Classic & Vintage - sekine world's finest bicycle?

hey i got this really beautiful bike in the garbage of a thrift store, it's callled a sekine and on the tube it proclaims "WORLD FINEST BICYCLE BY SEKINE" and it really is amazing. does anyone know any history or any info. at all? i can't find anything and i worry. my heart is heavy. thank you. it's pink.
rymodee

pics.

my heart is heavy. thank you. it's pink.
rymodee

That's good; your heart is supposed to be pink. :)

it shan't be easy, i don't own any camera capable, i was just hoping for the sekine pr guru man (or woman) to unload detail after detail. ah well...

Made in Japan in the 70s. Headtube badge used to have a shiny 'diamond-like' stone mounted in it.
Richard DeBernardis, founder of El Tour de Tucson, set a record pedaling the circumference of the US on a Sekine back in the 70s. He may still have that bike or it may be in a museum.
It was a nice bike in it's day.

thanks so much. i'm still on the lookout for more though. this one was just in a trash heap at a thrift store because the tires were flat, but the hot pink paint job and all the components and everything else look brand new!! it's like a time machine.
thanks for a bit of info.

Sekine were indeed initially made in Japan. They did however build quite a few bikes in Manitoba Canada. They set up in Canada to avoid the insanely high duties that were imposed on imported bikes in the 70's by the Canadian government in an attempt to protect the Canadian cycle industry (mainly CCM and Canadian Raleigh at the time!). Once they started to build in Canada, they immediately claimed a good market share aas they were far superiorto anything offered at similar prices by CCM and Raleigh. Sekine continued to build in Canada until the early 80's at which time the duties charged on bikes were severely reduced. The shops that I worked in sold thousands of these bikes.

If it says "world's finest bicycle" on the downtube in place of the brand name then it is of Japanese manufacture and is pre-1973. Early '70s models use the diamond shaped headbadge with the rhinestone and GS in the centre. Late '70s models have a more ornate badge with Sekine Cycle Medialle. The only pink models I've seen were late '80s / earlier '90s model, by which time they had slipped substantially and the headbadge had been replaced by a decal with a stylized S. The later, non-Canadian models also tend to have model numbers or names on the top tubes., though I'm not sure when this practive actually started. However, if you post the component mix, maybe someone can identify the model. Canadian built models should say so on the seat tube decal. I concur with the statements reagrding history and the quality of the Canadian built '70s models, they were excellent value. I too assembled vast quantities of these bicycles in the mid '70s. I own the top of line SHX model with first generation Dura Ace group. It is currently undergoing restorarion.

I have a Nashbar 12 speed "Sport RX" that has SunTour Arx derailleurs, Sugino cranks, double butted ChromeMoly frame & fork. It has a "made in Japan" sticker, a rising sun logo on the back of the seat tube & on one chainstay the motto "The finest Bicycle in the World". It has a good ride but I got a lot of kidding from fellow cyclists: Your bike is such a liar; How's Clinton today? Haven't you taped over that decal yet? etc.
Could it have been made by sekine? Don

well there's a bicycle licence from the 70's on it. i guess that could be put on it at any time, but i'll get all the specs i can find and post tomorrow. thanks...this is actually pretty exciting. i really appreciate it.
actually it says "world finest bicycle", not "world's". it's pretty funny. i am in love with it.

I used to know a gutar-building hippy in Eastern FLorida with a pink Sekine...

hey i got some specs to check against
the bars are sakae custom, brake handles were diacompe, maxx crankset which said "sugino chainweel" on it, suntour v and spirit derailleurs and an ambrosia rear wheel.
it says world finest bicycle on the downtube like you said and a milwaukee reg. which expired in 77.
cromoly tubes and the badge has a sparkley diamond and stylized gs
the serial number is on the bottom bracket and it says w 86---.
thanks to all who have helped or may offer more info later. this really makes me happy

I assume you meant Maxi crankset, Spirt front derailleur and Ambrosio rear rim. Everything points to an early SHB model. In 1974 the Sekines definitely had the brand on the downtube and Shimano components as I worked in an LBS that carried Sekine starting that year. Pretty sure it was also that way in 1973, but it could have been a running change in 1973. I'd say pre-1973, but 1973 is a possibility. The rear rim/wheel is almost certainly a replacement. The date would also indicate that is of Japanese origin,as opposed to Canadian.

