builders feel Lugs within 1° of another can be interchanged. It is likely that Bocama would make Lugs to various other custom specifications if the ordered quantity justified it.
And although the 1978 and 1981 literature I have read mentions Shimano as the source, the Horizontal Dropouts and the Fork Tips of this Vent Noir II are in fact forged Campagnolo 'Record' Model 1010/A (without eyelets). With spring-loaded knurled head adjusting bolts these Dropouts permit setting the axle back or forward within the long grooves thereby adjusting Chain slack. Thank goodness these are Campy since I'd hate to have made all this effort to have an "all Euro" bike and find Shimano parts (however good) welded to the frame!
The Bottom Bracket Shell of this Vent Noir II is the British (BSA) 68mm standard, although some Puch and AD frames have Italian thread Bottom Bracket. Many years later I read claims that some owners of Austro-Daimler bicycles complain about rough file marks, rust, etc. on earlier frames. But mine shows none of this, and so it is possible this Vent Noir II was made (probably in 1978) towards the middle of the Puch production life when lessons learned by the craftsmen had most likely been applied.
The components needed to complete the bicycle as it was originally set up were spourced by Austro-Daimler from well regarded makers including: Campagnolo, Cinelli, and Regina Oro of Italy, from Avocet in France, and Weinmann then of Belgium and Switzerland. Anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and mechanics could have little bad to say about the Austro-Daimler Vent Noir II of this period as it was delivered to the retailer when new. This bicycle's most critical components were beautifully machined made by Campagnolo ('Campy') and originally it was made up with components from their Gran Sport Gruppo (a mid priced grouping) including: 42/53 Crankset, front and rear Derailleur, Shift Levers, front and rear wheel quick release Hubs, Brakes, Pedals. The alloy 700c Wheel Rims (Presta valves) were made by Weinmann, the 1/2" x 3/32" Chain and the 14/24 Freewheel were made by Regina Oro and when new appeared as though they were plated in gold - this nice appearance lasts for a few miles of riding as I recall. The comfortable black leather seat (Saddle) was made by Avocet.
The Cinelli 'Giro D'Italia' (Cinelli Model 64) handlebars are held by a Cinelli 26.4mm handlebar stem. With the shallowest drop (138mm) of the three top bars made during this period, the Giro are among the most comfortable fast touring bars I have used. These handlebars are satin silver anodized and incorporate tasteful low-profile markings befitting the elegance of this bike: an engraved Cinelli seal to one side of the stem with the 'Giro D'Italia' crest on the other side. These are easy to appreciate with the eye, but not so easy to photograph so I've thought about filling in the engraved area with gold to match the trim of the Vent Noir II but so far I have managed to leave these as they have been.
Covering the grip areas of the 'Giro D'Italia' are precisely hand-stitched black leather covers made by Almarc of Italy; to this day I have not found the equal of this leather work for bicycles. The leather is made as a pair with two strips rectangularly cut as wide as the circumference of the handlebar, and the holes are punched for the thread. As I read it described "the brake lever clamp is attached to the bare handlebars. Then the leather strips and soaked in water to soften the leather, then each is laced onto the handlebars using "linen" thread beginning near the center using two (2) needles, like lacing a shoe. As the leather dries it will shrink to fit." The clean symmetrical lacing and the perfectly matched flush fit seam testify to the patience and skill of the person who applied this. And even after all these years, this leather covering still feels good! No matter how much I have considered spending for today's state of the art composite bar and coverings, I find nothing that equals the elegance of this set.
Since I wanted to buy this bike then but my funds were not equal to the task, Larry Black offered to modify the bike somewhat to suit my budget. We swapped out some Campy gear for Shimano which was probably just as good at half the cost. The final cost of this bike, with local Sales Tax was $787.50. At the time I could not have not fully understood how my mindset would change later but truth be told had I ordered it in an "All Euro" arrangement, then good things might not have happened to it later.
