Soma Sport (70s/80s) - adapt "free bike" for gravel/packed rail trails
11-16-19, 03:09 PM
#26
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As noted, the biggest hindrance will be the limited tyre options in 27" size. While 700C will offer greater tyre choice, the pads already appear to be at or near the bottom of their range and may not have sufficient adjustment to be lowered another 4mm to accommodate 700C wheels. Consequently, longer reach brakes may be required. In which case, the 27" Club Roost's recommended by Goofball may be the better option.
As noted, the serial number indicates a 1980 model, with the frame having been manufactured in December 1979. The manufacturer was Kuwahara of Japan, a well respected company who contract manufactured many brands including American Flyer, Apollo, Azuki, Concord, Soma and Takara, in addition to their own eponymous brand. In 1980, the Sport was 5th in a product line of 8 adult, lightweight models. It would have been considered upper entry level. The rear freewheel is a replacement for the OEM SunTour Perfect 14-32T.
As noted, the serial number indicates a 1980 model, with the frame having been manufactured in December 1979. The manufacturer was Kuwahara of Japan, a well respected company who contract manufactured many brands including American Flyer, Apollo, Azuki, Concord, Soma and Takara, in addition to their own eponymous brand. In 1980, the Sport was 5th in a product line of 8 adult, lightweight models. It would have been considered upper entry level. The rear freewheel is a replacement for the OEM SunTour Perfect 14-32T.
Last edited by T-Mar; 11-16-19 at 03:12 PM.
11-17-19, 11:41 AM
#27
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Thread Starter
As noted, the biggest hindrance will be the limited tyre options in 27" size. While 700C will offer greater tyre choice, the pads already appear to be at or near the bottom of their range and may not have sufficient adjustment to be lowered another 4mm to accommodate 700C wheels. Consequently, longer reach brakes may be required. In which case, the 27" Club Roost's recommended by Goofball may be the better option.
As noted, the serial number indicates a 1980 model, with the frame having been manufactured in December 1979. The manufacturer was Kuwahara of Japan, a well respected company who contract manufactured many brands including American Flyer, Apollo, Azuki, Concord, Soma and Takara, in addition to their own eponymous brand. In 1980, the Sport was 5th in a product line of 8 adult, lightweight models. It would have been considered upper entry level. The rear freewheel is a replacement for the OEM SunTour Perfect 14-32T.
As noted, the serial number indicates a 1980 model, with the frame having been manufactured in December 1979. The manufacturer was Kuwahara of Japan, a well respected company who contract manufactured many brands including American Flyer, Apollo, Azuki, Concord, Soma and Takara, in addition to their own eponymous brand. In 1980, the Sport was 5th in a product line of 8 adult, lightweight models. It would have been considered upper entry level. The rear freewheel is a replacement for the OEM SunTour Perfect 14-32T.
