rgvg

Not the rims.
I just got one today, haven't cleaned it but I took pictures.
And there doesn't seem to be a thread for it, though there are two threads that have some pictures
From 2009 https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...raya-bike.html
and 2006 https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ya-frames.html

What I have isn't fancy, but I think it's decent quality. I saw one other example on our local cl some months ago, and there was another that was different model about a month or two ago. Other than that, I haven't seen too many advertised.

I'm guessing the model name for mine is T250, which makes me think it was touring orientated. However, the chainstays are only about 430mm. And there is only 1 set of bottle bosses. OTOH, there are double eyelets front and back, no mid fork eyelets. Tubing is Tange 900. Frame manufactured 1984, according to the serial. Components are so so. The rims are predictably Araya.

I will probably swap out the stem for something taller if I can find one, and I like wider flat pedals. If I want to use 700c, I will need to get longer reach brakes. But I'm fine with 27" if there's new tires in stock at one of the LBS. I'm hopeful this will be one of my favorite bikes when I can get it to fit the way I want.

Anybody else have any Arayas kicking around? There's got to be one or two?

And the pics.

malcala622

Not mine anymore but just to show another Araya here's one I sold 2 years ago

T-Mar

This is fairly typical of the entry level "touring" bicycles of the era. To hit the target price point they often had to forego the major grand touring features like triple chainrings, cantilever brakes and, bar end shift levers, but also often had to cut back on smaller features such as multiple bottle bosses, other brazed-on amenities and 40H rear wheels. The components were generally upper entry level. Other entry level, Japanese "touring" bicycles bicycles of the era, such as the Miyata 210, used a similar approach. Some members prefer the term "light touring".

rgvg

That makes sense. I won't be touring but this should work for the riding I like. Mainly just around town but I do harbor ambitions of doing longer rides at some point. Sadly my family doesn't like riding bikes so day rides is about the longest I can realistically hope to do.

ScottRyder 

I was lucky enough to photograph this 1983 Araya "Aero" for the the "Japanese Steel: Classic Bicycle Design from Japan" project. Because it's chrome I'm pretty sure it was one of the most difficult bicycles to photograph.




Cheers,

Scott

rgvg

Your book's section on Araya bikes was the main reason I knew it wouldn't be a mistake to go after my bike, even if it wasn't a high end bike. I'm hopeful it will turn out to be one of my favorites.

Stevensb 

Here’s another thread with a couple Araya road bikes including my 823. I keep it as my “0” bike at my BIL’s house for visits but I haven’t seen it for the last 2 years.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...d-bicycle.html




Cheers.

Brad

Murray Missile 

Not Araya badged but it's totally an Araya, 1984 Focus SG-300.