What bike is this?
09-04-20, 05:08 PM
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What bike is this?
Hi. I was recently given what looks to be a vintage Sekai??? competition bicycle. I'm trying to get more info on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. There is a Suntour V-T LuxeRear Derailleu with 4532 etched on it. 10 Speeds. There is a sticker on the head tube that says Sekai. The number N157 is etched at the bottom of the seat tube. The handlebars say SAKAE Custom Road Champion.
I can provide photos if needed - but seems that since I'm new I can't add them now or a URL.
I can provide photos if needed - but seems that since I'm new I can't add them now or a URL.
09-04-20, 05:28 PM
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Last edited by cb400bill; 09-04-20 at 06:24 PM.
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09-04-20, 06:23 PM
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Sekai bicycles
The Sekai company itself was a small family owned importer of Japanese goods and Sekai bikes and frames. It grew out of a store called Velocipede which still exists and is owned by the same family.
The Sekai company itself was a small family owned importer of Japanese goods and Sekai bikes and frames. It grew out of a store called Velocipede which still exists and is owned by the same family.
09-04-20, 07:53 PM
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Should make a great riding utility bike and gateway drug to the world of C&V. Welcome
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09-08-20, 07:06 AM
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I can't seem to find a serial number on the frame. I looked under the bottom of the frame by the pedals. Anywhere else I should look?
09-08-20, 10:16 AM
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@shortybiscuit DK - May not have one. Not all bike do.
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Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
09-08-20, 10:42 AM
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shortybiscuit lots of knowledge here of course for doing a rebuild, also check out Sheldon Brown on the web, RJ the bike Guy on YouTube and also Park Tools on Youtube. Have fun and welcome to the forums.
09-08-20, 11:00 AM
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What's interesting is that the N157 format and its location is consistent with the early Centurion that were reportedly manufactured by Tano. Offhand, I don't recall seeing a Sekai with this format. However, to be sure, I'll check my database when I get home.
Regardless,a SunTour VT, if OEM, would place it circa 1974-1977. Stamped dropouts, brake safety levers and a nutted rear hub with what appears to be a steel rim, suggests an entry level model.
Regardless,a SunTour VT, if OEM, would place it circa 1974-1977. Stamped dropouts, brake safety levers and a nutted rear hub with what appears to be a steel rim, suggests an entry level model.
09-08-20, 11:08 AM
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What's interesting is that the N157 format and its location is consistent with the early Centurion that were reportedly manufactured by Tano. Offhand, I don't recall seeing a Sekai with this format. However, to be sure, I'll check my database when I get home.
Regardless,a SunTour VT, if OEM, would place it circa 1974-1977. Stamped dropouts, brake safety levers and a nutted rear hub with what appears to be a steel rim, suggests an entry level model.
Regardless,a SunTour VT, if OEM, would place it circa 1974-1977. Stamped dropouts, brake safety levers and a nutted rear hub with what appears to be a steel rim, suggests an entry level model.
09-08-20, 12:01 PM
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Looks almost identical to my 1977 Sekai 500, but an older headbadge
09-08-20, 02:31 PM
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I've done some cleaning and have more info - maybe its a Frankenbike
In addition to the rear derailleur saying Suntour VT Luxe with 4532 etched on it , I can now say that the front derailleur says Compe-V. The brake levers say DIA-compe on them. The rims say Araya 27 1/4 x 1/14 w/o HP.
In addition to the rear derailleur saying Suntour VT Luxe with 4532 etched on it , I can now say that the front derailleur says Compe-V. The brake levers say DIA-compe on them. The rims say Araya 27 1/4 x 1/14 w/o HP.
09-08-20, 02:53 PM
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I've done some cleaning and have more info - maybe its a Frankenbike
In addition to the rear derailleur saying Suntour VT Luxe with 4532 etched on it , I can now say that the front derailleur says Compe-V. The brake levers say DIA-compe on them. The rims say Araya 27 1/4 x 1/14 w/o HP.
