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Mystery bike with Shimano 600 Arabesque group set
During our deer hunt this year I recovered this bike from the back of another camp, the original owner doesn't remember the brand only that it "wasn't cheap and barely ridden". He thinks its all original, parts seem to be consistent to suggest he's right however the headset is a mystery to me as well, no branding.
Crankset - Shimano 600 52/40 BB - Shimano 600 FD - Shimano 600 RD - Shimano 600 Freewheel - Shimano Front and Rear Hubs - Shimano 600 Headset - Unknown Brakes - Shimano 600 Levers - Shimano 600 Seat Post - Sugino 27.2mm Stem - Unknown Handlebars - Winpista Cable Guides - Shimano Dura-Ace (???) Front Dropout - Tange Rear Dropout - Unknown Frame Serial Number is: Y0H 7777 I suspect the frame is likely toast judging from the rust, I picked up the bike just for the parts alone. That said I would love to know what it was if anything has any guesses, I would say just based on the components it's likely a 1981/82 for the year. It's been suggested it looks a lot like a Trek frame, the closest I could find was a 1981 Trek 716 but it doesn't match entirely. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3771d2cbeb.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e60f78e866.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...403c9b58f9.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3cceb665ac.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bbc7e552cb.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d74ed3d60.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...36e87e9cd6.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5c901eec83.jpg This first photo looks skewed, wide angle lens on the iPhone has really done a number on it! |
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from what can be seen of the machine's headset in the initial picture it appears it may be a Tange MA60 (guess, using the limited res available) ----- |
Originally Posted by juvela
(Post 22710488)
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from what can be seen of the machine's headset in the initial picture it appears it may be a Tange MA60 (guess, using the limited res available) ----- |
The serial number indicates that the frame was manufactured by Yamaguchi of Japan, during August 1980. That's in the gray region of the calendar year, where it could be either a 1980 or 1981 model. Given the Yamaguchi origin, era and the OP's location, my prime candidate would be a Norco. During this era, their 600EX model was the Magnum SE. Here's a photo showing one in NOS condition. Like the subject bicycle, it has no braze-ons save for the chain stay cable stop. It also has chromed dropout flats, a sloping crown fork, same lugs, etc. It appears to be a very good match, though the owner mistakenly identifies as a 1985 model manufactured by Nishiki. The only anomaly is the presence of the decal for Tange #2, as that tubeset would normally use a 26.6-26.8mm post. The OP's size is more indicative of Ishiwata 022, though that could a year to year variation.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cfeb9fd9dc.jpg |
I think that it could be an early 80s Norco Magnum. I have an SE with the same groupset (slightly different crank) including the no-name headset, and the fork crown is similar.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3d72170ea4.jpg |
Originally Posted by T-Mar
(Post 22710515)
The serial number indicates that the frame was manufactured by Yamaguchi of Japan, during August 1980. That's in the gray region of the calendar year, where it could be either a 1980 or 1981 model. Given the Yamaguchi origin, era and the OP's location, my prime candidate would be a Norco. During this era, their 600EX model was the Magnum SE. Here's a photo showing one in NOS condition. Like the subject bicycle, it has no braze-ons save for the chain stay cable stop. It also has chromed dropout flats, a sloping crown fork, same lugs, etc. It appears to be a very good match, though the owner mistakenly identifies as a 1985 model manufactured by Nishiki. The only anomaly is the presence of the decal for Tange #2, as that tubeset would normally use a 26.6-26.8mm post. The OP's size is more indicative of Ishiwata 022, though that could a year to year variation.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cfeb9fd9dc.jpg |
T-Mar great minds think alike! :)
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Nothing to add except another name to my own list of quality Japanese builders I hadn't heard of before...
Tango1 fingers crossed, looks like the fork is in good shape at least |
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