The SHB model was second from bottom in the lightweight line-up and was a very popular bicycle for good reason. While the frame was somewhat heavier and less resilient than comparable European bicycles, it was much studier and took a lot of punishment. They were the perfect choice for a teenager's first 10 speed. They were also a very good value, having better components than the competition on the price range. The component selection and assembly was excellent. Wheels were always true and nicely tensioned. The paint was beautiful, with a a very deep, wet appearance (except for an ugly olive green they had). In general, their quality control was beyond reproach, and to this day I rank them second only to Miyata in terms of mass produced Japanes bicycles. Competition was the Raleigh Grand Prix, Peugot U08 and Gitane Gran Sport. We sold all these models and the Sekine SHB outsold the combination of all three models.

t-mar, thanks so much. i really appreciate it. you have done a great service to humanity.

A buddy's metalic lime green Sekine was the object of my first "cycle envy" in 1974 when I was still riding my brown, plumber's pipe C.Itoh with steel SunTour deraileurs and cottered crank. This Sekine was 25" frame, all alloy components and crank set, absolutely b-yoo-tee-ful. Alas, I couldn't find a Sekine larger than 25" so settled for a 26" Stella. But, that Sekine will be in my memory forever.

Coincidence;

I was out prowling today looking for a frame with which to build a fixed-wheel.

I went to one of the local bike shops where I found a mi-80's Klein frame, DT shifters and Super record derailleurs, bottom bracket; regina CX 6 speed freewheel ($100)

Also; a Norco Monterey, Tange 5 tubing, araya rims that look like they have never been used and Panacracer tires that look like they just came out of the box - $100.

a blue Miyata one-thousand set up as a touring bike with cantilever bosses - $75

All very nice

I then went down the street to the thrift shop where I found a Green Sekine, almost my size, sadly I think a tad too small. All original equipment including the Centre-pull brakes - $10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh - I am tempted on that Sekine!!

Perhaps thee's moniker, Toomanybikes, bespeaks the truth.

Oh - I am tempted on that Sekine!!

Oh, go buy it. I'll give you $12 for it; I've got a little room left. ;)

i'll gladly double that offer!!
i'm not kidding either

if i could have two (slightly) matching sekine world finest bicycle, boy oh boy would i be happy. seriously, let me know if you would do this.

Coincidence;

I was out prowling today looking for a frame with which to build a fixed-wheel.

I went to one of the local bike shops where I found a mi-80's Klein frame, DT shifters and Super record derailleurs, bottom bracket; regina CX 6 speed freewheel ($100)

Also; a Norco Monterey, Tange 5 tubing, araya rims that look like they have never been used and Panacracer tires that look like they just came out of the box - $100.

a blue Miyata one-thousand set up as a touring bike with cantilever bosses - $75

All very nice

I then went down the street to the thrift shop where I found a Green Sekine, almost my size, sadly I think a tad too small. All original equipment including the Centre-pull brakes - $10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh - I am tempted on that Sekine!!

Wow, those are some great finds, particularly the Klien and Miyata. You will not find a better mass produced touring bicycle trhan the Miyata 1000. I have an extensive set of Miyata catalogues and have decyphered their serial number codes if you want more info on originality and/or date. Also have lots of info on Norco.

Would love to have component and serial number info on that Sekine as I am collecting info for a Sekine website and trying to break the serial number codes. Pics too if possible.

The "worlds finest bike" takes me back to the first nice (to use a 1950's term) far east bike. It was Badged a C.Itoh. which i was told was a Marketing/distributing firm from japan. I have a Yellow one, it was the only color i think this model came in, and only in two frame sizes. these were hand made frames with Suntour drop-outs and Nervex Copty lugs. it came with the Sugino might compe crankset, sunshine hubs with sew ups. suntour VGT der's. these were excellent bikes, i also have a Star...that has the same frame, but all shimano componets (crane der's, etc.) most of these bikes came frome one or two factories. but with any bikes, focus more on the drop-outs when you see them, stay away from the ones with stamped, rather go for the drop forged. these most likely will be made with seamless tubing. then a good investment.

