PRESERVATION BICYCLE # 13: 1981 Austro Daimler Inter 10
This is a 1981-ish Austro Daimler Inter 10 made in Austria (like Arnold Achwarzenegger). From 15 feet away it’s a beautiful bike. From 15 inches away, it’s unbelievable. Before learning about this specific bike, the first thing to do is dork out about the history of the Austro Daimler company. Start by checking out the back of their 1982 catalog below, then read the most comprehensive history of a bike/car/motorcycle company ever written.
Ok, a little more about the bike. The frame and fork are handmade with iconic Reynolds 531 double butted (thick on ends, thin in the middle) tubing. Still used in some of the best custom frames in the world. If you look closely in the images below, you can also see the rear and front dropouts (where the wheels slide into the frame) are both chrome plated underneath the root beer paint. This means longer life and less rust in the most vulnerable parts of the bike. It also shows you the attention to detail and extra mile put into every aspect of design (even the invisible ones).
Now look at the components. The Specialites TA Cranks (made in France), and the incredibly sexy cable hanger mounted above where the seatube and downtube meet. The engraved Tange Levin Headset (made in Japan). The Universal Mod 77 brakes (made in Italy) with the best looking barrel adjusters (where the cable meet the brake) I’ve ever seen. Every component hand picked from around the world to make up this incredible “group-o”
This could be your daily commuter, your “I’m going to wear nice shoes to coffee” bike, or with a little work, could still do some long distant tours. It could be your new favorite bike!
Full catalog here.
PRESERVATION BICYCLE NUMBER #13
MAKE: Austro Daimler Inter 10
MODEL: Inter 10
YEAR/AGE: 1981-ish
SIZE: 54cm. 5’5 - 5’9 ( 5’6-ISH is probably perfect)
ADOPTION FEE: $80. And we’ll throw in a $30 gift certificate for used parts
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
BASIC: Uh.. new grease, new/used cable housing, and some pedals and you’re good to go. I’m going to guess 3-4 hours of shop time and $15 in used parts.
BETTER: Same as above, but, as usually, maybe ditch the drop bars for something upright and swoopy/swept back. This will mean some new brake levers too. 4 hours of shop time and $40 in used parts.
BEST (because why not): Same as above, and time to put some 700c wheels so you can fit some bigger tires (I think 700c x 38 will fit). Unfortunate that probably means swapping out those Mod 77 brakes for something with a longer reach. Usually I recommend a Brooks B-17 saddle, but we have a great selection of used saddles in the shop right now.
You’re probably looking at $40 in used parts, $200 in new parts, and the $80 adoption fee. Subtract the $30 gift cert and you have a sweet international bike for under $300!
BICYCLE HISTORY:
Built in Austria with international parts. Where it was originally sold, and how it made it’s way to Boise/BBP… I have no idea. Hardly any rust on it, so probably not a bike that’s spent a lot of time on the coast.