t2bones

I just bought this bike from a collector here in Arizona.
It has a frame number of MuLu5248; painted black with a "Professional" brand in gold; Siguno/MightyTour crank; Mavic MA-40 wheels (look new); Suntour gear set up; Serfas dual density seat.
If anyone can help me identify which model this is it would be appreciated!
My thanks in advance.

polymorphself 

Hi there,

I can't help much with the ID, but I'm also in AZ and am curious what part of the state and if this collector has other bicycles up to look at?

P.S. I always start by glancing through catalogs for my best guestimate of year. That could get you there quick.

T-Mar

Welcome to the forums. The "U" in the serial number are likely incompletely stamped zeroes. That would make this 1980 manufacture by Miki of Japan, a known Sekai contract manufacturer. Unfortunately, the S/N format does not include model information and a wide range of models would have spec'd Sun Tour components. The MA-40 rims are definitely replacements. However, the Sugino Mighty Tour crankset is era correct and suggests at least mid-range. Given the "Professional brand", it may well be a Sekai 4000 Professional. Photographs would aid in the confirmation.

t2bones

Keith is up in Mayer, AZ at the junction of I 17 and Rte . He has many bikes, in all sorts of conditions.
He advertises on Craigslist.

t2bones

Many thanks, I cant get the photo uploaded on this site........very strange, apparently I need to post more before I can upload???

t2bones

The site will not let me load a photo until I have 10 posts.....WTH

madpogue 

Pic assist:


The 10-post link / pic "probation" is to prevent scam/spam "post and run" posts.

Take a photo of the drive side, and try to get some detail shots of the lugwork, decals, components, etc. That aids in identification. Even if you try to post them and are stopped, we can post them from your gallery, as seen above.

T-Mar

That picture is good enough to confirm a very early 1980s Sekai 4000 Professional. It was the only model during this period to have the wrap over seat stays and the Professional decal on the top tube is correct. So are all the other visible frame features. The front derailleur clamp also appears to be that for the correct Sun Tour Cyclone and the brakeset also appears to be the OEM Dia-Compe GC Professional. Based on the serial number, it is either a 1980 model or a 1981 model made in late 1980.

t2bones

T-Mar: Thank you very much for your insights.....I am changing the tube on the back wheel this afternoon and will take it for an inaugural spin. Wish me luck!

Hudson308 

The 4000 was the world-class, top of the line offering from Sekai. Appears to be mostly original, save for the Barcalounger saddle (cover?). You scored with that one!

t2bones

Over the last 3 weeks I have learned a lot about the bike's riding characteristics. It is light and manoevrable,and a pleasure to tour on. The only problem is the brakes and the riding position. I prefer to ride with my hands high on the bar rather than on the drop handles. This makes it difficult to brake......should I get dual lever brakes to alleviate this problem? I hate to lose the style factor for this classic......

T-Mar

My solution would be to install a set of modern dual pivot brakes. They have a lighter feel, better modulation and offer much better braking power from the hood position. Just don't sell the current brakeset because if you sell it in the future, the offers will be higher with the OEM brakeset.

t2bones

Thanks T-Mar..... I have found a set of dia-compes with 2 levers and I will try them first and then may retrofit the dual pivot brakes.

SurferRosa

You could keep the brakeset as is, mount some hoods, move the levers up on the bars, and ride/brake from there, on the hoods.

It is a 4000.

A seatpost with less setback should help, too.

Hudson308 

Another option is to set up a second set of handlebars and stem with the dual levers, and set the original ones aside for the possibility you may sell the bike later. That way you can leave both sets taped up, and simply swap the entire bar/stem combo if necessary. I bet you could find a satisfactory bar/stem/dual lever setup locally for $20 or less. Co-ops often have a pile of them.