Classic & Vintage Bicycle Appraisals and Inquiries - A good price for a Kabuki Super Speed?

Hey everybody!

I usually go for clunkier cruiser bikes from the 1970s but I might have found a good deal on a "lightweight". A fellow from the next county over is selling a 1974 Kabuki Super Speed 10-Speed in barely-ridden condition. Was this on the lower end of Kabuki's bikes, and how does a lower end Kabuki compare to say, a Schwinn Continental of the same era? He's also got a matching women's bike. Is around $80 for the men's reasonable?

I'm kind of excited about finding a Kabuki so close, my Dad had the largest-framed bike Kabuki available and ran over $400 in the 1970s. (Engraved handlebars too...gave it to Goodwill in a move!)

Post some pics please, someone may be able to help you with pics :)

Okedoke! Hoping for some soon.

The SS was bottom of the line and cost $159 US. A very basic bicycle with hi-tensile steel frame and all steel parts (except for the stem and brakes). You're looking at hauling about 34 lbs.

I bought my Super Speed for $10 but the rear wheel was trashed. I rebuilt it as a three speed with a Shimano hub, new alloy rims, 27x1 1/8 tires, and alloy bars, which dropped the weight down to 28 lbs. The new wheels and tires made a HUGE difference, due to the rotating weight. Its still no featherweight, but I enjoy the ride.

Oh man, I think he took this with his cell phone. I'm fairly close so I should probably go take a look, I just haven't had the time. I like the color.


Personally, the weight doesn't bother me too much. I'm looking for a taller frame that can hopefully support my bulk.

From what I've been told, minus a few nicks here and there, it is a new bike. I see stem shifters, and maybe center-pull brakes. I had previously been considering a Continental/Varsity. He originally wanted $190 for the matching Mens/Womens pair. Can the $80 I want to offer get me a better bike in this condition or should I hold out for something with alloy wheels? (Something I've longed for after cleaning chrome for so many hours.)

I just sold one in that range kabuki ssk.took me quite a few postings to do it .lbs said it was worth 100.

The SS was bottom of the line and cost $159 US. A very basic bicycle with hi-tensile steel frame and all steel parts (except for the stem and brakes). You're looking at hauling about 34 lbs.

Do you have any info on the Kabuki DT?

Do you have any info on the Kabuki DT?

The DT (aka Diamond Touring or Diamond Tourer), was Kabuki's top touring model. 1970's boom versions were double butted CrMo frame, with CrMo fork and hi-tensile stays. Derailleurs were Suntour Compe V/V Luxe, cranks were Sugino Mighty Compe and brakes were Dia-Compe center-pull. Advertised weight of 27 lbs and retail price of $345 US, circa 1974.

I also happened to come across a *very nice* aluminum-framed Diamond Tourer (DT) that's fairly local, but it's got newer Dia-Compe caliper brakes and appears to be from the late 1970s or early 1980s. Looks all original. Is $120 too much to spend?

Watch out for the kabuki frames that use a quill-style seatpost. Impossible to replace and a PITA to adjust.

Brian,

Stick with Scwhinns. :)

I also happened to come across a *very nice* aluminum-framed Diamond Tourer (DT) that's fairly local, but it's got newer Dia-Compe caliper brakes and appears to be from the late 1970s or early 1980s. Looks all original. Is $120 too much to spend?


I can't say that I've ever seen or heard of an aluminum framed DT. Even the later models I've seen (versions with 700C wheels) had CrMo frames. Of course this is not to say that they did not exist. However, sometimes sellers are ignorant of the actual frame materials and make assumptions. Take a magnet with you and test the tubes to be sure. I be be curious to find out what you learn and pics would be appreciated.

I don't have the greatest luck when it comes to people taking pictures of bikes for me. Described as a "super lightweight". Shimano rims, Suntour Power shifters, Dia-Compe Gran Compe brakes, and yes, the tires are 700Cx28's.

Hi Bob! I also have a thing for Kabukis. (My Dad had a really nice one.)

I don't have the greatest luck when it comes to people taking pictures of bikes for me. Described as a "super lightweight". Shimano rims, Suntour Power shifters, Dia-Compe Gran Compe brakes, and yes, the tires are 700Cx28's.

Hi Bob! I also have a thing for Kabukis. (My Dad had a really nice one.)

I'm almost positive that's a late 1970s CrMo frameset (in pearl orange). The lugs don't look like the diecast lugs used on the aluminum frames. Super lighweight is relative to what you are used to handling. It should be about 25-26 lbs. The derailleurs should be Cyclone. Nice bicycle, though note that it is not a true touring bicycle, as implied by the name. It's more sport touring. $120 is a good price if it is in good condition and fits you well.

Spend the extra fourty bucks for the nicer one!

that all went down 3 years ago

Ah, didn't realize the noob bumped an oldie. I don't check dates on my milk either.

Since this is resurrected, and is all about value - moving to the "what's it worth?" sub-forum.