This hot mess is (or was) a 1965 Mundo Cycles "Caloi Racer," made in Brazil (not West Germany and not Japan, which apparently also had brands called Mundo, and not the modern cargo bikes). It's my latest, and perhaps most foolhardy purchase, although it was just a few bucks (some might argue that free would have been too much).It's definitely in the worst shape of any of the bikes I've undertaken, but I'll give it a try. A much nicer bike of the same model is seen here. Suntour and Dia Compe components, but obviously not original handlebars, and the saddle seems to be missing. My main concern is a slightly bent right seat stay, which may or may not be a deal-breaker. The wheels may be goners, and I'm not so sure about either of the derailers. It's more of a "let's just see if I can" project than a really serious one. And a long-term one, certainly. Something to keep me off the streets, anyway. Here are a few more photos:
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I found a '70's Columbia ten speed in similar shape once. It ended up being a good fixie. I put a single sidepull caliper up front using a mountain bike lever on the top of the drop bar, took the freewheel off and added a 16t fixed cog with 1/8th chain running to the small chainwheel. I had toe clips and straps on it. Great way to learn smooth pedaling.
ReplyDeleteDadabean
I was thinking fixie, too. I've never built one, and now that the fad is fading, maybe a non-hipster can get away with riding one again!
ReplyDeleteI did my fixie thing in the late 80's. I can't even remember how the Columbia left my possession- stolen, I think.
ReplyDeleteFaded Fad Fixie, I like the sound of it. This project should be a fun one!
ReplyDeleteNice! Having spent a little time trying to get some of the crusty bits off, I can think of another F-word I'd like to apply to it, too!
ReplyDeleteI've probably got enough parts to put it into the fixie realm, or SS, except breaks. I'll see about getting the white project bike to your place.
ReplyDeleteI'd say to clean the frame and then clear coat it as is.
Though, after tonight, I'm needing to replace the seat post on the bianchi..
@ Will: I've got the *brakes*--I'm afraid it's you who's got the *breaks*! To explain: Will and I met for coffee this evening, and Will walks in holding his saddle up and says "I've had better days!" Seatpost clamp broke clean in two in mid-ride. Bad situation in any case, but Will rides a fixie and proceeded to initiate an unorthodox braking maneuver with his posterior (he sat down hard on his rear wheel). And he still made it to coffee on time.
ReplyDelete^^ You should see my bruise.
ReplyDeleteActually, you might not want to.
It's very extremely hideous.
The name is Caloi, not Coloi.
ReplyDeleteStefan (from Brazil)
Hey, thanks Stefan! I was going off the spelling on another site, since I couldn't really clearly make out the decal on this one. I'll make the correction.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt bought me a Mundo Cycles Caloi Racer like this new in 1974. I still have it and the sales reciept. I repainted it in the mid-80's but your photos of the logos look just like what I remember were on mine.
ReplyDeleteI have a caloi racer and in good condition, is it worth any thing?
ReplyDeleteProbably not, maybe $100 on Craigslist or possibly more on eBay. If it's Caloi brand, not Mundo, it may be worth more, but Mundo's seem to be pretty obscure and not desirable as collector's items.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on the bike.
ReplyDeletedude i got the exact same bike i was surprised to find this post ill share some pix i left the paint stock just because the sticker kit was semi intact but added newer parts and went fixed gear....how did you find out the year? mine has the same stickers...
ReplyDeleteWill T.
Willtorres13@yahoo.com
Hi Will, the original owner told me the year he bought it, otherwise I would never have known. I'd love to see the pics of yours. The seat post in this one is stuck, I'm working on different solutions to fix it, but not holding out much hope, honestly.
ReplyDeletehi all...been working this project too...picked up the mundo caloi in an apt basement and have been trying too turn it into a fixie. Question for anyone...the chain ring is rather big (54ish) and even with a 20 in the back, makes it pretty hard to stop (weight and momentum). i would really like to switch out the chain ring/ cranks for smaller components but i have run into some issues...namely...cranks are fused to the ring, which i hear isn't compatible with todays bottom brackets. anyone know a way around this....cheaply?
ReplyDeletethanx
coop_go@hotmail.com