View Poll Results: Your favorite Japanese manufacturer.
Fuji
22
16.79%
Miyata
38
29.01%
Centurion
15
11.45%
Nishiki
8
6.11%
Panasonic
17
12.98%
Bridgestone
10
7.63%
Univega
7
5.34%
Sekai
2
1.53%
Lotus
10
7.63%
Shogun
2
1.53%
Voters: 131. You may not vote on this poll
Which Japanese Bicycle Manufacturer is your favorite?
#52
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FYI, that Professional is not a 1985, unless the decals have been replaced with incorrect versions. The presence of the Piaggio decal indicates it's no newer than a 1984 model and the decal scheme suggests closer to 1982. The serial number will reveal the exact frame manufacturing date.
I have been unable to identify the Japanese manufacturer but they put out a quality product, also building some Miele, Specialized, Shogun and Takara. I actually prefer their 1980s mid-range range Bianchi models over the ones coming out of the Italian factory, as the workmanship was more consistent.
I have been unable to identify the Japanese manufacturer but they put out a quality product, also building some Miele, Specialized, Shogun and Takara. I actually prefer their 1980s mid-range range Bianchi models over the ones coming out of the Italian factory, as the workmanship was more consistent.
...as always, thanks.
#53
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You can find Miele bicycles from Canada, Italy, Japanese and Taiwan. Miele didn't open the Missisauga factory until the late 1980s, Even after that, some of the lower models would come out of Japan because it was more cost effective. Jim Miele actually spec'd the Canadian market Bianchi models, so it's no surprise that Bianchi and Miele models had a source in common.
Edit: It's impossible to provide a definitive list of Japanese models, as sources could vary from year to year depending on the relative value of the $CDN versus the Japanese Yen. It was always about making a profit and Miele always seemed to be hanging on by a tenuous thread. However, I can state that I've seen models as high as the Elite S coming out of Japan.
Edit: It's impossible to provide a definitive list of Japanese models, as sources could vary from year to year depending on the relative value of the $CDN versus the Japanese Yen. It was always about making a profit and Miele always seemed to be hanging on by a tenuous thread. However, I can state that I've seen models as high as the Elite S coming out of Japan.
Cheers
#55
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I voted Centurion because I just finished restoring this one and, it rides as good as it looks.............................
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#56
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Well it was Fuji, I have 2 more modern ones and have long been a fan but pulling them from the Police smacks of a publicity grab to me.
Hindering a very specific segment of their work over a few bad actors is shortsighted IMO.
And just to be clear, I agree that drastic measures are needed in too much of this but this isn't it, again IMO.
Hindering a very specific segment of their work over a few bad actors is shortsighted IMO.
And just to be clear, I agree that drastic measures are needed in too much of this but this isn't it, again IMO.
#57
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I'm 100% for BLM, but it does seem an odd choice by Fuji. It's not terribly constructive. They can support BLM in other ways, more meaningful ways.
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#59
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I’ll vote Panasonic since I still own one. But a quality vintage Japanese steel frame? You can’t go wrong.
I think the Japanese know something about making high quality steel. ⚔️
I think the Japanese know something about making high quality steel. ⚔️
Last edited by viffer; 06-15-20 at 11:15 AM.
#60
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Miyata. Even my lowly 110 beats some of the others. Have only owned it since 94, but... still such a sweet ride.
#61
Wrench Savant
Many of the choices listed are BRANDS, not manufacturers. The brand owner contracted with manufacturers. While there differences in the quality, and more importantly, consistency of that respective quality, the specifications and designs provided by the brand owner will further affect what we associate with quality as the end user. In many cases, the brand owner listed switched manufacturers over the years, so it is difficult to simply say this brand is better than that brand. It depends upon the year built. While some manufacturers also produce(d) bikes under their own name in the North American market, there were some very good manufactures, Kuwamara comes to mind, that did not. Bridgestone originally produced bikes under the brand Kabuki before switching to their name int he early/mid-1980's.
I believe that of the choices, only Fuji, Panasonic, Miyata and Bridgestone I chose Miyata as of the examples that have crossed my stand, the seem to have the most consistently good brazing/lug-work of the four. However, I would not scoff at any of them as they are all good to very good.
I will also point out that listing makers such as 3Rensho, Zunlow, Cheribum is not really a good comparison as they are doing two different things relative to production.
I believe that of the choices, only Fuji, Panasonic, Miyata and Bridgestone I chose Miyata as of the examples that have crossed my stand, the seem to have the most consistently good brazing/lug-work of the four. However, I would not scoff at any of them as they are all good to very good.
