Thinking about a military bicycle to mount to the pinz

audiocontr · Post by **audiocontr** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 11:49 am

Besides the +10 style points while cruising on the weekends, it would be nice for riding back to the tow truck once i move the pinz to a camp site, etc.

I've seen a few beach cruisers painted to look like ex-military, but I'd prefer a true Austrian/Swiss version. Anyone know what to look for?

(May also consider an old 2 cyl scout motorcycle...)

Byron · Post by **Byron** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 11:53 am

http://www.coldwarremarketing.com/ has some bicycles forsale. I have never bought from them, but I know they have some swiss bikes.

pcolette · Post by **pcolette** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 4:14 pm

SAV also has some: http://www.pinzgauer.com/vehiclelist.php?cat=5

audiocontr · Post by **audiocontr** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:05 pm

Ahhhh, very cool! May have to get 2 for that price!

Next question is mounting... Do i mount to the front or the sides...

Byron · Post by **Byron** » Mon Jul 19, 2010 5:47 am

I forgot SAV had some. Good call pcolette.

GenevaPinz · Post by **GenevaPinz** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 8:17 am

Hi Audiocontr,

Before you buy a(nother) piece of Swiss military history, I have used these bicycles when I was doing my military service, and you should know that:

- They are old (the build year is stamped on the frame below the saddle... and I found myself once riding a 1927 bicycle... well at least the frame), which in your case could be a plus, but...

- They are super-heavy, to carry a soldier and all its kit and take years of abuse...

- One speed only (ok on flat, great downhill)

- State-of-the-art brake technology (for 1905)... There is a handle for the front brake and you need to pedal backwards to activate the rear brake. Forget what I just wrote about downhill being great...

- Spares are available... but are pricey (Pinzgauer-style).

More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_army_bicycle

So if you are after an antique with some utility left in it, it's a great vehicle to have.
However, if you are after a proper mean of transportation and want to enjoy riding it for a distance longer than a mile or two... if I were you I'd buy a mountain bike and a can of olive drab paint...

audiocontr · Post by **audiocontr** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:17 am

Geneva, point taken. Its really an expensive accessory vs a true means of transportation. A very cool conversation piece if you will.

GenevaPinz · Post by **GenevaPinz** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 11:05 am

audiocontr wrote:Geneva, point taken. Its really an expensive accessory vs a true means of transportation. A very cool conversation piece if you will.

Then you'll love the Model 05 Swiss army bicycle. It does look its age and will still carry you some.

The word in the swiss army was that people joining the bicycle troops were either nuts (when they volunteered) or very unlucky (when the recruiting officer just assigned them there).
They had to be (or become) very fit, and because of all the weight from their kit and the not-so-great brakes, when they travelled up and down a pass in the Alps, they would pedal all the way up, then dismount and carry their bicycle, on a small trail off the beaten path, on the way down...

David Dunn · Post by **David Dunn** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 12:12 pm

GenevaPinz wrote: The word in the swiss army was that people joining the bicycle troops were either nuts (when they volunteered) or very unlucky (when the recruiting officer just assigned them there).
They had to be (or become) very fit, and because of all the weight from their kit and the not-so-great brakes, when they travelled up and down a pass in the Alps, they would pedal all the way up, then dismount and carry their bicycle, on a small trail off the beaten path, on the way down...

... and the REALLY unfortunate ones had to pull a caisson.

audiocontr · Post by **audiocontr** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 1:22 pm

SAV is all out

and Cold War's voicemail is full. May be a bit more tough than i thought

4x4Pinz · Post by **4x4Pinz** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:02 pm

I like mine, a 1964, but don't get to ride as much as when I got it. Fortunately for me we live in a fairly flat area. These Swiss bikes draw as much attention as the Pinz does. Up keep gets pricey with the specialty size tires and tubes. I did manage to collect the travel bag for mine which fits inside the frame and allows one to carry a change of clothes or other items. My tool kit is as complete as I have seen but like the pinz tool kit needed a few extras. I was able to get the tire pump that came with it refurbished so it works as the valve stems are not US normal.

With a 2" square hitch on mine the normal bike carriers work to haul it around.

undysworld · Post by **undysworld** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:18 pm

You could try giving Bob Rainek a call. Here's his website: http://www.buypinzgauer.com/

I don't know whether he's still got one of the CWR ones or not. I remember transporting it back from CO several years ago for him. I've got no idea whether he still owns it or not.

Paul Underwood

GenevaPinz · Post by **GenevaPinz** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:23 am

If you cannot source one in the US, there are a couple (and spares) here:

http://www.velo-zuerich.ch/

http://www.ordonnanzrad.ch/

edzz · Post by **edzz** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 11:48 am

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2337284578.html

audiocontr · Post by **audiocontr** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:05 pm

Wayyyyyy too much

THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Thinking about a military bicycle to mount to the pinz

Thinking about a military bicycle to mount to the pinz

Re: Thinking about a military bicycle to mount to the pinz

Re: Thinking about a military bicycle to mount to the pinz