Tags:
hows it look so far?
This was Panasonic's top of the line road frame in 1986. Its sister frames were the Campagnolo-equipped Team Europe and Suntour Superbe Pro-equipped Team Japan. All shared the same Columbus SP/SL tubeset and SP fork with Lostwax lugs. The ride compares favorably with other Italian-inspired Japanese frames from the era by Miyata and Bridgestone. It would have come with Araya rims and very light Panasonic/Panaracer tubulars.
If you did want to restore it, you'd go with 6 speed Dura Ace SIS (down tube shifters of course). The Superbe Pro version had a 7 speed cluster. Everything else is easy enough to find: Nitto Pearl stem, Cinelli-bend Nitto drops, Dura Ace seatpost, Selle Italia Turbo saddle. And remember to use gum hoods on the brake levers! 126mm spaced rear wheels are plentiful and cheap.
This frame does not have braze ons for fenders or racks and in fact, the chainstays are very short -- so clearance for either will prove difficult. While not as aggressive or stiff as modern road racing bikes, this frame will corner and descend well for lighter riders. But I would make sure that it's aligned properly before you spend time and money on it.
Or you could just cobble it together with used and modern parts. But isn't that a little too easy? I've nothing against conversions, but this frame is almost too nice to live out its remaining years with such ignominy.
Looks great so far. What sort of components do you have lined up? Going vintage or modern? I'd go Suntour all the way.
DONE! except for a little tweak or two. ive decided against the fuck yeah..
DONE! except for a little tweak or two. ive decided against the fuck yeah..
ive decided against the fuck yeah..
203 members
1 member
270 members
1 member
261 members