Coincidence;


a blue Miyata one-thousand set up as a touring bike with cantilever bosses - $75



Did you buy it?? What size? I've been looking for one. Charlie

I worked in the Sekine Plant that was located in Manitoba for almost 5 years. All their frames were chrome-Moly frames and were silver soldered. I have one that I "put together" in 1975. I never use it anymore, but it is still in perfect shape. I still have some spare parts, tape, derailers, "SEKINE" logo stickers, etc. They were a hell of a bike, and in fact, our Olympic team trained on them for 2 years (they were donated). I left there before the Plant closed, but my brother was there until the end. I still have the jacket we had to wear in the Plant!

I am the proud new owner of a pink Sekine that I bought for $8.99 at the Goodwill. It has the "diamond" headbadge, says "made in Japan", but does not say "world finest". I pumped up the tires and took it for a spin around the neighborhood. Bike is operable, but needs some work. I've appreciated this thread and would love any additional info about Sekine and/or restoring old bikes.

I am the proud new owner of a pink Sekine that I bought for $8.99 at the Goodwill. It has the "diamond" headbadge, says "made in Japan", but does not say "world finest". I pumped up the tires and took it for a spin around the neighborhood. Bike is operable, but needs some work. I've appreciated this thread and would love any additional info about Sekine and/or restoring old bikes.

If it does not have the "world's finest bicycle" logo on the downtube, then it 1973 or later. If it is Made in Japan, it could be almost any model. Even though the Canadian factory started production in 1973, the LBS where I worked was still receiving some Japanese manufactured bicycles as late as 1975. As I recall, these also had the diamond shaped head badge. Post the components list and I should be able identify the model.

I have a Sekine that I picked up at a Goodwill. It does not say "World's Finest Bicycle" It does have the "diamond" headbadge and the derailler (at least the rear was a Suntour Cyclone MkII Dia Compe Center pull brakes Sunshine hubs (I think) Can you Identify this bike from what I have said so far? What kind of tubing and place in the line up? I can get more details if necessary, right now I'm at work.

Can we post pictures here? I can show you what the Plant looked like, and a picture of the badge. I think I still remember most old the model numbers.
SHS-270 (Chrome front forks half way up)
SHC-270 (most popular bike sold)
SHL-270 (ladies model)
There was about 7 models and each one of them had about 5 different colours and sizes were 21, 23, 25 and there was a 20 inch in one model. They were situated in 6 Hangar at the old Canadian Forces Air base in Rivers, MB. It closed in 1972 and was turned into a training center for Native Peoples. The two Japanese salesmen that came over wanted "English" first names, so we helped them out. (God's truth).... with our help they changed their first names to Mike and Fred, Mike Kamanishizono and Fred Shida.
I have pictures of the Line the bikes were made on. The most that were produced in a single day was around 400 units. Ask away, I'll answer what I can.

Sure, you can post pictures. When you reply, click on the yellow icon that has the mountain and the sun. You can post images up to 100kb - or you can insert a link to your pictures.

I'd never heard of Sekine before reading this thread, but you have me very interested in seeing what these bicycles look like. I'm a sucker for older bicycles (which I guess is the point of the board), so I enjoy reading about the history too. Nothing beats first-hand information, so I guess you're obligated now. :)

Sandy, I worked in a LBS that carried Sekine and recall things a bit differently. Perhaps you can straighten me out.

First, the plant opened in June 1973. it was located at Oo-za-we-Kwun near Rivers, Manitoba and was located there as an incentive for the native people. I don't know when the factory closed, but have been trying to find this out. I've assumed this was the early '80s after the tariffs dropped, as this was about the same time Shields and CCM went bankrupt. I have found Cnadian manufactured Sekine with component date codes in the late '70s.

The '270' in the model designation is actually the colour number, in this case the off-white or cream colour. The Sekine paint was electrostatically applied. Other colours included red (most popular), forest green, olive green (least popular) and white. The red and forest green had great depth and wetness to the appearance, almost appearing to be a "candy apple" finish. There were additional colours options on some of the Japanese manufactured frames, notably a beautiful royal blue.

The major characteristics of the models I recall are the:

SHA: Steel, cottered crankset. Cherry, steel, centre-pull brakes. Steel, small flange hubs. Shimano Lark/Eagle derailleurs. Stamped dropouts.