I will also point out that listing makers such as 3Rensho, Zunlow, Cheribum is not really a good comparison as they are doing two different things relative to production.
#63
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Bikes: Wow, where to start? A collection of 1980's and early 90's road, touring, and MTBs from the likes of Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Fuji, Miyata, Univega, Panasonic, and GT. It has gotten rather out of control.
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I was leaning towards Fuji because I just like their design and specs, but Miyata takes the nod for me for many of the reasons stated earlier. Made their own tubing, very high quality production, and the trickle down effect similar to early Cannondales where even lower and mid-level models had very high quality frames/tubing. They still watched the bottom line like in my former 1989 312 where it wore the "Spline Triple Butted" sticker, but the only splined tube was the downtube.
#64
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I have to say that just about any Japanese bikes are very good even the schwinn stuff made there. They just hold-up. I have a Lotus Elan 75 that I am completing and a Matsuri that I have to get more info on.
#65
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Well, I obviously voted for Lotus, although I don't have much experience with the other brands. My Lotus Unique was what got me started with the C&V bug, and I especially liked that is was a Long Island based brand.
My Legend is a great bike, both to ride and to look at. I noticed a few nice Centurions with Tange 1 tubing, but I think Lotus did it better with the all chrome fork and rear triangle, plus fastback stays. I got this bike a few years ago and it looked like it had just been sitting, unridden, for at least 25 years. Aside from a saddle swap, tape, tires and some very minor adjustments, it performs very well.
My Legend is a great bike, both to ride and to look at. I noticed a few nice Centurions with Tange 1 tubing, but I think Lotus did it better with the all chrome fork and rear triangle, plus fastback stays. I got this bike a few years ago and it looked like it had just been sitting, unridden, for at least 25 years. Aside from a saddle swap, tape, tires and some very minor adjustments, it performs very well.
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#66
Senior Member
I chose Centurion as well i just really like them. Although Centurion is not a Japanese brand . They are a US brand started in SoCal . they just contracted the bike manufacturing with companies in Japan and Taiwan. err i digress.
here is a few of my Centurions:
1987 Master and Expert Ironman
1988 Master Ironman
1985 Ironman
here is a few of my Centurions:
1987 Master and Expert Ironman
1988 Master Ironman
1985 Ironman
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#67
ranchhand60
For me it's 1.Univega 2.Miyata 3.Centurion....Have 9 Univegas in collection.No longer have a Miyata 1000 nor the Centurion Pro Tour.The first model not the last version.
#68
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I've always had a fondness for Fujis. Helping my buddy in Erie start the town's third bicycle shop based around Fuji and Atala (and, unfortunately, Lambert) ensured that there would always be a place in my mind for the marque. And, thirty years later, I finally restored a Fuji Finest:
But that wasn't my first one. Back in 2004, getting back into the sport after a 27 year absence, I did a lot of catching up on the market. Having finished restoring the Raleigh Gran Sport that dragged me back, I figured I needed to build something modern (at this point 9-speed with brifters) to catch up on the technology. Still being somewhat bewildered after living in a 27 year bicycle vacuum, I'm digging thru the Westminster, MD swap meet and I run across what appeared to be a really nice looking steel frame with a very familiar name: Fuji Finest.
Which, while still being double butted steel, was far from the top of Fuji's line. Nevertheless, it got built in 9-speed Ultegra, sew up rims, and served me well for many years. Not that they were my only Fujis:
Followed by a couple of others too modern for this venue. Always keeping my eye out for another one.
But that wasn't my first one. Back in 2004, getting back into the sport after a 27 year absence, I did a lot of catching up on the market. Having finished restoring the Raleigh Gran Sport that dragged me back, I figured I needed to build something modern (at this point 9-speed with brifters) to catch up on the technology. Still being somewhat bewildered after living in a 27 year bicycle vacuum, I'm digging thru the Westminster, MD swap meet and I run across what appeared to be a really nice looking steel frame with a very familiar name: Fuji Finest.
Which, while still being double butted steel, was far from the top of Fuji's line. Nevertheless, it got built in 9-speed Ultegra, sew up rims, and served me well for many years. Not that they were my only Fujis:
Followed by a couple of others too modern for this venue. Always keeping my eye out for another one.
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Syke
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#69
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If contract marketing brands are removed from consideration and manufacturers are all that are considered, then I like Miyata and Panasonic the most. This is based on what Ive ridden, what Ive worked on, and what ive seen/read online.
This also excludes the smaller builders. Manufacturers like Zunow, 3Rensho, Kalavinka, Cherubim, etc were so limited in volume and didnt sell a full range of bikes that I dont really consider them in the same category as Fuji, Panasonic, Miyata, etc.