In addition to the rear derailleur saying Suntour VT Luxe with 4532 etched on it , I can now say that the front derailleur says Compe-V. The brake levers say DIA-compe on them. The rims say Araya 27 1/4 x 1/14 w/o HP.
The dropouts are the slotted plates on the frame that the axles slide into. Better bikes have thicker metal there instead of just stamped flat-stock.
Interesting to learn that Sekai was another American brand. I had a Sekai 500 that was a competent bike with a triple crankset to keep me amused while riding (albeit at modest speed).
09-08-20, 03:18 PM
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The bike in question is a 400 series from 77 or so the 500 was similar but had alloy wheels with quick release. I had one a while back that I did a bit over the top rebuild on for the clunker challenge on the low end but very nice riding bike with with fairly well built frame and good paint so worth fixing up.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...0c-wheels.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...0c-wheels.html
09-09-20, 09:50 AM
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More updates - I think it was made in 1974Brakes: dia compe drop forged. Rear 74-7 (July 1974), Front: 9-74 (September 1974), Also etched on the brakes were these numbers: 5583, 610
Crank Arm: Sugino Maxy, Forged 165 49.2 = (February 1974)
Fork: SKV (sticker in shield)
Front Derailleur: Compe V, Maeda Industries, Ltd Japan QH (date code - Aug 1974)
Wish I could post pics, but I can't.
Crank Arm: Sugino Maxy, Forged 165 49.2 = (February 1974)
Fork: SKV (sticker in shield)
Front Derailleur: Compe V, Maeda Industries, Ltd Japan QH (date code - Aug 1974)
Wish I could post pics, but I can't.
09-09-20, 05:45 PM
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I checked the database and there are no records of any other Sekai using this S/N format. Given the component date codes, it should be a 1975 model. The derailleurs, shift levers, brakes and crankset are all consistent with a 2000 Special model of the era. The only thing which doesn't match are the wheels
09-09-20, 11:34 PM
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Thanks T-Mar. I've looked at some pics of the 2000 and the decals are definitely different. Really leaning towards a Frankenbike that someone fixed up many years ago.
09-10-20, 06:55 AM
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It's common for bicycle companies, especially newer marketing brands, to change the graphics ever 2-3 years to follow trends. Consequently, unless the other 2000 were from the same period as the subject bicycle, it's meaningless to use decals as a model identifier. Also, all the component date codes mentioned span a time frame of only 8 months, suggesting they are all from the same bicycle.
09-10-20, 06:55 AM
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Also, I uploaded some photos here
09-10-20, 07:13 AM
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Apologies... these photos are HUGE.
Head badge
Rear Derailleur: Suntour VT Luxe – 4532 QK (Date Code – November 1974)
Seat Tube: N157
Rims: ARAYA 27 x 1 ¼ w/o HP
Fork: SKV sticker
Stem: SR CFR "5355" 74 12
Front Derailleur: Compe V
Crank Arm: Sugino Maxy
09-10-20, 07:19 AM
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10 photo limit. Here's the rest. they are also available at the link
Rear Derailleur: Suntour VT Luxe – 4532 QK (Date Code – November 1974)
Crank Arm: Sugino Maxy, Forged 165 49.2 = February 1974
Hubs: Front Maillard L 29 88. Rear 39 83. Made in France
Brakes: dia compe drop forged. Rear 74-7 (July 1974)
Brakes: dia compe drop forged. Front: 9-74 (September 1974), 5583, 610
Front Derailleur: Compe V, Maeda Industries, Ltd Japan QH (date code - Aug 1974)
Rear Derailleur: Suntour VT Luxe – 4532 QK (Date Code – November 1974)
Crank Arm: Sugino Maxy, Forged 165 49.2 = February 1974
Hubs: Front Maillard L 29 88. Rear 39 83. Made in France
Brakes: dia compe drop forged. Rear 74-7 (July 1974)
Brakes: dia compe drop forged. Front: 9-74 (September 1974), 5583, 610
Front Derailleur: Compe V, Maeda Industries, Ltd Japan QH (date code - Aug 1974)
