zzxxyy

I saw an absolutely brand new old stock Panasonic Touring Deluxe and was wondering if it is worth 200 clams? It is 18-speed, and a full Deore drivetrain including those thumbies.

Should I get it, or spend the same amount on a 'modern' bike?

1988 and looks like the day it stepped out of the factory. Okay, probably I have to swap out the tyres.

Should I or should I not? It will be my wife's commuter and will probably see some light touring as well.

Thanks!

zzxxyy

Btw, I have a couple of days to decide. Appreciate any nudges to go ahead if this is a quality bike, or should I just opt for a modern bike.

Also, I have no idea on the value and quality of the bike hence this posting to this forum.

Thanks in advance!

plodderslusk

200 dollars for a "new" high qualty touring bike from the mid eighties is cheap. The steel frame weighs some grams more than a modern frame but at this price your wife can look forward to years of cycling joys at a very low price per mile. Does it have Mtb bars or is it barend shifters you refer to as thumbies ?

Scooper

There's a brief history at https://www.yellowjersey.org/pana.html. Many Schwinn Worlds and Le Tours were built by Panasonic beginning in the early seventies. Panasonic abandoned the U.S. market in 1989, but still builds great bikes.

For specific info on your '88 Touring Deluxe, try e-mailing pana@yellowjersey.org.

alanbikehouston

I'm not familiar with that model, but if it was designed for loaded touring, it may be similar to the Schwinn Voyageur Touring bike of that same era, which was built by Panasonic. The Schwinn Voyageur of the mid-80's was comparable in quality to 2005 Touring bikes that sell for $1,000 to $2,000. High quality tubes and fork, sturdy hubs and rims, and reliable components.

Take a close look at the bike to assess its condition. At its age, it likely will need fresh grease in the headset and bottom bracket. But, if it is "like new" and is the correct size, $200 sounds like a real bargain. The bike I ride most often these days is a Centurion Pro Tour from that era. The long wheelbase and steel frame and fork make Houston's bombed out roads feel almost smooth.

zzxxyy

Thanks all.

I am not sure if it is a real touring bike or if it is a quality bike worth buying. I am pretty inexperienced in this, and because I already own a few bikes, I really need to be selective on what else to "adopt". The shop owner said it was a Touring Deluxe model, but from the delicate looking tubes, I am not sure if it will really take fully loaded touring.

alabikehoustan, I would certainly before using the bike, to regrease the hubs, tune the wheels, take out the cranks and BB to properly clean and grease it, as well as the headset. Strange as it may sound, but I am looking forward to that.

I wrote to yellowjersey. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks again.
cheers!

Grand Bois

There's a picture of one here:

https://pages.zdnet.com/mlander24/id45.html

zzxxyy

Just received a note from Nich. Looks good! I wrote an email to the bikeshop owner than I am taking it. :-)

Thanks all!


If it is indeed a Touring Deluxe, it's one of the nicest
touring frames Panasonic ever made (yes, it should be lugged
Tange). Congratulations. Awesome bike; we sold them new
for $695 I believe.

--
Nich Wisland
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Scooper

What a great find! It belongs in "Catch of the day".

jacksbike

$200 is a great price for a NOS Pan Touring Deluxe. This was a great and comfortable touring bike. 100% Japanese made with superb forged aluminum parts. I used to sell them and really loved these bikes. Have a blast !

pastorbobnlnh 

[QUOTE=Scooper]There's a brief history at https://www.yellowjersey.org/pana.html. Many Schwinn Worlds and Le Tours were built by Panasonic beginning in the early seventies....QUOTE]

Stan,

Don't forget my 1979 Schwinn Traveler (III) made by Panasonic! While towards the lower end of Schwinn's Xtra Lite models, it still rides well to this day (especially with the thinner pair of Le Tour alloy wheels I installed). I've ridden it more than 900 miles during the past year. $200 sounds like a great price for a NOS Panasonic! Go for it!

Bob

Scooper

Bob,

Absolutely! Personally, I've always felt the Traveler III was better built and a better performer than a lot of bikes selling for much more.

dafydd

Could be wrong, but I think National (AKA panasonic) makes the Rivendell Quickbeam. certainly not the same volume in any case. think i they're also the parent company of panaracer and some tire manufacturers.

zzxxyy

Just a quick update.

Well, I bought the bike and got it delivered. It was absolutely brand new in packing. Alot of parts were in the plastic packaging. The tyres were original and were still zip-tied to the fenders (Minoura). I also spotted the dynamo which sits at the bottom bracket area as opposed to a hub dynamo or the bottle dynamo.

Much as I wanted to wait, I could not. It was incredible. I can say that this is one of the most beautiful bikes I have ever seen. The details and colour was gorgeous. Btw, I will take better pictures when the weather turns better. The pictures were taken from a crappy camera in my crappy cellar.

It also comes with a frame pump, original full Deore drivetrain including boxed Deore pedals and aluminium pedal cages! 2 lovely Panasonic bottles (aint they cute? ), some unknown Japanese handlebar and stem. The grips are foam.

All in all, I am extremely extremely satisfied with the bike. I think so far, this is my best purchase.

Thanks for the advice earlier on.

Some pics below.
ciao!

blackbikes

Wow! I hope you still have it!