Classic & Vintage - Fitting frame for a SunTour groupset?

In most cases I prefer Campagnolo, but SunTour had character and was innovative. So I have dream about owning a complete SunTour groupset. But what would be a fitting frame brand to go with it?

Is there some classic bike model that you think of when you hear SunTour?

And a similar question: When hunting for a SunTour groupset, was any common model fully equipped with a SunTour top of the line groupset?

Fuji. Or Centurion.

I believe in the mid '80s Bianchi had a strong relationship with Suntour.

I think a SPrint or SuperBee group would look great on most anything. Didn't Greewall (is that spelled right?) ride Suntour in the Olympics?

What level of Suntour group? SSP would go nicely on a 3Rensho or Zunow....assuming you can find a frame.

So the list starts with:
Fuji
Centurion
Bianchi
3Rensho
Zunow

Actually I don't know that much about the different SunTour groups, but just the name SuperBe sounds good to my ears. I've been reading at Velobase: http://velobase.com/ViewBrand.aspx?BrandID=b0cbe80a-c06e-4864-a3ab-dac2d4abd9e6

In most cases I prefer Campagnolo, but SunTour had character and was innovative. So I have dream about owning a complete SunTour groupset. But what would be a fitting frame brand to go with it?

Is there some classic bike model that you think of when you hear SunTour?

And a similar question: When hunting for a SunTour groupset, was any common model fully equipped with a SunTour top of the line groupset?

Personally, when I equate SunTour with 'road bike' two models come to mind:

1983-84 Team Miyata - because the 1st shop I worked at was a Miyata dealer, and they had a 50cm '84 Team with Superbe that was just gorgeous.

1984-85 Specialized Allez -- Two words... "American Flyers". 3 Rensho, Kellogg, Japanese; it doesn't matter which. SunTour components + the bright red
paint job with the slashing 'ALLEZ' on the DT = Marcus & David, The Hell of the West & the Morgul-Bismark.

You know what? If you find a C & V 4130 frame set you like and it fits you, make that one your SunTour build.

BG - Alexi Grewal did have SunTour on his Pinarello when he won the Gold in LA. He got the bike from the Denver Spoke, which is now defunct.
Sad... it was a Denver icon for years.

Superbe or Superbee then becoming Superbe Pro was the cream of the crop. unless you can score a good deal on a donor bike of a different size get out your checkbook. I see Superbee and even Sprint going for as much as Campi parts these days.

Some of the Suprebee RDs were the best looking and performing ever made, esp this one but it was friction only

http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=b85ed4c0-0dff-4b6a-8af7-f5778655cdc9&Enum=108

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq30/Mtbric/Schwinn%20Pink/IMG_9139.jpg (http://s430.photobucket.com/albums/qq30/Mtbric/Schwinn%20Pink/?action=view&current=IMG_9139.jpg)

the pic is from ebay and the buy it now price is $100 used.

Miyata, SR, Schwinn Circuit (with full Sprint group...oh yeah)

Nishiki Pro ?

The list grows:
Team Miyata
Specialized Allez
Schwinn Circuit - Sprint group
Nishiki Pro

If only considdering design, I really like the solid and clean form of these:
SunTour RD-SL00-SSB, SL
http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=E0E04998-3F7A-44E5-AEB8-72D9A64752F6
SunTour RD-SB00-SS8, Superbe Pro
http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=F5FAF231-C193-46A4-8E5B-E498BD83784E

Trek 760

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Trek%20760/Trek7604.jpg

In the quest of finding a good donor, the obvious followup question:
Was there any non popular bike model with full SunTour Sprint or SurperBe groupset?

'87,

Were you leaning towards Accushift or friction? I was thinking this vintage:

http://velobase.com/CompImages/RDerailleur/7CDDB43F-FE07-4797-AAA0-2A53268FD561.jpeg

http://velobase.com/CompImages/Brakes/437AC088-3F51-4CCD-ADB4-709360BA03D4.jpeg

With earlier Superbe Pro grupos, the FW combinations were endless and the brakes are just smooth as silk; I have a pair on my Salsa RB and
wouldn't trade them for anything!

'87,
Were you leaning towards Accushift or friction? I was thinking this vintage:
Both are of interest. But I have friction on all my other bikes, so Accushift would be more fun. If it performs well.



... the FW combinations were endless ...
FW?

Freewheel.

Ah of course, I mainly just use: RD, FD, HF and LF. And from now FW :)

I'd probably go with black-knuckled cyclone. Of course, at that time there wasn't a real "group" with the crank, seatpost, brakes and hubs typically provided by other Japanese companies like Sunshine, SR and Dia Compe.

Centurion Turbo. I wouldn't kick a very nice later Cyclone group out of bed for eating crackers, either--aesthetically pleasing with smooth and solid performance.

Both are of interest. But I have friction on all my other bikes, so Accushift would be more fun. If it performs well.

FW?

Oops... sorry for the new nomenclature! I get that way sometimes; just hit my 'reboot' switch and I'll stop.