It would be like comparing a 70s handbuilt Ritchey to a 70s Chicago produced Schwinn when discussing American manufacturers.
Panasonic- their own line was super nice in the mid and late 80s. Great spec, nice paint designs, and the ones I have seen had clean joints especially the dropouts. What they built on contract for other brands was also nice, from the handful Ive seen/owned.
Miyata- well finished, used their own tubing by the mid-80s(so clearly invested in quality), and very durable paint. What they built on contract for Univega was also nice. Miyata's attempt to further vertically integrate their manufacturing process is a really neat part of history.
This also excludes the smaller builders. Manufacturers like Zunow, 3Rensho, Kalavinka, Cherubim, etc were so limited in volume and didnt sell a full range of bikes that I dont really consider them in the same category as Fuji, Panasonic, Miyata, etc.
It would be like comparing a 70s handbuilt Ritchey to a 70s Chicago produced Schwinn when discussing American manufacturers.
Panasonic- their own line was super nice in the mid and late 80s. Great spec, nice paint designs, and the ones I have seen had clean joints especially the dropouts. What they built on contract for other brands was also nice, from the handful Ive seen/owned.
Miyata- well finished, used their own tubing by the mid-80s(so clearly invested in quality), and very durable paint. What they built on contract for Univega was also nice. Miyata's attempt to further vertically integrate their manufacturing process is a really neat part of history.
#70
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Well it was Fuji, I have 2 more modern ones and have long been a fan but pulling them from the Police smacks of a publicity grab to me.
Hindering a very specific segment of their work over a few bad actors is shortsighted IMO.
And just to be clear, I agree that drastic measures are needed in too much of this but this isn't it, again IMO.
Hindering a very specific segment of their work over a few bad actors is shortsighted IMO.
And just to be clear, I agree that drastic measures are needed in too much of this but this isn't it, again IMO.
2- the fuji of 40, 30, 20, and even 2 years ago is different from fuji of today. The brand name has been sold 4 or so times since the original company declared bankruptcy in the 90s.
Point is- complaining about what the brand name did in recent weeks has 0 to do with what we are discussing and also has 0 to do with the brand fuji we refer to in this forum.
#71
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The pink Lotus Supreme danced in my memories and dreams for a long time. Simply exquisite bicycle...
My Japanese Bianchi Randonneur (still crying over my stupidity in selling that in 1990) was one of the finest finish/built production level bicycles I have ever seen/owned.
My Japanese Bianchi Randonneur (still crying over my stupidity in selling that in 1990) was one of the finest finish/built production level bicycles I have ever seen/owned.
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
#72
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1- comments like this push a thread about 30-40 year old bikes towards being moved to the political board. that isnt necessary.
2- the fuji of 40, 30, 20, and even 2 years ago is different from fuji of today. The brand name has been sold 4 or so times since the original company declared bankruptcy in the 90s.
Point is- complaining about what the brand name did in recent weeks has 0 to do with what we are discussing and also has 0 to do with the brand fuji we refer to in this forum.
2- the fuji of 40, 30, 20, and even 2 years ago is different from fuji of today. The brand name has been sold 4 or so times since the original company declared bankruptcy in the 90s.
Point is- complaining about what the brand name did in recent weeks has 0 to do with what we are discussing and also has 0 to do with the brand fuji we refer to in this forum.
If the current company regime taints the legacy then it's relevant, which this doe's, again IMO.
Your opinion has 0 to do with mine.
Again, tx for sharing.
#73
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I have only owned a couple of Japanese bikes, one I still own. One I bought new in the late seventies a Kabuki Diamond Formula which I still own and ride. It was my transportation for over two years and never any trouble with the Suntour equipment that came with it. The Sunshine hubs were smooth enough and lasted several thousand miles in all the Southern California weather and locked to the shrouds of my sail boat (salt spray) that I was living on . I did relace the wheels which I changed to Gentleman 700c with stainless steel spokes. The other bike I owned for two years was a new Centurion Elite RS with Cyclone drive and Champion Tubing and that was a great bike a 1984 or so I think. I bought it in 2013 and it had never been ridden! It had nice bronze anodized group including the wheels , SS spokes , and Gran Come brakes. I paid $100 for it , rode it for two years and sold it for $300 so I could buy a Raleigh Competition GS 1977 that I like better. I think a lot of the Japanese bikes are really nice and hold up well. I couldn't tell you how many miles I have on my Kabuki , but it is a bunch and it still rides nicely.
#74
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Someone else voted Shogun! I'm not alone anymore!
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59 Allegro Special -- 72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
59 Allegro Special -- 72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque