Classic and Vintage Sales - 1973 Araya Rex Criterium 58 CM

SOLD, thanks eBay!


I am the original owner of this much loved and much ridden 1973 Araya Rex Criterium. This is a wonderful frame that feels just right on the road, the paint is original and in fairly good shape, there are some chips but you can see the chrome frame through them. There is a small amount of pitting in the chrome on the chain stays, none on the front lugs, the fork has a lot of pitting on the leading edge but it is managable and could be cleaned and painted I think. It has Campy high flange hubs, a Crane GS RD, bar end shifters, newish Schwalbe tires, new freewheel, NOS Shimano 600 brake levers, and a new Nitto Stem.
The Campy hubs have recently been serviced and there is a new set of cables and housings, shifter and brakes.

This bike is a 58 CM both top tube and seat tube measure 58.

I have only recently realized the bike is just plain too big for me and no matter how I work at adjusting it I need a smaller bike.

I am looking for $450 for the bike and will be pleased to talk about any trades you may have in mind (road bikes only and 52 to 54 CM's) Cash up or down is ok, and I am not looking for a CV especially but anything will be considered. I expect you will be as fair to me as I hope to be with you.

I can provide any detail picture you require.

I will ship.


Mike

What's the tubing?

-Kurt

It is "Araya 631 Frame Tubing" you will need to research that one :) but it rings like a bell when you tap the top tube with your finger. The frame is light and flexible but stiff..if that makes sense.

BTW..new Sram chain with a quick link and new bottle cages.

Mike

Mike - I've been trying to track down the identity of a frame I've had for a few years.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9747295

It's looking like it's an Araya, but I don't know the year, and haven't cracked the code on the serial number. Would you mind posting your s/n for comparison?

Thanks.

-David

Hi David,

We have the same frame I believe. My serial number is somewhat different and not easy to read..here are my interpretations: 8502608A is one but there is a possibility it is 2608A stamped one way with the "058" from the beginning of that number actually reading "US 8" if it is assumed that that section is stamped upside down from the other numbers. The "0" numeral appears to either have a section missing or it is a "U". I can assure you mine is either a '72 or a '73 (I bought it new in '73) it was what the LBS owner was using for touring so the component upgrades were his. I figure he used it for a summer trip and sold it to me so it is maybe a '72.

After I bought it I rode it on a cross USA trip and it did great, in fact I still have the original unpainted Blackburn front rack that was on it..I sold the rear.

The frames look identical to me, the front fork is the same as well as the drop outs..mine are stamped "YUKU cold forged" on the rear set.

This is a completley chromed frame. Everywhere there is a chip in the paint there is chrome underneath, not always polished, but bright chrome.

I have been surprised with the lack of interest in this bike which surprises me considering I am open to offers and trades. I think the lack of a pedigree is a big factor which is too bad..this is as good a frame as I have ever ridden.

Mike

I have a 52cm Gunnar Road Dog, that is too small for me... wanna trade? Currently, it is fitted out with ultegra comps...

I don't know what it is but I would love to see a picture or send a link so I can check it out!

I just checked it out myself..a fixie, oh yeah, send a shot or two.

Thanks

Mike

I'll try to get you some pics later today or tomorrow... Here's the thing though, I'm not sure I want to part with the ultegra groupset (the only new bicycle components I've ever bought, and also the most expensive ~400$ several years ago).

About the model. It's a Gunnar Roadie (not dog, sorry), from 2000 (according to the serial), before they switched to a compact geometry. The frame is black, no decals, some of the paint is scratched on the top tube, no rust. It was a CL find. I got the frame and 2 "deep V" type rims with dura-ace hubs for around ~$300... pretty good deal, pretty good bike, just a bit too small for me.

I am interested in checking this out...nothing is more usless than a bike that doesn't fit and mine doesn't.

52 may be a tad small for me I am a 54 usually but it is easier to adjust up than down. I am 5' 9"..how tall are you?

As far as the ultegra group goes..I am nothing if not a fair guy, lets do the numbers and see if it works.

To fit this bike it would be good if you are 5' 11" or more, or if you like to reach, I don't.


I am in North Florida .

Mike

Mike, here are some photos.

As you can see, the roadie frame is pretty small, 52cm tt. I think the photo has actually distorted it a bit, but you get the point that my seat is pretty high (passes the two fist test).

The bianchi on the other hand has a 54cm tt.

You will notice that the paint and decals are pretty scratched up.

I admit to scraping some of the decals.
For instance, on the seat tube I "shaped" the sticker showing the frame material (chromoly .. something ... lugged) into a skull (pretty cool eh?).

There is also a small amount of rust near the rear brake.

I've never crashed it or otherwise abused the frame itself.
IANAFB, but the frame seems structurally sound.

It has shimano 105 rear deraileur and an rsx front, with sis shifters.

I used it for work as a bicycle messanger for a little over half a year (1999).



I am interested in checking this out...nothing is more usless than a bike that doesn't fit and mine doesn't.

52 may be a tad small for me I am a 54 usually but it is easier to adjust up than down. I am 5' 9"..how tall are you?

As far as the ultegra group goes..I am nothing if not a fair guy, lets do the numbers and see if it works.

To fit this bike it would be good if you are 5' 11" or more, or if you like to reach, I don't.


I am in North Florida .

Mike

I think I'll pass on these items James. Mostly because I hate to break this bike up. It has all the parts on it that it did when I bought it 36 years ago and I'm thinking that will mean something to someone, and I have no desire for a CV ride right now so I can't imagine what I would do with the take offs.
It was nice chatting with you the other day. Our riding season is about to start as yours is closing down..at last some justice!

Mike

yep, that's fine. Good luck.