Classic & Vintage - Zunow Z-1

I recently listed my Z-1 on Craigslist but had TONS of e-mails challenging my claim that this is an actual Zunow Z-1. I’ve been told that Zunow didn't make a solid colored bike, or at least in red. I've since debunked that one looking at Dave Ross' image gallery on wooljersey. I've also been told that Zunow made a “lesser quality” model in the mid 90's and that thier overall quality slipped. Making the mid-90's bikes less sought after.

I bought this from my neighbor in 98 and I’m fairly certain he bought it new a few years earlier. I saw him take the decals off just prior to me buying her and I could have sworn those decals stated it was a Z-1.

I’ve done ALOT of research but couldn’t find a frame sporting non-crowned forks. Anyone know when Zunow stopped using the non-crowned forks? Any idea of what year my bike may be??

It came with 105 group, and I believe it to be the orig equipment.

Thanks in advance..

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w152/cuonawv/bike/IMG_4232.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w152/cuonawv/bike/IMG_4234.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w152/cuonawv/bike/IMG_3994.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w152/cuonawv/bike/IMG_3969.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w152/cuonawv/bike/IMG_3968.jpg

105 original indicates low-end in one respect or another. You wouldn't find 105 on the top-end stuff back then.

EDIT: Luker raises a good point. 105 components are likely a 90's replacement of the original Campagnolo group (C-Record, I'd bet).

-Kurt

I didn't think zunow made a low end bike. And this is clearly a Zunow. Any experts that want to argue a bike's origin based on paint (especially paint color!) ain't experts.

Why in god's name did he take the decals off?

Why in god's name did he take the decals off?

The down tube and seat tube decals were pretty trashed. He gave me a POC to order new ones, but they had closed shop by the time I got around to ordering..

What size is it?

what size is it?

58.5

It looks to me like it was simply repainted or decals stripped, whatever. The fact that Zunow is stamped int o the frame several times, as is the logo, would seem to point quite obviously to its lineage. If I had the extra dough laying around I'd make an offer, even looks like it's my size.

Obviously it is real but a big part of the value of a Zunow is the wild paintjob. At least to me. I am sure it rides very well, you might get more value for it as a frame/fork on eBay than as a complete bike. The 105 parts are very reliable but do not befit a Z-1.

58.5

Yikes, my size, don't tell me how much you're asking.

Not all Zunow featured a garish paint job and decals. I know of a Z-1 that is black with very plain decals. And yes it is the "factory" finish.

CV-6 is dead right!
Here's a couple picks confirming the solid color Zunows (and one of cuonawv's red Z-1 from the catalog!)
BTW, If anyone has information on a late 80s cyclocross/ touring Zunow, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!

CV-6 is dead right!
Here's a couple picks confirming the solid color Zunows (and one of cuonawv's red Z-1 from the catalog!)
BTW, If anyone has information on a late 80s cyclocross/ touring Zunow, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!

Where did you find these catalog scans? I want to see the rest!

the right page do I know from: http://www.classicrendezvous.com/ scroll down to the folder Japan.


regards

ps: you will find other "Zunow" @ FLickr & Wooljersey...and once a year @ ebay

It wasn't so unusual for a high class frame to be outfitted with a 105 group
simply to meet a price point. Especially during a time when the yen/dollar ratio
was so imbalanced. Zunows were as likely as not sold as frame alone
and then built up to suit a buyers need or preference.

Having a 105 group on a particular frame says nothing, necessarily, about the quality
of the frame.

no*dice is absolutely right, I got those pics from http://www.classicrendezvous.com/ in my quest to replace the Zunow cross bike I lost in 2000. The other image is from my continuing private investigation.
PM me if you'd like to see the rest of the scans for the catalog and I'll gladly send it to you!
(Sorry but I don't have access to the original scanner but props to them).

Again, one more request for information regarding cross frames from Zunow. I've seen 2 others so I know they were made. Mine ended up in a dumpster thanks to a huge crash with a taxi cab.

Have fun!

Dunno if anyone is interested but there is a pretty nice looking Zunow on the Toronto CL for $500. It is a 60cm frame and the bike is outfitted with Shimano 600. I think it is a bit much but it is a pretty nice looking bike, the owner says it has "Trionic" written on the frame....I have never heard of that model.

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/929662315.html

More Canadian Zunow's. So jealous

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bik/852455705.html

More Canadian Zunow's. So jealous

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bik/852455705.html

I emailed that person the day the ad came out (late September) and never heard back. I think it might have been a joke.

Interestingly, the one that I linked on the Toronto CL was purchased in a small town nearby for $100; that is why I cannot buy it, I only like being on the receiving end of a good deal :) ;)

I had a buyer for $400 but he backed out last minute.. I guess it's off to E-Bay now.. Thanks for all the info.. Now I feel much more comfortable listing her knowing what I know now.. Thanks to all and Happy Holidays!

Not all Zunow featured a garish paint job and decals. I know of a Z-1 that is black with very plain decals. And yes it is the "factory" finish.

I saw a chrome one this Saturday.