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

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...)

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

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

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

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

I forgot SAV had some. Good call pcolette.

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...

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

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...

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

http://www.ordonnanzrad.ch/

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

Wayyyyyy too much