chain_whipped

Not like the P.I.C.S. marketing and production, but a great tradition of handmade tube and brazed lugged racers. The name National / Panasonic is pretty well known among C&V enthusiast as the supplier of Schwinn 'World' bikes starting in 1972. It was a test for both companies. American iconic brand Schwinn wasn't exactly sure how receptive a Japanese made product would be to its target customer base. Also, National / Panasonic needed a way into the US market with a solid distribution and dealer network. The 'World' headbadge was a success. Little known but outside of the US market, National / Panasonic contract produced for other brands names. Fun to seek them out.

As they became recognized for upper tiered lightweights, supplied pro teams the Panasonic name and US acceptance with dealer retailers caught on. I find the era of P.I.C.S. fascinating as a full fledged marketing, custom tailor to buyer order, early digital era for robotic production of fine Japanese quality to dealer without floor stock. Yet, here today in the 'world' of composites, a handmade steel tubed brazed lugs bike from such a massive bike maker is available.

https://youtu.be/STmZdGNVil0?si=jjWD50Tnx6djmlT2

Spoonrobot 

Panasonic makes some interesting bikes. Wish there was more support for sales in the USA. They're keeping the dream of the 80s alive with their detailed tubing specs.

https://cycle.panasonic.com/products/pos/custom_order/

Someone linked the POS page back in 2021 and I clicked through sort of interested but was floored when I saw the spec page and start saving my pennies immediately. I don't think I've seen actual tubing specs so plainly stated by a modern USA domestic brand anywhere.



Wish I could have been around for PICS, seemed like such an exciting idea.

kunsunoke 

Chromori?

Nan' da yo?

Chuckk

And if you watch track cycling, Bridgestone is still very active there

RustyJames 

The above video popped up on my YouTube feed and I gotta say, very impressive.

stoneageyosh

Janglish for “chro moly”.
Also note the “rug” for lug.
Japanese has only a sorta combined R’s and L’s sound that gets used for both. There are other cases where phonetic Janglish can be “interesting”.