The Vent Noir II turned out to be a joy to ride, durable and resistant to the elements and shocks of day to day riding on suburban streets and paved paths. At about 22 lbs. this was not a world class ultra lightweight racer, but in many ways it was leagues beyond the bikes I had owned previously. And it was wholly adequate for day to day fast touring rides for hour after hour that one with cast iron legs could enjoy.
Items That Date It This bike was accessorized by me to incorporate some ideas that have since been lost to the modern bike accessory maker including the handy and lightweight "FlickStand". Made by the now defunct Rhode Gear company, this is a plastic split ring that slips onto the Down Tube with a steel brace attached so the brace can swing into place and lock against the front wheel when the bike is backed up an inch or so. This hold the front wheel in line with the frame so that one may rest the bike nearly upright against almost anything and this is without carrying the weight of the bike or with unsightliness and weight of a conventional Bicycle Kick Stand. The Flick Stand was quite easily marketed since through the 1980s most bike tube diameters were similar, so the retailer did not need to stock many different diameter Flick Stands. Of course today there is the Velcro strap, but to me that lacks the techno appeal of the FlickStand.
Another item that dates my Vent-Noir II is the "Lock Sock", this is a lock holder made of a durable synthetic that is attached in a suspended manner to the Top Tube, just forward of the Seat Post. This was made to fit the then recently introduced high security "D" shaped metal bike locks being made by companies including the one I bought made by Citadel of aluminum with a steel cross bar. The Citadel locks (as are most of this type) are provided with a bracket that bolts onto the bike frame and can hold the lock, but this exposes the lock and its circular key cylinder to the elements and grime. And so as I see how clean my 26 year old Citadel lock is today, and how it works effortlessly with the two keys, I again appreciate the choice of the Lock Sock. And being made of fabric, the Lock Sock Never scarred the frame either.
In the days before compact CO2 inflators bikes were equipped with an air pump that was usually attached to the frame. In hindsight I realize a mistake was made in choosing a pump that compressed in length to span from the bottom bracket up to a metal slit ring bracket clamped around the Seat Tube. The length of the pump necessitated placing the clip so that it damaged the "TI Reynolds 531" decal. But more about that later.
The bike survived the years and environments well because it was stored covered in a garage, and needed only occasionally washed and lubricated. It is free of rust even in the area of the Bottom Bracket. Over time my only concerns have involved wear and tear issues to the bike decals, the minor scuffing of the Avocet seat and of the Almarc handlebar leather coverings. It also remained on my mind that my bike was not "All Euro" but it was instead a mishmash of European and Japanese components dictated by my original budget.
Since seeing him in 1981 Larry Black had become quite successful at making many people happy so that he opened a second store Mt. Airy Bikes in Maryland. In April 1997 I purchased a Giant Cadex CF-1 carbon fiber bike, again from Larry Black at Mt. Airy Bikes. This is a very comfortable frame and is outfitted with 'Rock Shock' titanium suspension fork system and other components that are better suited for riding primitive trails. So I retired my Austro-Daimler from day to day use. By 2006 I treated the Cadex to some technology upgrades including top line Shimano Deore XT components. By the Summer and Fall of 2006 I tried to build what I thought would be my dream road bike, this was to have been based on the Colnago C-50 carbon fiber frame also with first rate components, and all weighing in at under 15 lbs. But this effort crashed and burned so badly that I wrote an article about the experience My Colnago Misadventure: A C-50 FLR Bicycle Frame Nightmare; let's call this my attempt at catharsis after that episode. In 2007 a new distributor took over for Colnago in the USA and in April 2007 I again placed an order for the C-50 FLR with a promised delivery in a matter of weeks, but months later with no C-50 FLR in sight I cancelled that order.
Making This Vent Noir II My Vent Noir After the Colnago C-50 FLR experience I decided to revisit the Austro-Daimler to see if I could make it more like what I wish it had been when I bought it. The bike company had such a long history, and the Vent Noir II was so distinctive and classy that I decided to have it overhauled and upgraded while attempting to employ the best components that would have been found in the early 1980's. So after something more than 25 years, in October 2006 my Vent Noir II was again in the capable hands of the man who sold it to me. I explained to Larry my primary concerns and hopes for the Vent Noir II:
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1. Change the components over to something that is beautiful, that was more representative of the state of the art in the early 1980's.
