James D’s Early 1980’s Repco Traveller

Posted

Another fine Australian entry today. This is James D’s Repco Traveller.

Hi OTSG,

Here I have some pictures of my early 1980’s Repco Traveller (photos attached).

‘Repco’ was an Australian brand of steel framed bicycles during the 80’s that were manufactured in Japan. They were the cheaper versions of the Nishiki 10 speeds, but still of reasonable quality.

I recovered this rusted ‘Repco’ bike frame from an old recycling depot a couple of years ago, had it powder coated in French blue and fitted it out with some new 27 x 1 ¼ Velocity wheels, and a Shimano 600 arabesque group set that I had in the cupboard. You’ve gotta love the arabesque components, they are very stylish. I also added a Nitto Technomic stem and Nitto B115 handlebars.

I fitted a used Brooks Professional saddle and new Brooks leather bar tape to finish things off. The bike rides really well and looks great. There is some more info on the build on my blog at http://perthvintagecycles.blogspot.com.au/

Thanks for a fantastic website, I visit it regularly. Keep up the good work!

Cheers,

James D.

Perth, Western Australia.

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  4. Scott C’s Bridgestone Kabuki Super Speed
  5. Jason G’s 1972 Raleigh Grand Sports
  • BeaterRezQ

    James D.,
    Stunning!
    Gotta love the ol’ 600 group set, I had a similar grouping on an old Univega that was also made in Japan–very classy looking. I’m so glad that you included a picture of the brake levers, I’ve been a big fan of these ever since my Uni. Those white-walls add the extra bling to complete a handsome package.
    Looks like you picked a nice steel frame and ran with it. (and did a great job)
    The way that you described Repco as being a “cheaper version of a Nishiki”, makes me think of a Cycle Pro…and I’ve seen some fairly well made CP’s–so the Repco’s in good company.
    BRQ

  • Ryan Surface

    Beautiful bike James ! I am also a fan of the Arabesque group and have the DT shifters and Front Derailleur on my 1979ish Miyata 912. Enjoy your classy ride.

    Cameron the folks from Oz have really been “representin’ ” in the OTSG ‘hood recently.

  • DOCSPROCKET

    JAMES THIS IS PERFECT RESTORATION I LOVE THE COLOR & ALL THE FINISHING TOUCHES
    THE COLOR YOU CHOSE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES I USED NEARLY THE SAME ON A FUJI I RESTORED & SUBMITTED HERE. SEE THE ATTACHED PHOTO

  • Trailerparkcyclist

    Hey James! Great bike and I really enjoyed visiting your Blog. I already follow over thirty bike blogs but now I have one more. I also have a soft spot for Raleigh Bicycles and found your site both informative and entertaining. I’m glad you found your way to the OTSG.