Aye, that's them. They were about double that each last time I looked.

Solex: big prices for small things

Hi
Part of my daily commute is via Solex as I use mine to get to the station.

I completed the rebuild on it earlier this year and have managed with a bit of use to take some of the shine off it. Solexes are like 2CV's in this respect and look a bit odd if they are too new and shiny.

Mine is an early 3800 export, with the twisty throttle yet small 1700/2200/3300 rear light, but since part of the 5000 style engine drop mech and special handlebars are broken I've converted it to standard 3800 spec with the cylinder head style lever.

As my commute is downhill to the station quite unsolex like speed has been achieved and fits nicely into the classification of "Oh Shiet!"

Last week halfway down the hill with the engine 4 stroking due to too much speed I hit a bump and accelerated even faster. The bump had flicked the engine off the tyre and back onto its hook! Now devoid of engine braking I've found out just how crap the front rim brake is on a solex. Both man and machine made it to the station slightly earlier than planned but I wondered as anyone else ever experienced this?

I couldn't agree more.



At least you've got a rear drum, you big girl's blouse. You'll be moaning about the lack of ABS next.

Drumbrakes aren't that great either
They do lock up, but only when it's wet outside and the road/pavement is slippery..

Hmmmmm well since I've been used to gears, front and rear suspension and 10mm drum brakes front and rear on the mobylette to cope with the 1:4 hill, having none of these is erm...scary

Passed a Solex today in Twyning, just north of Tewksbury Very nearly stopped to ask the bloke if he'd sell it, but I'm proper skint atm

Solex prices are now getting silly. Even duff ones that you find on French Car boot sales are now commanding strong money. I was looking at a rather tired 5000 in Yellow with bits missing but a runner and the Seller wanted €400. He got it too as I laughed a Dutch man standing behind me handed over the cash with no haggling. Maybe its because it was a Solex 5000 I'm not sure, but that seemed too much for me.

In the UK I've seen projects starting at £150 so I'd not hold on too long as the prices are heading skywards.

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