2. The components would be appropriate to the time this bike was made.
3. Replace the inner tubes and tires.
4. Recondition the Leather Covers on the handlebar.
It turned out the Almarc Leather covering on the handlebars were essentially in very good condition with only some mild scuffing of the sides that could be made to disappear with a little leather conditioning creme. Since I could find no other company in the bike world that seemed to make a durable leather wrap with flush seams such as these, I decided to leave this original aspect of the bike as it is and periodically apply Brooks brand Leather Conditioning Cream.
The only components Gruppo that could be equal to the beauty of a Vent Noir II is the "Campagnolo 50th Anniversary Set". This was a limited edition cased set of hardware made in 1983 to honor the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. The components are based on the then current 'Record' and 'Cobalto' gruppos and featured a unique commemorative design engraved on several of the components. The 50th gruppo is most easily distinguished by the presence of a number of gold-plated accents on the crank dust caps, pedal dust caps, brake caliper and lever pivots, and the lower derailleur pivot. Set No. 1 was retained by Campagnolo, while set No. 2 was presented to Pope John Paul II.
A complete 50th Anniversary Set consists of: Serialized Registration Card and Documents, Brake Calipers, Brake Levers with Gum Rubber Hood, Front Derailleur, Rear Derailleur, Shifters, Cables, Seat Post, Headset, Front and Rear Wheel Hubs, Bottom Bracket (English, French or Italian threading), Crankset (170 or 172.5mm), Crank Arm Dust Cover Pin Tool, Pedals, Pedal Toe Clips, hard shell fitted Case with fabric cover.
Between the Fall of 2006 into early 2007 I found it was not terribly difficult to find a complete 50th Anniversary Set for sale. These were often unused sets for sale by vintage bicycle specialty shops, and at on line sales sites most notably eBay. In time I acquired a complete, like-new cased set with the correct Bottom Bracket in British Threading (1.370 in x 24 TPI) for my Austro-Daimler. But I developed some sense of guilt at the thought of buying a like new, never used set and then essentially violating it by installing it on a bike to ride casually. And I came to wonder why should I pay premium dollars for a set in the custom fitted carrying case? So I rejoined the hunt and soon found another 50th Anniversary Set with 170mm long Crank arms being offered from a display model bike and delivered these to Larry for installation on my bike.
 Front Derailleur |
 Rear Derailleur with upgrade Guide (top) and Tension Pulleys |
 Pedals |
 Front & Rear Brake Calipers |
 Crankset |
 Campagnolo 50th Anniversary poster |
and the Poster artwork issued by Campagnolo to commemorate the Anniversary event.
But as much as I thought I knew about this hardware I had several additional lessons to learn. Some parts were not included with the set I purchased, and some that were included were incompatible with each other or with the Austro-Daimler Frame. For instance, the Campagnolo gum rubber grips that cover the Brake Lever tend to rot over the years and finding these in good condition while possible is not cheap. The Bottom Bracket set that I found in fact had mismatched parts and could not be put together as provided by the seller; more about this later. So Caveat Emptor! remains good advice.
But back to "The Project". Larry Black suggested that since I am changing the Wheel Hubs from Shimano to the Campy 50th we might as well upgrade the Wheel Rims and Spokes also to something that would be the equal of the Campy Hubs; this pair of 36 spoke alloy Rims proved to be the hardest pair of items to find in good condition and this delayed the reassembly of the bike until June 2007. And in a last minute attempt to upgrade the appearance from the pretty badly worn original Avocet Saddle, I purchased a lightweight Carbon Fiber Saddle. But this saddle appeared inappropriate (and not so comfortable as my original Avocet), and so in short order I replaced that with a like new vintage Cinelli Saddle.
