Classic & Vintage - Panasonic DX-4000

Hey all. Ive found myself on this site every day for the last few months digging up info (thanks for all the good beta) but this is my first post. I recently picked up a Panasonic DX-4000 stripped down to a single speed that I scored on EBay for $50. All the components that are left are 105s, this includes both hubs, crank, cassettes, and brakes. What I want to know is when abouts does this ride date from (serial #7A01198), where in Panasonic's line did it sit (I think pretty high), and would the components be original? I think I scored a pretty good get but I'd like to know all that I can. Thanks!

T-Mar would know better, but I think it was 3rd from the top. DA, then 600, then 105. 6000, 5000, 4000, respectively. I had a 6000, it was Tange aero tubing and complete DA AX, and a 5000, Tange #1 and complete 600. Both were good bikes.

Sometime the forum members give me far too much credit. I haven't delved into the format of the Panasonic seraial numbers, but an educated case would be that it is a 1987 model. 3rd from the top sounds about right, on the basis of the component groups, though there is always the possibility that they snuck in an extra model or two using a carbon fiber or titianium frame. What I can tell you for certain is that 105 is correct for a 1987 DX-4000 and it originally cost $500 US. The frame should be Tange #2, the bars ansd stem would be SR and the saddle a Selle Italia Mundlialita.

During the 1987 era, Panasonic was making some 105 and Ultegra level bikes for Schwinn...the "Super Sport" I have is a wonderful bike...Schwinn knew what they were doing when they started putting Schwinn decals on Panasonic-built bikes...their Schwinasonic models...

I have a Panasonic DX-4000 with full shimano 600 "arabesque" drive train and brakes. Cool looking components.

During the 1987 era, Panasonic was making some 105 and Ultegra level bikes for Schwinn...the "Super Sport" I have is a wonderful bike...Schwinn knew what they were doing when they started putting Schwinn decals on Panasonic-built bikes...their Schwinasonic models...

Yup. I worked in a shop whose main line was Panasonic. We were always trying to convince people who had visited the Schwinn shop in town that the "Schwinn Approved" LeTours were the same bikes we had but with a higher pricetag. And they would get better service from us to boot.

Yup. I worked in a shop whose main line was Panasonic. We were always trying to convince people who had visited the Schwinn shop in town that the "Schwinn Approved" LeTours were the same bikes we had but with a higher pricetag. And they would get better service from us to boot.

I got an '88 one with Tange1 tubing. The white one with pink and celeste green splattered all over it. I wonder if that is a mis-badged Tange. would you happen to know?

Ive been trying to dig up another one of these beauties since the day I nabbed this one. They ride like a dream. I only wish I had the pile of parts the guy pulled off this one to convert it. I have to say its the nicest handling SS project ive ever ridden and the envy of all who try it out. I bet these were wicked fast rides in their prime. Its a shame they are so hard to find.

I have a Panasonic DX-4000 with full shimano 600 "arabesque" drive train and brakes. Cool looking components.

Sweet. I'll leave my DX-5000 the way I have it set up now, but have an itch to put "arabesque" drive train goodies on another old steel frame....if I could find one in good shape.

js

I got an '88 one with Tange1 tubing. The white one with pink and celeste green splattered all over it. I wonder if that is a mis-badged Tange. would you happen to know?

Yes, the 1988 version was upgraded to Tange #1, along with a 10%-20% increase in the suggested retail price. They charged a lot for those little colored swashs. :D Aren't there some yellow swashs too?

I got an '88 one with Tange1 tubing. The white one with pink and celeste green splattered all over it. I wonder if that is a mis-badged Tange. would you happen to know?

Me too ( I think its 87' based on the serial # and its white w/pink&celeste green with Tange1 tubing decal and 105 groupo), I found mine in the garbage in mint condition. :) I even asked the home owner if he was throwing it out in the garbage before taking it home. He even upgraded the crank to Ultegra and had a Dura-Ace BB installed. No rust when I got it, but sadly surface rust is now appearing on some of the lugs and the cable guides, I use it at my rainy day commuter. Does your 88 have the pink brake cables?

I've got a -I think- 1985 DX-2000. Perhaps T-mar can educate me about its original components and tubing :) I think it's Tange 900 (seamed cromo) with hi-ten stays?

I've got a -I think- 1985 DX-2000. Perhaps T-mar can educate me about its original components and tubing :) I think it's Tange 900 (seamed cromo) with hi-ten stays?


Sorry, I don't have anything on the 1985 DX2000. But I know that the DX-3000 from that year had hi-tensile stays, so it's a pretty safe bet that the lower DX-2000 would also have used hi-tensile for the stays.

Yes, the 1988 version was upgraded to Tange #1, along with a 10%-20% increase in the suggested retail price. They charged a lot for those little colored swashs. :D Aren't there some yellow swashs too?

Thanks for the inof T-Mar. It does have some yellow too. Is it really 6speed only? for a full 105.


Does your 88 have the pink brake cables?
Hi k, yes on the pink brake cables.

Thanks T-Mar. I'm actually uncertain about the year (and model! original paint was almost all gone): 1st digit on lower headlug starts with a 5, however the headbadge ends with a 0, preceded with what could be the day of the production year. Came as a frame only; headtube is JIS and original colour was dark gray.

Thanks for the inof T-Mar. It does have some yellow too. Is it really 6speed only? for a full 105...


105 did not go 7 speed until 1989, so 6 is correct.

105 did not go 7 speed until 1989, so 6 is correct.

Wow... thanks again. I tried to sell it but now I know more info on it, I guess its a keeper.