Originally Posted by
T-Mar
The OP is correct, there were no Sekine Medalist models. That was a name started by one of the forum members who little about the Sekine models. In fact why he chose "Medalist", when the head badge sates "Medialle" is beyond me. It doesn't even translate to "medalist", though the Japanese may have made some transcription error, inadvertently changing the meaning.
Regardless, the subject bicycle is beautiful example of a Sekine RM-10, circa 1979-1980. It is not a racing bicycle but what used to be called a recreational/touring bicycle. That is not to imply a "grand" touring bicycle. It doesn't have the amenities for multi-day touring with a heavy load. It was designed more for an avid cyclist for who had no aspirations to compete but enjoyed, longer day rides.
The combination of Tange Champion #2 and Shimano 600EX makes it a solid mid-range model for its era. Original pricing was around $300 CDN. It might not be collectible in the USA but these have a good size following in Canada. I'd say the pricing was fair and if you're in a larger metropolitan area, such as Vancouver, it would be considered a bargain.
What this bike will do very well is serve as a fendered commuter with either fix gear or single speed. It could well be one of the bikes in my line of 5 frames. Peugeot UO-8, nice Japanese sport Schwinn, mediocre Sekine (this bike would be a big step up), Miyata 610 and my current Trek 4something. Each frame served until its time was up, then the parts lifted and draped onto the next frame. (Whatever sported horizontal dropouts and fender eyes and clearance for winter 32c's.) The heyday of bicycles. Uniform tubing diameters, threads, etc. (Well the French weren't there quite yet but they arrived.)
In my line of winter/rain/city frames, this would be up there with that sweet sport Schwinn as the nicest of those ride. (Sadly, it got stolen at 8,000 miles. But my Campy track hubbed wheel was not on it, so that core piece and the lineage carried on. And I no longer had to ride the steel Cinelli bars and very nice Fuji America Brooks-like saddle my underside hated.)