nanogram

I'm new to road bikes and just picked up a bike that i don't know too much about. The bike has araya 27 x 1.25 rims, sunstar components and the steel frame is seamless. I'm aware that the components are low grade but everything worked good and I didn't pay much.
I'm mostly interested in identifying the year and model or any other interesting insights.

Thanks guys!

Hummer

Hi nanogram,

it looks like a Norco Sports model from 1980, but need some more pictures to confirm this.

Can you post pictures of the serial number on the BB shell, the seat tube lug, the headbadge, and head tube lugs?

nanogram

Thanks for your response


here's a couple more pictures, hope this helps!

Hummer

Thanks for posting more pictures.

The top tube decal is the model: Sports.

The serial number:

Y = Yamaguchi the maker of the frame
9 = 1979 year of frame manufacture
M = December month of manufacture. (A=January, I is not used, J=September)

1980 model year, with the frame made in late 1979.

The head badge is also 1979 -82.

Esterby

Can anyone tell me what this bike is worth, and whether it's a good one? I've asked for some details, but have not heard back yet.

Ladies bike | road | Brantford | Kijiji

I'm meant to look at it tomorrow. It is the right size for me, which is hard to find.

Esterby

I ask because this $50 bike becomes a $150 bike after I pay someone to drive me out there, if you don't include probably stopping for lunch. The guy doesn't feel it's worth his time to give me details at that (his) price, which is the case with most everyone I've contacted about a cheap bike. It is hard for me to find a bike I can ride at my height. When I find one I can also afford, they are never in Toronto (surprise). Since I'm already ranting, this guy keeps sending me picture texts, I assume to answer my questions, even though I have told him (and I am not kidding) three times that I cannot get picture texts on my old lady flip phone. I am so frustrated.

randyjawa 

The Norco is an entry level bicycle and, in Canada worth about $100.00 in good condition.

Good condition means nice cosmetics, no frame damage and working properly. Even if it is in good condition, you will need to lubricate the bottom bracket, head set and wheel hub bearings. Chances are you will need new tires since the ones fitted have probably rotted with the passing of time and environmental impacts over the last thirty years. Expect to spend another hundred dollars to refurbish the bicycle, and $200.00 if you have to have someone else do the work. Also...

If the seller is uncooperative right now, walk away. There are a lot of great bicycles out there for the same price or even a bit less. This, incidentally, is How To Find Vintage Bicycles and it has help me find hundreds of them over the years.

In closing, the bike is for a very tall person. If you are not over six feet tall, and then some, the bicycle will not fit you well. Finally, if it is a Norco you want, this one is available for $250.00 plus shipping. The bicycle I show is completely refurbished and in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. I would be happy to list it on the For Sale forum and facilitate getting it to you, if you wish.

T-Mar

The pictures are poor but it appears to be a circa 1987 Norco Gypsey, which was a youth's bicycle with 24" wheels and a 16" frame. It's a very basic model with a hi-tensile frame and predominantly steel components, It will weigh about 32 lbs. $50 is fair market value but I wouldn't to spend another $100 in transportation costs.

Esterby

Thank you.

Incidentally, the serial (finally) is F7028556.

Boy did I have to pull teeth for that.

Esterby

The model he is selling is a junior frame, with a 16.5" seat tube, and 24" wheels. I am just over five feet tall, so it has been hard to find a bike I can confidently ride in traffic. I can do most repairs myself, but if this is the entry level bike the other guy thinks it is, I would as soon not. I already have 1.5 projects in my small apartment.

T-Mar

This confirms my identification of a 1987 Norco Gypsey. It was manufactured in Taiawan which was typical of entry level bicycles of the era. BTW, the manufacturer is Fairly, who also manufactured Centurion, Diamondbac, Novara and Park Pre, among others

Aubrey1234

this is great info. I may be helping someone determine the age of a Norco bike that I suspect may be a mid-80s model. Is there a reference guide for the Norco / Yamahuchi serials? (I saw the serial briefly but didn’t note it yet - I believe it did start with Y however).

I don’t have any photos at the moment - just looking for reference material for when I do get a better look at it...

Jalil111

Hi every body.
does anyone know anything about the Norco Park Avenne road bike Please?

Maxey

Probably best if you start a separate thread about your Norco.