The last touch on this visit to Mt. Airy Bikes was to buy a Tool Pouch to replace the old now tattered and rusted Schwinn pouch that I'd had since buying a Schwinn Le Tour 10 speed bike the early 1970's. This would be a just about the same size, a traditional leather model made by hand at the historic Brooks company in the United Kingdom. This Brooks 'Challenge' model (shown at left) is 7 inch wide x 3 inch tall x 2 inch deep, of complete black leather construction with a leather fastening strap. Since the Brooks is an exact replica of an early 1900's Brooks design, it suits the goal of keeping the Austro-Daimler appearing appropriate to its time and origins.
The Brooks pouch attaches onto loops built into most Brooks Saddles, but I simply wrap the provided leather straps around the Saddle Mounting rails. This is not the easiest thing to do, then adjust balance so that the pouch rests horizontal instead of tilted. But it was worth the cost and effort to do this.
And during my scavenging, and just for the fun of it, I also bought a rather good looking Campagnolo 50th Anniversary 39 x 27 inch poster (shown above) just in case I ever own a home with too much open wall space.
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On my own I found the last bits that made the bike what is is today:
Austro-Daimler Font While restoring my Austo-Daimler I came to learn some facts that were helpful to know. The 'Vent Noir' font style is "Auriol", this is is a registered trademark of Linotype-Hell AG and/or its subsidiaries. Georges Auriol designed this display typeface in 1901 for the Parisian type foundry Deberny & Peignot. Auriol has a stylized stencil/brush look that reflects the Art Nouveau period. Most notable about Auriol is the unusual winged 'M', the large capitals, the short ascenders and descenders, and the white gaps appearing in the middle of some letter strokes. Use Auriol for display settings evocative of turn-of-the-century design and style. The Auriol font and Auriol Flowers was the basis for the lettering used by Hector Guimard for the entrance signs to the Paris Metro. It was re-released by Deberny & Peignot in 1979 with a new bold face, designed by Matthew Carter.
The Internet continues to evolve and bring the world closer than ever, among the benefits are all the resources that helped me to not only find the rare parts to make my Vent Noir II what it is today, but also literature. Here are Austro-Daimler brochures scanned by Manfred Fratzl, and a TI Reynolds booklet scanned by the host of this site:
Postscript
Last year I began my quest to build the state of the art high technology bike. That drove me to consider the most modern and esoteric bike frames and components made and this culminated in the abortive effort to persuade Colnago of Italy to make a C-50 frame that would meet all my expectations. As I conveyed in My Colnago Misadventure: A C-50 FLR Bicycle Frame Nightmare:
"one nice aspect of being an amateur pursuing this for my own riding experience and for my interest in the technology is that this would be my "Über Bike" - the state of the art, ultra lightweight demonstration of the best performance technology of 2006 - and all without having to comply with competitive weight minimums."
And:
"even as I researched the best technology for 2006 it seemed that my "state of the art bicycle" would be obsolete within weeks. I read for example that Campagnolo would soon introduce an improved line of "Record" series components...I read about electronically controlled Derailleurs that were already showing up on the racing scene and nearing the consumer market. And I wondered how long before I would find myself again wanting to upgrade my old "state of the art" mechanical components to keep my bike where I wanted it to be - in the forefront of bike tech."
I find it a ironic and somewhat enlightening how over time I came to realize the bike that appealed to my sense of beauty and high tech was sitting in my garage all those years, just awaiting its Renaissance. This Vent Noir II revives my satisfaction and my appreciation of materials and traditions of craftsmanship from days gone by. This effort has been a complete technical success too and the truth is told during the ride: it has shed some weight, the shifting is quicker and more precise, the ride is much quieter, and the Cinelli seat is more comfortable. An elegant machine; this Vent Noir II is compliant, rides smoothly and in near silence, and in all its years it has never let me down.
And yes, it was worth the twenty six years wait and effort to get it right!
I thank those who have contributed information and images for this article including F. Manfred. Contact the author of this site.
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