Subject: RE: Converts - THANK YOU
Author: Charlie Mullendore
Date: Mar 12, 2003, 3:49 PM
Post ID: 1712224809
Hi AJ,
$2000 and some careful shopping could get you a good rideable Loop that you could restore a little at a time - or not. There's something to be said for having a good running but "cosmetically challenged" bike, especially if said bike is in original paint. My old '69 Ambo is "not so ugly I'm ashamed of it and not so pretty I'm afraid to ride it". I'll probably leave it the way it is and pretty up the basketcases (my '71 currently under restoration) and hopelessly rusty ones (the '67 Stornello I bought Saturday).
You are right on with your thinking! A Loop is really simple, robust and a good tinkerers bike. The guys on this list are always ready to help with any problem you may face and we all seem to have parts stashes to some degree. Sounds like you've had trials and tribulations on the path to Guzzi ownership, why settle for anything other than the one you want? I've had a few Guzzis in my life, but the Ambo is by far my favorite! Sure it's not as fast as any of the others and doesn't handle or stop quite as well, but it has more character-charisma-charm whatever than any of the others.
AJ Huff <ajh-@earthlink.net> wrote:
| Thank you all for the great info, both posted and direct. This is the kind of list I was looking for, something comparable to my Land Cruiser mailing list. I have been researching for some time, and I hope this is the year that I make my purchase (it has supposed to been each of the last three years, but job loss, family emergencies, poor economy, etc. you all know the story, has prevented it from happening). The Convert has intrigued me as I have seen many listings on cycletrader and of course by. My feeling now, based on your responses, is that it IS a great bike and that if it is in my price range, there must be something wrong with it. So back to loop frames. I hope a purchase for me is in the near future. It has to wait until after May as I am getting married and all spare cash is heading in that direction. Here is my thought: I hope to have $1-2K. I would like to buy a project loop frame to rebuild. I know that one argument against said adventure is being a rookie, it will be easy to get in over my head. BUT, I think it would give me a great opportunity to really learn about the bike and be intimate with it. This was the approach I used with my Land Cruiser. Any advice? Am I way off in my thinking? Should I save longer for a rideable bike? Is my price range wish reality? Though I wouldn't rule out a T3 (or really any other Guzzi) my heart has been drawn to the Ambo/Eldo for 10 years since I first laid eyes on one. Thanks again for all your help. -AJ Three Rivers, MI |
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