Repco Superlite (4130 CrMo)

[kukamunga]

The following pic is one of two Repco 'Superlites' (4130 CrMo) I have picked up over the past six months....



This one is large (24"/61cm), and has had some dodgy frame welding repairs done to RH rear chainstay, causing some dropout alignment problems. I may well use this bike for spare parts for my other 'Superlite' which is more my size, in good nick, and in apparent complete and original condition (as far as I can tell). I just need to overhaul wheel cones, BB cups and bearings.

Can any one tell me when this model was released, were they popular and/ or common, what other models of 'Superlites' were there, and what the differences between them were?

Also, was this model 'renown' for the frame breaking at the rear RH chainstay? I have noticed another one of these frames here with a similar 'repair'.

Cheers

[cludence]

Cant say I know much about them but I did have one exactly the same colour as that and it was huge. I gave it to 531db to stip parts off it as it had been in a dingle.

Karen.

[wayno]

How much are superlite's worth these days?

[Kid_Carbine]

Most of the ones in this forum seem to have been found in council cleanups if that's any indication.

[MountGower]

That is not true, as you are well aware. Your personal bias does not justify your misrepresentation of the facts.

Wayno

Being in Sydney means you'll be able to pick one up for about $50-$100. There are also many of the same bike carrying decals such as Centurian and others. These bikes were cheap to some extent because the Japs roll formed the tubes instead of wasting vast sums of money drawing them.

If you buy a Superlite or a Victory Tri-A and strip it down you will be quite surprised by the weight of the frame and the strength is not in question. You don't have to be a genius to conclude that low weight and strength equals quality, even if it has Repco written on it and is made from Jap steel.

The gear required (wheels, groupset, saddle etc) for this upgrade would have cost about $1100 delivered and was money well spent on a Jap Repco frame that will go the distance of any machine with a wankier decal attached.

[kukamunga]

So, MG. Are you saying the Superlite frames are Japanese made, from roll-formed tubing, and are reasonably light and strong? I'll strip the one pictured above one day soon to weigh.

Any ideas about the broken chainstay/s? Just a rare occurence?

Do the 'Superlite' and 'Victory Tri-A' share the same '4130 CrMo' frame & fork (I've yet to see a 'VT-A' in the flesh)?

Finally, what year/ era were they released?

Thanks for the info so far. My Superlite may well become my long overdue road bike

[MountGower]

Kukamunga

Probably Taiwanese made by Giant or similar from Jap steel. Late 80's is a good guess for a date. The problem is that Repco (Pacific Brands) did not keep propper records of serial numbers. The Superlite was made from 4130 and the Victory Tri-A was made from Infinity, off the next shelf up. Not a lot of difference.

The chain stay could be anything. Lost temper, crash, vandalism, who knows. Because they are so plentifull, I'd cut it up and make a wheel jig out of that one or just toss it. There are plenty out there in good nick, so I'd look on for a good one to keep. That Wheeler looks good if it fits.

[kukamunga]

...so I'd look on for a good one to keep. That Wheeler looks good if it fits.

My 'good' Superlite, the Wheeler, and the Puch 'Mistral' (Austrian made Reynolds 501 - haven't shown you this one yet, have I? ) are all of similar vintage and similar size, ie definately not too large and hopefully not too small. One day I'll get one of them on the road to my spec and satisfaction!

Cheers