Japanese Steel: Classic Bicycle Design from Japan
07-16-19, 09:01 AM
#51
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Scott - there are some Japanese bike shops and collectors who would basically complete your needs in a visit or two if you pursued the custom builder route. I'm thinking Shinkai Cycle, specifically. Check out their Instagram page.
I have an early 80s Alps bike built by Toei that I would offer for photographs but it's probably been repainted some time in the last 15 years.
I have an early 80s Alps bike built by Toei that I would offer for photographs but it's probably been repainted some time in the last 15 years.
Thanks for that lead, I've followed Shinkai from my IG cycling account. I'd love to see photos of your Alps, repainted is not always a bad thing.
Cheers,
Scott
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07-20-19, 10:49 PM
#53
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My 1986 Nashbar MKIII Road Bike (full Suntour Cyclone) was evidently made by Maruishi of Ishiwata 024 tubing. It's a really nice bike for a "house brand" bike.
And this beauty Maruishi Emperor showed up on the SF Bay Area craigslist recently. I believe this was probably not a bike that was available on the American market.
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07-30-19, 10:20 AM
#54
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Wow! Now that's what I'm talking about!!
Scott
Scott
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08-08-19, 02:06 PM
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I'm stumped, what is that handle for? Easier to carry on public transportation?
Scott
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08-08-19, 02:48 PM
#56
Death fork? Naaaah!!
I don't know much about them, but they seem to make some pretty nice bikes: Maruishi
My 1986 Nashbar MKIII Road Bike (full Suntour Cyclone) was evidently made by Maruishi of Ishiwata 024 tubing. It's a really nice bike for a "house brand" bike.
And this beauty Maruishi Emperor showed up on the SF Bay Area craigslist recently. I believe this was probably not a bike that was available on the American market.
My 1986 Nashbar MKIII Road Bike (full Suntour Cyclone) was evidently made by Maruishi of Ishiwata 024 tubing. It's a really nice bike for a "house brand" bike.
And this beauty Maruishi Emperor showed up on the SF Bay Area craigslist recently. I believe this was probably not a bike that was available on the American market.
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You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
08-08-19, 02:49 PM
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I think it's a combination of the ability to lift the bike when portaging over rough mountain terrain, and the ability to lift the bike when broken down into rinko mode for train travel. Alps was famous for making pass-hunting bikes and for developing the rinko concept.
08-09-19, 02:47 PM
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Coming back to the topic of those "GTO" bikes, here's one for sale on Ebay - a Katakura Silk "Speed Master"
Crazy little thing...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Katakura-Si...MAAOSwg1JcQoJw
Crazy little thing...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Katakura-Si...MAAOSwg1JcQoJw
08-09-19, 03:37 PM
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08-10-19, 02:23 PM
#60
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Hello Johnnyace.
I think there are a few pages written about / on Nishiki. I am interested in that. Is it detailed ? Meaning, do all the vintage models appaer in the book with specs and so on ?
Greetings from The Netherland. Leonneke
I think there are a few pages written about / on Nishiki. I am interested in that. Is it detailed ? Meaning, do all the vintage models appaer in the book with specs and so on ?
Greetings from The Netherland. Leonneke
08-10-19, 02:36 PM
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I think it's a combination of the ability to lift the bike when portaging over rough mountain terrain, and the ability to lift the bike when broken down into rinko mode for train travel. Alps was famous for making pass-hunting bikes and for developing the rinko concept.
08-15-19, 10:46 AM
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1983 International
1979 Superbe
1981 Comp II
1972 Professional
1981 Ultimate
Cheers
Scott
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08-15-19, 01:42 PM
#63
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Thanks so far Scott. Could you have a look if the Nishiki Trim ACE is in the book also ???? It was in production around 1977 - 1978. They had the handwriting "Designed by Nishiki"
( The models after that were named Trim Master - handwriting "Designed by Kawamura" )
Greetings Leonneke
( The models after that were named Trim Master - handwriting "Designed by Kawamura" )
Greetings Leonneke
08-19-19, 09:34 AM
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Thanks so far Scott. Could you have a look if the Nishiki Trim ACE is in the book also ???? It was in production around 1977 - 1978. They had the handwriting "Designed by Nishiki"
( The models after that were named Trim Master - handwriting "Designed by Kawamura" )
Greetings Leonneke
( The models after that were named Trim Master - handwriting "Designed by Kawamura" )
Greetings Leonneke
Cheers,
Scott
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08-20-19, 06:59 PM
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08-21-19, 07:32 AM
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Thank you, I appreciate that!