SHB: SR cotterless, swaged, aluminum crankset.Shimano Tourney centre-pull brakes. Shimano Tourney large flange hubs with wing nuts (later with quick relaese). Shimano Lark or Eagle derailleurs. Chromed fork tips. Stamped dropouts. Made in Japan.

SHC: same as SHB but made in Canada. Less colour options tham SHB. The SHB/C were the biggest seller, as you state.

SHT: SR aluminum, forged, cotterless crankset. Shimano Dura-Ace centre-pull brakes. Shimano Titlist derailleurs. Shimano Tourney, large flange hubs with quick release. Chromed fork and stay ends. Forged dropouts.

SHX: Full Shimano Dura-Ace group (with Crane rear derailleur). Chrome dropout flats and head lugs. Forged dropouts. No doubt about this model, as I own one!

There was a ladies model, but we did not carry it, so it does not stick out in my mind. I assume it was equivalent ot the SHA or SHB/C. I vaguely recall the SHS, but have no recollection of the configuration, probably because we did not sell many.

None of the models carried any tubing decals. However, based on seat tube sizes, it appears to be varying grades of Tange tubing.

Please note that the above descriptions are based on models we sold from the 1973-1975 period. However, this was when Sekine was at it's peak and probably represent most of the models on the streets.

Any info is appreciated, as I am trying to develop a Sekine website.

Here is a picture of the frame as it was when it came into my possession.

I realize this is going to sound like a remedial question, but I'll ask it anyway.

How does one properly pronounce Sekine?

Here is a picture of the frame as it was when it came into my possession.

That appears to be an SHT frame in the forest green colour.

Here is a picture of the frame as it was when it came into my possession.

This appears to be an SHT frame in the forest green colour, based on the forged dropouts and the chrome on both the forks and stays. What's curious is the presence of the diamond shaped head badge and what appears to be a Maxy-type spindle (i.e. threaded studs on ends of spindle). Previous evidence indicated that this was replaced by more ornate head badge, sometime in the late '70s. However, Cyclone Mk II derailleurs were not introduced until 1981. Still, Cyclone MKII derailleurs and the Dia-Compe centre-pull brakes would be on par with the Titlist derailleurs and Dura-Ace centre-pull brakes found on the earlier SHT.

The other line of thought on the head badges is that the diamond shaped head badges were used on the entry level SHA and SHB/C, while the more ornate badge was used on the upscale SHT and SHX. It is possible that the chrome stays and forged dropouts may have trickled down to the SHB/C by the late '70s or early '80s. This is in line with a Maxy type spindle, which was found on the SHB/C, but not the SHT. But if the derailleurs are original, they would seem to point to an SHT or equivalent.

The other indicator, which cannot be determined form the pictures, is the method of running the rear brake cable. The SHT typically used clamps while the SHB/C had two brazed-on cable stops.

You can date the SunTour derailleurs by two letter date codes on the back of the parallelogram. Some Dia-Compe brakes have similar date codes. Info for decoding these codes can be found on the Vintage-Trek website http://www.vintage-trek.com/component_dates.htm

I'd be curious to know the serial number, dropout manufacturer and dates for components. I have been trying to decypher the Sekine serial numbers and have a rough idea, within a couple of years.

I realize this is going to sound like a remedial question, but I'll ask it anyway.

How does one properly pronounce Sekine?

I have heard various pronounciations of the name, but based on the sales rep's pronouciation it's Se-kee-nee. The first 'e' has the short vowel sound, as in 'set'. The 'i' and last 'e' are both pronounced with the long 'e' vowel sound.

It has the "diamond" headbadge, says "made in Japan", but does not say "world finest".

That's why it was only $8.99. :D

Just kidding; congrats on your rescue.

I have heard various pronounciations of the name, but based on the sales rep's pronouciation it's Se-kee-nee. The first 'e' has the short vowel sound, as in 'set'. The 'i' and last 'e' are both pronounced with the long 'e' vowel sound.

