Old Ten Speed Gallery

It takes a special OTS to carry you through a rainy hump-day like this. Darin’s 1986 Panasonic Team America will get the job done in style even if you refuse to ride this “cupboard queen” in the rain! Be sure to stop by Darin’s excellent site: http://panasonicbikemuseum.info

I had sent you some pics of my ‘88 Panasonic DX-5000 and ‘83 AR-6000 but I guess I hadn’t sent you pics of my favorite Panasonic, my 1986 Panasonic Team America. Took me a while to get around to shooting new pics of the bike as it is usually on display in my kitchen above the cupboards. (What, doesn’t every cyclist/collector do that?)

Anyhow, back in 1985 I got a Panasonic Team bicycle for my 11th birthday (yeah, you’ll get pics of that too someday) and that is what got me interested in the bikes. I picked up the 1986 catalog on a visit to my nearby dealer and instantly fell in love with the Team America from that year. Of course being 11 going on 12, I wasn’t exactly flush with cash so the Team America was just a distant pipe dream for me at the time… along with the other high end Italian bikes I dreamed of.
Oddly, I kept coming back to the Team America and would check on eBay from time to time just to see what might be out there. I just NEVER saw them for sale, so you can imagine my reaction when this bike turned up on eBay a couple years ago. I nearly fell off my chair! It looked to be in great shape and I just had to get it. When it arrived I cleaned it up, put on new tires, a new Dura Ace chain, NOS brake hoods, and handlebar wrap and it was just like new. It literally looks like it came out of a time capsule!

Cheers,

Darin
PanasonicBikeMuseum.info

Thanks again Darin

It’s time to get all caught up with the OTSOTM, so we’re doing a triple ballot this week. By now, you should know the drill. Find your fav and vote for it. Be sure to vote for all three months!

This poll will close next Wednesday, March 17, at or around 12pm central time.

Continuing with Japanese Week, this is Connor’s 1977 Bridgestone Kabuki Superlight.  The perfect mid-70s OTS in my eyes: chrome cable clamps, chrome fork tips, chrome pie plate, and of course—center-pulls!

This is my 1977 Bridgestone Kabuki Superlight I picked up for about $100 in the summer of ‘09. This is my first road bike, a made in Japan beauty back from when Bridgestone marketed their bicycles under the name Kabuki. It rides great and is mostly original with the exception of a front tire, the saddle, and the seafoam green bar tape. This bike got me hooked and now I’m always looking for old ten speeds and your gallery provides some excellent food for thought. Another fun fact: I broke my arm riding this bike back in November and couldn’t wait to get back on.

Thanks,
Connor in Miami

Thanks Connor

I’m back from vacation all rested and revitalized, and ready to post some old ten speed goodies.  I’m starting off our “Spring” with some theme weeks, and first of our themes is a good ol’ Japanese Week(s).  This will be two installments separated by a Cottered Crank Week and the debut of One Piece Crank Week.

I really couldn’t ask for a better bike to kick off Japanese week. This is Benjamin’s ’80s Fuji Del Rey.

This was my mistress for the Summer and Fall of 2009. We explored the mysterious back alleys and hidden river paths of Santa Cruz county together. Heavy lifting accomplished and and 30 a mile Wildcat ride to boot! This is one bicycle I will never forget. Had to sell it when I found a much better fitting Univega Gran Rally.

Suntour Cyclone brakes (600’s eventually), Shimano light-action shifting, 600 brake levers, touring peddles, fond memories, VALite tubes. Handpainted the lugs myself; metallic copper to compliment the beautiful patina on the frame.

May you ride for decades more, oh del REY of Summertime!

Thanks Benjamin

First time contributor, Dan B in Connecticut, offers for our enjoyment his Austro Daimler Pathfinder A-D.  A $40 C-list grab, and bargain at thrice the price!

Hi. First submission to OTSG. I have been collecting and riding OTS bikes for about two years now. Fantastic photos on your website. A great combination of bikes plus location. I am already scouting locations for future bike photos. Attached are photos of a Austro Daimler by Puch Pathfinder A-D that I purchased for $40 off a CL ad. Age is unknown. The bike needed only new tires and tubes. Aside from a few scratches to the top tube, the frame is in good condition. Components include Suntour AR shifters and front and rear derailleurs, Sugino cranks and Weinmann brakes. I am looking forward to becoming a regular visitor to your site and frequent contributor.

Dan B.

Thanks Dan