Need help identifying this vintage mountain bike
 

Hey All,

The non-profit community bike shop that I work for recently received this bike as a donation.

We just aren’t sure what it is?

Anyone out there have any ideas?

Thanks for any help or insight.

-gregg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0ed76f99d.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d2f20a500.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...44ee9dd56.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6ea951a87.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ee10c9e27.jpeg

This is a odd one the U -brake would seem to indicate 87-88 or so but I wouldn't expect to see full lugs and this style fork in this level bike from 87-88. It does look a lot like some lesser model Miyata's I have seen from the mid 80's except for the U-Brake and DR's.

Maybe a Peugeot Orient Express? I recently read something about them having a "faux" biplane fork, and I think it refers to a fork like the one pictured.

It does seem to be a match for a 86 Japanese built Orient Express. The frame and nearly all the components seem to match including the early U-brake , Suntour XC and Gallio sealed headset which are pretty rare.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1cfabf9aac.jpg

Also if selling in good shape the wheelset with dimpled Ukai rims and sealed hubs is worth more than the bike basically about $175-200 and some more if the rims are 1.75 and the vintage rubber is good..

Wow, thanks for the info, zukahn! This is very helpful!!

+1 for @zukahn1. The serial number is for Araya of Japan. Araya was contracted to build mountain bikes for several companies including SR and Ritchey.

Having sold a fair number of the dimpled rim wheel sets, prices have dipped recently. Sadly, I wasn't fast enough selling what I had. Shipping on wheel sets is surprisingly high. Usually I can ship a frameset for less.

Part it out!
 

Worth so much more to sell the parts individually. As a whole bike, it's not worth much. Would do better for your bike co-op to part it out.