A slight variation of what I grow in my garden and give away to unsuspecting neighbors. :p

I'm absorbing this bicycle history like a sponge. I'm expressing my appreciation so you won't get the impression that it is unappreciated, get discouraged, and stop sharing your knowledge. Keep up the good work, and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

I've looked the dropouts over pretty good and there is no mfg name on them. I can get the serial tomorrow since I'm at work right now. Work cuts int omy free time too much.
edit: it does indeed have maxy cranks, SR stem and bars

edit: it does indeed have maxy cranks, SR stem and bars

SR bars and stems were standard equipment. They were decent equipment, so they are very rarely upgraded and likely are original equipment. Check out the stem, just below the insertion mark. There should be an open format date code. For the '70s it is usually YY.M, where YY=year and M=month. Sometimes the month indicator is also located above or below the year indicator. Later, the fomat changed to M-YY with a letter code to represent the month, where A=January, B=February, etc. Please post what you find or send me a private message.

I sold new Sekine bikes in 1981, but that was apparently the end of the line. If you want to find out more information, you may want to contact Lorne Shields and Ian Brown. Both have intimate knowledge about Sekine's operations in Canada.

Just dropped back to see if there was any interest..... I guess there is!
OO-za-we-kwun was the name given the Base when the Dept. of Indian Affairs took over (means Yellow Quill). They had a 10 year mandate to start making money. Hence 1973 to 1983 for years of operation. There were other manufacturers there also. Edson Industries built motorhomes and RV's, Arnold Manufacturing fabricated and painted all the metal frames for the booths at all McDonald's in Canada, and Fiberlex Plastics that did vacuum formed parts for OEM's. Sekine (se-KEE-nee) was the bigest investment, so they got the largest hangar (6 Hangar) for their operation. I worked in Shipping and Receiving from 1973 till 1977.
I'm going to get my stuff together and be back.


btw.... the old Base was sold to a farmer and it is now one of the largest pork producers in wastern Canada. Sad to see.

Sandy Is there an archive of information in the town of Rivers of the Sekine plant. Maybe someone you know has some paperwork info on the plant. I am in Winnipeg and see a lot of Sekine bikes. I remember in the 70's when they were very popular here. I see them at a lot of garage sales and at the Wpg police auctions. I have a very interesting ladies frame Sekine in pastel blue with a very rare 2 speed Shimano rear hub. The hub looks like the Sturmey Archer 2 speed hub of the 30's but this is a 70/80's hub. The bike is a roadster style and not the racer style you see here. T Mar if you want pics of this bike for your website I can get them for you.

T Mar if you want pics of this bike for your website I can get them for you.

Thank-you for your offer, it is very much appreciated. The LBS where I worked only carried the lightweight line. While I'm aware of some others (I have pics of muscle bikes and BMX) I have no first hand experience with them. Any Sekine info can be sent to me via private message through this site. Once I recieve the message I will provide my personal e-mail. All contributions will receive acknowledgement on the site, which I hope to have running early next year.

BTW, thank-you to dnalsaam for steering me towards Lorne and Ian. I knew they were involved with Nishiki, but not Sekine. I have met Ian several times and we have several mutual friends. I believe that he is off on one his numerous cycling vacations right now, but hope to arrange something soon.

If it does not have the "world's finest bicycle" logo on the downtube, then it 1973 or later. If it is Made in Japan, it could be almost any model. Even though the Canadian factory started production in 1973, the LBS where I worked was still receiving some Japanese manufactured bicycles as late as 1975. As I recall, these also had the diamond shaped head badge. Post the components list and I should be able identify the model.


Frame (on seat tube): TNG Crome Molybdenom #2010 "distributed by Beacon Cycle", "Made in Japan"
Suntour power d-t shifters; Maxy cranks, diacompe brakes and brake levers - the left brake hood is pretty worn and cracked and says Weinmann, no "hood" on right lever. Bars say "Sakae Custom Road Champion", suntour rear der, front der is gone; hi-flange hubs say "sunshine"; serial # on bottom of bb shell is W109022. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Frame (on seat tube): TNG Crome Molybdenom #2010 "distributed by Beacon Cycle", "Made in Japan"
Suntour power d-t shifters; Maxy cranks, diacompe brakes and brake levers - the left brake hood is pretty worn and cracked and says Weinmann, no "hood" on right lever. Bars say "Sakae Custom Road Champion", suntour rear der, front der is gone; hi-flange hubs say "sunshine"; serial # on bottom of bb shell is W109022. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

The info I have on Sekine serial numbers is limited, so while it's not conclusive, it points to 1973. This also assumes that the Cnadian and Japanese companies used the same foramt, which may not be the case.