Scott
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08-21-19, 12:26 PM
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Thanks so far Scott. Could you have a look if the Nishiki Trim ACE is in the book also ???? It was in production around 1977 - 1978. They had the handwriting "Designed by Nishiki"
( The models after that were named Trim Master - handwriting "Designed by Kawamura" )
Greetings Leonneke
( The models after that were named Trim Master - handwriting "Designed by Kawamura" )
Greetings Leonneke
08-21-19, 01:40 PM
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08-21-19, 02:36 PM
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Yes, the Kawamura serial numbers reported by European members typically have an "E" prefix. Kawamura is the only manufacturer I've some across that incorporated a market/distributor code. The "G" could represent 1977 or 1987 manufacture and if was late in the calendar year it could represent the subsequent model year. You have to look at the frame characteristics to determine the decade.
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08-21-19, 03:24 PM
#70
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Yes, the Kawamura serial numbers reported by European members typically have an "E" prefix. Kawamura is the only manufacturer I've some across that incorporated a market/distributor code. The "G" could represent 1977 or 1987 manufacture and if was late in the calendar year it could represent the subsequent model year. You have to look at the frame characteristics to determine the decade.
So counting all this together, it has to be 1977.
When I was 14 ( this was in 1978 ) I had a similar bike with all the same specs and assembly.
I was quite lucky with this bike. It was pre-owned by a bicycle shop for some decades. When this bicycle shop went bankrupt, the owner sold the bike to a student for very little money. That's were I bought it from (for little money). The bike was in 'mint' condition. All the grease was dried out. The tyres were dried out / rotten. I replaced some Sakae parts for Shimano 600 to complete the looks. Fantastic ride !!!!
08-21-19, 03:38 PM
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Thanks T-Mar. The bike is mostly equipped with Shimano 600 Arabesque. It still has (had) a 5 speed Uni Glide Freewheel. (120 mm spacing ) Friction shifters. And Araya rims, Araya 18.
So counting all this together, it has to be 1977.
When I was 14 ( this was in 1978 ) I had a similar bike with all the same specs and assembly.
I was quite lucky with this bike. It was pre-owned by a bicycle shop for some decades. When this bicycle shop went bankrupt, the owner sold the bike to a student for very little money. That's were I bought it from (for little money). The bike was in 'mint' condition. All the grease was dried out. The tyres were dried out / rotten. I replaced some Sakae parts for Shimano 600 to complete the looks. Fantastic ride !!!!
So counting all this together, it has to be 1977.
When I was 14 ( this was in 1978 ) I had a similar bike with all the same specs and assembly.
I was quite lucky with this bike. It was pre-owned by a bicycle shop for some decades. When this bicycle shop went bankrupt, the owner sold the bike to a student for very little money. That's were I bought it from (for little money). The bike was in 'mint' condition. All the grease was dried out. The tyres were dried out / rotten. I replaced some Sakae parts for Shimano 600 to complete the looks. Fantastic ride !!!!
08-21-19, 03:38 PM
#72
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I've seen multiple Bridgestone bikes of that style in my area over the years.
08-21-19, 11:01 PM
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Nishiki Olympic
So, after reading some of the commentary above, is the Nishiki Olympic I JUST picked up yesterday a POS?
(KS271### which is a '73 I think?) It needs a little work, but if it's low quality I may take that into account when I decide how much to put into it.
(KS271### which is a '73 I think?) It needs a little work, but if it's low quality I may take that into account when I decide how much to put into it.