What's the best way to describe how Accushift feels on a road bike? Let's see, you're a Campagnolo guy...
think of the 'clunk' sound of early Syncro mixed with a slight overshift at the lever, and that's Accushift.
It's very crisp, and heavy in the hand; not as light in the fingers as Shimano. The Index/ friction switch
takes two more moves than Shimano's, too.

club fuji, team fuji, or maybe a centurion ironman

sorry but those are your only options.

... Accushift.
It's very crisp, and heavy in the hand; not as light in the fingers as Shimano.That description sounded very intriguing. I got to try it.

club fuji, team fuji, or maybe a centurion ironman

sorry but those are your only options.

I got a lot of Google hits on Centurion Turbo and Centurion Ironman. Though I don't know much about Centurion (my main interest is old Cinellis :).
I will have to study at: http://sheldonbrown.com/centurion/index.html

Fuji Team, about my size:
http://superbbicycle.com/2011/04/11/classic-fuji-team-road-bike/

Suntour Superbe is Bad-a$$
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7578748546_15ee04f5f1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/7578748546/)
100_8240 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/7578748546/) by Mon Jaque (http://www.flickr.com/people/72569507@N05/), on Flickr

Katakura Silk. Perfect for a Suntour group.

Scott

Just finished a 3rensho build with a superbe pro group that i've been waiting to try out for a long time and can attest to the silky smooth brakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/dchild/e9475b70.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/dchild/ecbd41cf.jpg

Katakura Silk. Perfect for a Suntour group.

Scott

+2
If you can find one.

I have no love for Accushift. I can't stand how the shifters feel, and on one Mangusta (Mongoose roadie) I had, it shifted so badly I backed out of selling the bike to someone out of embarrassment. Cyclone M-II is my group of choice, Nice looking, lightweight, and performs like a dream. The perfect package IMHO. I put it on my Club Fuji in place of the original ARX, and never looked back. I also have it on my 80 Raleigh Super Course 12, AND my 85 Peugeot PH10LE. Second on my list is Suntour Blue Line. I have a set with black inserts. It performs as well as the Cyclone in my opinion.,,,,BD

http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/SunTour_Cyclone_Mark-II_derailleur_(3500)_files/IMGP6548%20(1)-filtered.jpg

http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/SunTour_BL_derailleur_(3200)_files/IMGP4028-filtered.jpg

are those the one's with the hidden spring?





Just finished a 3rensho build with a superbe pro group that i've been waiting to try out for a long time and can attest to the silky smooth brakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/dchild/e9475b70.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/dchild/ecbd41cf.jpg

are those the one's with the hidden spring?

yes they are

The hidden-spring calipers are, IMHO, the best-designed sidepull calipers ever designed, and the sexiest. White-background photo shows a prototype set, with no logo screening on arms. Black-background photo were late-production calipers with BRS stickers on the reverse.

Also threw up a pic with the main Spb/Spb Pro derailleur family tree...261753261754261755

1983 Trek 760:

http://vintage-trek.com/images/trek/1983/83Trek15_75.jpg

1983 Trek 760:


Great minds think alike! (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/832517-Fitting-frame-for-a-SunTour-groupset?p=14484762&viewfull=1#post14484762) ;)

Cannondale SR, Team Comp or ST from 83 to 89. Lots of Cannondales from that era used a variety of Suntour components, including the White Lightning.

'89 Black Lightning with Sprint/Accushift was one of the nicest indexed 7 speed DT shifting bikes I've ever ridden.

Just finished a 3Rensho build ...
!Wow

Interesting retro look on Trek 760 1983 and Fuji Team, I am thinking about the different color on the head tube. Makes me associate to 70s Raleigh.

In most cases I prefer Campagnolo, but SunTour had character and was innovative. So I have dream about owning a complete SunTour groupset. But what would be a fitting frame brand to go with it?

Is there some classic bike model that you think of when you hear SunTour?

And a similar question: When hunting for a SunTour groupset, was any common model fully equipped with a SunTour top of the line groupset?The '85 Trek 460 (little racer brother to the 760 above) was equipped with the then new Cyclone S RD and it works like no other. Smooth and quick shifts. I'd love to put one on the Techie PRE.

The "S" would rock on any Columbus/Vitus/531. But that's just me.

Interesting retro look on Trek 760 1983 and Fuji Team, I am thinking about the different color on the head tube. Makes me associate to 70s Raleigh.

The '83 Trek 760 came from the factory with the head-tube painted in contrasting color.
They also had nice, db 531 frames and fork, and Campy DO's, but have become a little pricier on eBay.

-Actually any of the preceding suggestions would be great if priced right for you.

+2
If you can find one.

As soon as I get my Katakura frame photographed it's going on the market ..

Scott

I had no idea my suntour sprint group was sought after! the RD is well worn, but the cranks, FD and brake set is in good condition.

Just finished a 3rensho build with a superbe pro group that i've been waiting to try out for a long time and can attest to the silky smooth brakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/dchild/e9475b70.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/dchild/ecbd41cf.jpg

You must get the superbe pedals to finish it up, some of the nicest pedals ever made. I would make the rear derailleur housing a bit longer. I know it is friction, so not a big deal, but that bend is going to eat the lining pretty fast.

Edit: I really mean no offense, just a suggestion as a working mechanic I have learned what cable lengths work best. The bike is beautiful BTW... the brake cable look a little short also which may add some unwanted friction.