Given the era, the Maxi crank and Japanese origin would seem to indicate an SHB model. You don't mention the model of rear derailleur. Most likely it is a SunTour V or Honor. The matching front derailleurs would have been the Compe and Spirt, respectively.

However, I honestly do not remember SunTour/Sugino/Dia-Compe of the Sekine for this time period. I also do not remember tubing decals. Even my top of the line SHX does not have one! The 'Crome Molybdenom' reference is also rather odd, as most 20xx series steels, are considered high tensile. Chromium-Molybdenum steels are generally 4130 or 41xx series.

However, since it SunTour and Sugino equipped, it is possible to verify the year using component date codes. The SunTour rear derailleur should have a two letter code on the back of the parallelogram, starting with N (1972) or O (1973). The cranks should have a YY-MM code on the back of the arms where 47 = 1972 and 48 = 1973 for YY. The stem should also have YY.M code below the insertion mark, where YY is the last two digits of the year. Please post what you find or send me a private message through the forum.

Hi there. This is my first post. I was doign a little internet research on my Sekine and came up with this site. I inherited my Sekine in around 1999 from my sister. It is a road racing bike (supposedly sprint with the rear wheel tight into the fork so you need to deflate the tire to remove, designed with the point that if you are changing a flat during a race, don't bother, you lost). Anyways, my sister bought the bike in 1992 or 1994 in Saskatchewan Canada. We all had Sekines when we were kids before the company stopped making bikes. But I guess in the early 1990's Sekine tried a came out with a racing model as a comeback bike. My bike has Shimano 105 components and a chromoly frame. I ride it a bit and have done a few sprint tris in it. I am planning on a bigger race this summer and am going to get it professionanlly tuned up. Hard to upgrade to a new bike when it has been so good. Had the frame patched last year where it was dinged. Anyways, I'll ask my sister for more details when I talk to her.

This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb Kicks Ass!

This is about the Sekine "GTO" A Japanese bicycle of the 1970's. At that time, many Japanese bikes were imported into the U.S. Most Japanese companies had a line of bikes for the U.S. market and a line for the Japanese market. Sekine tried to sell one of their "Japan" models here, but it just didn't sell. This "GTO" is a 77' model and has tons of accessories including brake lights, sequential blinkers, a radio, racks and a rear mounted kickstand. The Japanese were very interested in the U.S. "muscle cars," and this bike has a bit of that flavor. Thats all i could find. Hope it helps!

I have been reading the Sekine posts with interest because I am just now starting to restore the very first new bike I purchased. It is a Sekine 5-sp road bike. I purchased it new somewhere around the mid 70's. From comments that have been posted, it appears as if it is a SHC Canadian built Sekine.
The Serial No. is 778460. Deep Red in color. It has an oval 2-3/8" high head badge that has "CS" "Medialle" on it. It has an SR Stem and crank with a 50 tooth ring gear, SunTour stem mounted lever shifter, Shimano Tourney brake calipers, Lark rear derailleur, and 5 speed freewheel. The handlebars are aluminum flat curved (not drop). The wheels are chrome with 27x1-1/4 tires. This bike came stock with several brand name stickers/decals on the tubes. Both sides of the down tube have the letters "S E K I N E" and the seat tube has a large 9-3/4" wrap around decal that has a large "CS" crest with lettering under it that says "Made by Sekine Canada Ltd." A smaller sticker on the seat tube, by the B/B says "Sekine Canada" Since I bought this bike new, I know that everything on it is stock.
I hope this information will help some of you with dating issues (no pun intended). If you can provide me with an accurate date of manufacture, I would be most appreciative.

...
I went to one of the local bike shops where I found a mi-80's Klein frame, DT shifters and Super record derailleurs, bottom bracket; regina CX 6 speed freewheel ($100)



the derailleurs are almost worth the price of this Klein...do you have any idea which model it is?

I just found this site after searching Sekine. My neighbour just gave me his 1976 10-sp cream colour Sekine. It is in perfect shape. I was suprised at the technology of a bike that is two years older then me! Magnesium bars? Quick release hubs. The bike is amazing. It needs almost no work. I put air in the tires and I was off to the races!
Thanks to all the history that you have all supplied.