Let’s keep up the discovery and take a look at another OTSG First, Eric H‘s Mizutani Seraph Spree.

 Hi Cameron.

This is a mid-1970’s Mizutani Seraph Spree.  I got it for $20 at a garage sale last fall…the nice Brooks leather saddle alone was worth $20. The seller did not know the year the bike was purchased but estimated it at the mid-1970’s.

There is precious little info on the net regarding Mizutanis.  A bunch were imported into the USA, especially Oregon (where I live) in the mid-1970’s due to the bike boom.

There was the Seraph, the Seraph Spree, and the Seraph Super.  The Spree is the mid-level model, featuring a carbon steel frame and aluminum crankset and wheels. I am told the Super had a cro-moly frame.

The cassette for this rig was, unfortunately, worn beyond saving and wouldn’t stay in 10th gear for love or money, and so I replaced with a 6-speed cassette which required another rear derailleur…at least that is the only modification that was required.

This machine, as eqipped, weighs in at about 32 lbs.  July 30, I will ride it on a Century Ride for the Tour De Cure here in Northwest Oregon.
[Due to time in the queue, Eric’s event has already passed. If you feel so inclined you may still donate to his cause here.]

The headbadge is neat, but unfortunately was hard to photograph…it shows a depiction of the mythical namesake beast, looking a lot like the Egyptian god Anubis.  You have to love it when a vehicle is named after a mythical beast and carries a depiction of said beast…the world would be a better place if more vehicles were named and adorned in this manner.

Here is a link to the fundraising page for this fine machine:

Thanks Cameron!