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Early 1970s Panasonic Sport Deluxe
Hey all, I just bought this shockingly light (25-28 lb?) hi-tensile steel road bike for $70! It's a Panasonic Sport Deluxe I would guess is from the early 1970s. The brakes work great and the saddle is incredibly comfortable. It seems to fit me (5'10") great as I think it's a 23" or 24" frame. I can stand just over the top tube. It has a Shimano Titlist rear and Shimano Thunderbird front derailleur. Looks like it just needs a good cleaning and lubing. Can't wait to take this for some long rides in Maryland!
T-Mar I will post the serial number tomorrow. I will also check the expiration date of the Montgomery County bicycle license to see if that helps date the bike. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...60b5fe60e6.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e50f43e414.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...23c4371454.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eb48458cc5.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5de6a87a3c.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...436d3e6796.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d965c7860.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d4fa9d034d.jpg |
Panasonic made the Schwinn Le Tours around 1974. This bike reminds me a little of them. Panasonic bikes were well made.
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Panasonic didn't start importing bicycles to the USA until 1971,so it should be no earlier than that. At the other end, it should be no later than 1976, as those are the 1st generation Titlist and Thunderbird derailleurs, which got an update for 1977 (and I believe this model also shifted to 600/500 derailleurs by 1977). However, I'm leaning more to the middle of the range, based on the combination of down tube shift levers, butted hi-tensile tubing and the absence a chain guard on the chainwheel, as I thought thought the earlier version didn't use the butted tubeset and the later ones had stem shifters and chain guards. It looks like it may have aluminum rims, which would be an upgrade.
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Where else can you spend $70 and get than much fun? Great bike!
I thought SunTour had the patent an the slant-parallelogram derailleur at this time? |
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thanks for sharing this new intake :thumb: combination of Thunderbird front with Titlist rear a bit unusual in me experience Thunderbird typically paired with a Lark model rear Titlist rear typically combined with a Titlist front front wheel a replacement note small flange hub with curved QR lever while rear is large flange hub with straight QR lever whoever fitted propstand too impatient to make full use of the plate style chainstay bridge and went ahead and used the unnecessary upper bracket perhaps propstand did not come with the optional allen bolt for fitment to a plate style bridge ----- |
I haven't yet been able to find a serial number but I did get one useful piece of information. The Montgomery County bicycle license on the seat tube expired in 1978, so the bike must have been built before then. I also need to check the rims further - they are probably quite light.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5bd6c47426.jpg |
Originally Posted by cycleheimer
(Post 22520350)
Panasonic made the Schwinn Le Tours around 1974. This bike reminds me a little of them. Panasonic bikes were well made.
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Originally Posted by T-Mar
(Post 22520533)
Panasonic didn't start importing bicycles to the USA until 1971,so it should be no earlier than that. At the other end, it should be no later than 1976, as those are the 1st generation Titlist and Thunderbird derailleurs, which got an update for 1977 (and I believe this model also shifted to 600/500 derailleurs by 1977). However, I'm leaning more to the middle of the range, based on the combination of down tube shift levers, butted hi-tensile tubing and the absence a chain guard on the chainwheel, as I thought thought the earlier version didn't use the butted tubeset and the later ones had stem shifters and chain guards. It looks like it may have aluminum rims, which would be an upgrade.
I would guess the rims are aluminum as the bike seems unusually light. I also had thought the Sport Deluxe had stem shifters as opposed to downtube shifters. |
Originally Posted by smd4
(Post 22520547)
Where else can you spend $70 and get than much fun? Great bike!
I thought SunTour had the patent an the slant-parallelogram derailleur at this time? |
Originally Posted by juvela
(Post 22520594)
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thanks for sharing this new intake :thumb: combination of Thunderbird front with Titlist rear a bit unusual in me experience Thunderbird typically paired with a Lark model rear Titlist rear typically combined with a Titlist front front wheel a replacement note small flange hub with curved QR lever while rear is large flange hub with straight QR lever whoever fitted propstand too impatient to make full use of the plate style chainstay bridge and went ahead and used the unnecessary upper bracket perhaps propstand did not come with the optional allen bolt for fitment to a plate style bridge ----- |
Originally Posted by molleraj
(Post 22521882)
Good to know, thanks! I will look for a serial number on the rear dropouts as I couldn't find one on the bottom of the bottom bracket. That should hopefully resolve the date of manufacture.
I would guess the rims are aluminum as the bike seems unusually light. I also had thought the Sport Deluxe had stem shifters as opposed to downtube shifters. Yes, later versions of this model did use stem mounted shift levers. It's one of the reasons that I think this is closer to mid-1970s. |
Originally Posted by molleraj
(Post 22521882)
I would guess the rims are aluminum as the bike seems unusually light.
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Just confirmed that the rims are Sun CRT II 16 aluminum rims and that the tires are Panaracer Paselas. No wonder it's so light. Still no idea about the serial number - I did not see it on the bottom bracket or head tube. I also didn't seem to see it on the rear dropouts.
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Originally Posted by molleraj
(Post 22527793)
Just confirmed that the rims are Sun CRT II 16 aluminum rims and that the tires are Panaracer Paselas. No wonder it's so light. Still no idea about the serial number - I did not see it on the bottom bracket or head tube. I also didn't seem to see it on the rear dropouts.
The serial number could be stamped on/around the rear dropout, If I'm not mistaken, it's on the inside, or possible the badge (4 digit code there I believe)! |
Originally Posted by Rxffy
(Post 22527838)
Hey, beautiful bike.
