Jeff V’s 1980 Panasonic Villager II

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We start this Holiday Week with a gift from ots flipper, Jeff V. This little beut’ is a 1980 Panasonic Villager II with Shimano FFS.

Hi Cameron,

Jeff V here.  This is my final “cleanup project” for 2010…but one I really enjoyed bringing back to life. It’s a 1980 Panasonic Villager II with FFS and Positron shifting.  21 inch seat tube.  All is original, except the new Kenda skinwalls.  Chrome is very nice except on the crank arms where it is severely pitted.   It has the Shimano FFS w/Positron shift.   Note the unusually long handlebar stem. This is original, as shown in the 1980 Panasonic catalog, and makes for a more “comfy” upright riding position.  So, please readers, do not accuse me of having the stem above its “max limit line” because it’s not! It’s a fairly lightweight frame, shifts smoothly and has a nice firm ride.  Oh – note the curved “touring” handlebars – this bike was actually pricey when new! Enjoy.

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  • Julie s

    Those are awesome randonneur bars/and a great stem for them. Good job on the resto. What kind of wrap will you use? My vote would be for black.

  • http://oldtenspeed.com Jeff

    I agree that black wrap would be an excellent choice! I usually don’t put handlebar wrap on the bikes I sell, since that way the buyer can choose what they like. Thanks for your comment !