Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - marushi RX-7 info

I have been offered a Marushi Rx 7 for 180 - is this a frame worth upgrading with modern components, and is the price reasonable? Is there anything you can tell me about it?

I don't want you to think you're getting blown off. I know nothing about this that would be of help. They aren't rare enough to be valuable because of it, but one doesn't come across these all that often.

That said, this would be more appropriate for the Appraisal sub-forum.

I am not really looking for an appraisal, just opinions - I am looking for a good quality frame to build with modern components, and I can't find anything about Marushi.

I had a Maruishi for a little while, it was fine and rode nicely. Mine was Tange 5 tubing with some Shimano RSX components. Do you have any pictures?

He is sending me some this afternoon - he says it's Ishiwata tubing.

This is what our resident guru, T-mar, had to say about the RX-7 a few years ago:



It's kind of hard to put the RX7 into an exact spot, as the line was split into competition, touring, sports, ATB and city bicycle segments. The RX7 was the top of the sports range. Assuming it was lower than the competition bicycles and at least equal to the top touring model, would have put it 5th in the line-up.

Maruishi is not a marketing brand, but a real and very old Japanese company. LIke Miyata they manufactured their frames, at least until the re-evaluation of the yen made Japanese manufactured frames uncompetitive. The bicycles were imported and distributed in the USA via a wholly owned subsidiary.

I have an RX6 frame and it it is a lovely ride; lightweight, high quality, Ishiwata. I paid $60 for the frame and fork with installed BB and it felt like a steal to me.

I have an RX-7. It is a well built, nice bike but for $180 the one you are looking at better be in nice shape to be a daily rider. That model probably isn't worthy of a modern Ergo/STI group on it. I wouldn't upgrade mine like that.

Looks like it showed up on craigslist this weekend. I've had two Maruishi's pass through my hands (both Wanderers) that were nice, but if it was me, I'd seek a more special frame for modernization.


Maruishi road bike top of the line - $180 (Oak Cliff)

Date: 2009-05-24, 12:33PM CDT

MARUISHI RX7 WHICH WAS TOP O THE LINE WHEN NEW. 58CM SEAT TUBE, 56 CM TOP TUBE 33.5 INCH STAND OVER. 700 ALLOY RIMS, GOOD TIRES. TWELVE SPEED, ISHIWATA EXO TUBESET
http://images.craigslist.org/3n93k03ldZZZZZZZZZ95oef855e0d0a301026.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3me3p83oeZZZZZZZZZ95od708eb5c8e431444.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3p83of3lcZZZZZZZZZ95o82338a564dd5113a.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3n63kf3p6ZZZZZZZZZ95o53cff63afe49137c.jpg

hey guys. first post!
I actually bought this bike, this exact bike, from this seller. it rides great but the paint on the frame and fork is BEAT. i'm getting it powder coated and replacing parts for aesthetics. unlike your original idea to go modern on this bike, i'm actually going more vintage, starting with vintage cinelli handlebars, and a vintage leather saddle. I found some pictures of an 85 bianchi celeste, with the exact same components, and what looks to be if not the same frame, one strikingly similar, at least in outward appearance.
check it out, 85 celeste, same frame and components:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bianchi-Road-Bike-Sport-SX-25-Celeste-1985_W0QQitemZ220438706954QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item33532bbb0a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50#ebayphot ohosting

makes sense with what T-Mar had to say, that this frame design, would potentially end up in another brand at some point. i'm wondering what i can do decal wise after painting, since i can't find any maruishi decals whatsoever.

That's the one- I found a Falcon I wanted more, but I was curious. Kristian, if you want to come show it off, I'm down for a ride sometime. I know a guy who says he can make decals if you like. Shoot me a PM and I'll give you his info.