The serial number could be stamped on/around the rear dropout, If I'm not mistaken, it's on the inside, or possible the badge (4 digit code there I believe)! |
Originally Posted by molleraj
(Post 22527950)
Thanks!
Oh, inside! I just rode and inspected it but I couldn't find the serial number on the badge or rear dropout. You are saying I would have to remove the rear wheel to see it? I do believe it would be on the inside of the rear-dropout of an earlier Panasonic, probably the right side, I'm not sure if you'd have to remove the wheel but it might make it easier. The 4-digit serial on the badge was usually stamped real light. |
Sadly I still had bad luck trying to find the serial number, even looking on the inside of the dropout. I will probably have to pull off the rear wheel. Anyhow...
This thing rides great! My BikeE just had an integrated derailleur hanger failure (stripped out hole for derailleur bolt) so I need to either install a detachable hanger or repair the existing hole. The Panasonic also had disintegrated rim tape on the front rim (leading to unexplained flats in storage), but that was a much easier fix. This means the BikeE has been swapped with the Panasonic as my flagship bike (the perks of having multiple bikes). I took it for three rides in the past week (9, 18.5, and 26 miles) and it rides better and better each time. The key thing I need to do now is adjust the seat to the most desirable height. It's a fast (for me; 15-16 mph average) and comfortable ride. Here are some shots of the rim tape replacement and the recent rides to Rockville, Germantown, and Poolesville. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...610eb95583.jpg Rim tape replacement. Easier than expected. Bad rim tape on the ground (a portion disintegrated, leading to flats at the spoke nipple holes). https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1640bdac79.jpg Riding to the spot where I take the bus to work (NCI Shady Grove at the edge of Gaithersburg, North Potomac, and Rockville). https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6f60b44808.jpg Camp Seneca Park/Seneca Lodge in Germantown https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0739121450.jpg Indoor Swim Center in Maryland Sports Complex https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ea26daa9c0.jpg SplashPark/MiniGolf in Maryland Sports Complex https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fb94e0c42c.jpg Sugarland Road and Maryland 28 (Dawsonville) on the way to Poolesville https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b308e1d086.jpg Entering Poolesville https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...38e2bc6e51.jpg Historic downtown with some very old (early 1800s) houses at right https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8b8f0bdc32.jpg Historic Methodist church https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...030d38cf82.jpg All the big houses are made of gray and blue ticky-tacky |
I forgot to mention I recorded a couple brief videos about my Sport Deluxe. I have ridden it at least 120 miles now, to Potomac, Poolesville, Rockville, Germantown, and Boyds (same spot as DonkeyShow showed in the Clunker 100 Challenge). I plan to go from BWI to Annapolis after taking MARC to BWI at some point in the summer.
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Your joy over this this bike is contagious! I was smiling during the entire read.
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Originally Posted by BTinNYC
(Post 22591505)
Your joy over this this bike is contagious! I was smiling during the entire read.
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Originally Posted by molleraj;2I 2591998
Awww thanks! It's truly the best hi-tensile bike I have ever ridden. I never expected a hi-tensile road bike to ride so nicely. Perhaps being lugged instead of electroforged (and 1020 instead of 1010) has something to do with it, plus having aluminum alloy wheels. It really absorbs bumps quite well and is surprisingly comfortable. The fit is quite right for me (23" or 24" frame and I am 5'10"). I will post photos from the trip to Boyds soon.
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Originally Posted by 1964Supersport
(Post 22592417)
I enjoyed your story and your pictures. Looks like a nice old bike that should give you a lot of enjoyment. I recently returned to riding my old 64 Schwinn Supersport. I am the original owner, I feel like I rediscovered an old friend. Good luck with your bike.
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I forgot to mention my upgrades since purchasing the bike (aside from new rim tape on the front wheel) - two Zefal velcro strap bottle cages, a Pletscher Modell C sprung rack, and most recently, MKS Sylvan Touring pedals that feel really amazing. Here's a closeup from some photos of my ride to the Maryland Sports Complex in Germantown.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d107b1fbdf.jpg Closeup of the MKS Sylvan Touring pedals https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e7ff757cab.jpg Bottle cages and Pletscher rack shown here https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d838b62c0.jpg Schaeffer Road at the Powerline Trail https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f736136b73.jpg A view towards the sunset clouds |
Some photos from Boyds, Rockville, Dawsonville, Seneca, and Germantown, as promised. I included Boyds MARC station for @DonkeyShow.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fe9870500d.jpg Sugarland Road from Dawsonville south to Seneca https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...56d0d402d3.jpg Rocklands Farm https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c64424c9c8.jpg Seneca Road from Seneca towards Darnestown https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...59b69a7f0e.jpg NCI Shady Grove on the western edge of Rockville https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...13aed7081a.jpg Montgomery College in Rockville https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ce9c9a217d.jpg Parilla Performing Arts Center at Montgomery College https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3a23f8e463.jpg Entering the historic town of Boyds https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c3207e3d9d.jpg Double rainbow at Black Hill Regional Park (Little Seneca Lake) https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...12651a2047.jpg Boyds Presbyterian Church https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...09786744c7.jpg MARC train to Martinsburg arrives at Boyds |
And some more I left out.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...11059faf0f.jpg Model Airpark west of Germantown https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...08dae5b043.jpg Crossing over Great Seneca Creek https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0fafe23f0d.jpg Approaching Dawsonville https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...72c1c17ebe.jpg Homestead Farm towards Seneca https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eef6a65fc3.jpg Poole's General Merchandise Store in Seneca |
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