Classic & Vintage - Takara FS - Opinions?

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View Full Version : Takara FS - Opinions?

colinm
03-16-05, 11:48 AM
Not mine!

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/64017199.html

I'm not looking to buy, just discussion. Note the Canti's.

T-Mar
03-16-05, 04:03 PM
That's appears to be a Takara Challenge, 18 speed touring bicycle, circa 1984. The shift levers on the top of the down tube date it a lot older than claimed. The original price was about $350 US. Approx. 26 lbs. Usually seen with bar end shifters. he ones I'm familiar with had CrMo plain gauge main triangle with CrMo or hi-tensile stays and forks. May also have the troublesome SunTour MounTech derailleurs. Maybe this is why he photographed the non-drivetrain side? Highlight of bicycle should be the SunTour sealed cartridge bearing hubs laced to Araya 16A rims. A nice bicycle but nothing special.

A good production touring bicycle from this era would be the Miyata 1000, Specialized Expidition or Trek 620 which sold in the $500-$600 US range. My preference would be the Miyata.
colinm
03-17-05, 07:33 AM
Thanks, T-Mar. You must be an industry guy, or something, your knowledge amazes me.