Arrowana

Maybe this belongs in the mechanic or framebuilding forum, but I'm sure you guys want to see all the pretty pictures.

Last week at work a lady came in wanting to know if we would buy her bike. She had been a racer, and this was one of the bikes she raced with. She was moving, and it had been years since it was ridden. While it was quite beautiful, it had enough frame damage that we weren't really able to give her what she wanted. But looking it over, I started thinking that I might be tempted to throw an offer in, even though I'm trying to cut down the number of bikes I have around. I asked if I could take it for a quick spin in the parking lot, and it felt amazing. I really wanted it now. But while I was out there, my co-worker was inside talking with her, and convinced her the damage could be fixed, and she should keep it instead of selling it. When I got back in and heard, I was disappointed, but took it ok since it was technically too small for me, and it would be cool to see her get back on her old racing bike.

The next day I had off, but got a text from the same co-worker, saying she rode it again, decided she couldn't ride a bike with drop-bars anymore, and wanted to sell it to me. So I waited, and hadn't heard anything for a week. I thought she had changed her mind... Today I got a call from her, apparently she forgot my name and had been asking for the wrong person before. We met up and talked a bit, and I ended up buying it.

So here's what I got, a Sekai 5000 from around 1978.


Simplex rear derailleur, apparently from 1969, and has a purple label that supposedly makes it quite rare. Any idea what model? I'll try and get more pics later


Simplex FD, Stronglight 49D crankset


Tubing label, pretty sure it's Tange Professional, though this doesn't seem very specific


Simplex shifters


Cinelli bars


Well used Ideale saddle


And now for the bad...

Top-tube dents, the pic doesn't make them look so bad, but the shape and number of them makes me wonder how well rolling them out will work.


And looks like it's been in a crash. This has me worried the most.


It rides fine, and people seem to think it is safe to ride, although I'm not sure if they noticed what is shown in that last pic. I figure the more opinions the better. You can feel that the downtube is bent ever-so-slightly too, but my phone can't get a pic that shows anything is wrong. I'm guessing I should try rolling out the dents, and if that doesn't work well, have the top-tube replaced.

eschlwc

i like these high end sekais. they made a light blue colored frame that i'm hoping to find in my size...

i don't see the damage you mention in the last pic.

and how does one 'roll out' damage like that shown in this top tube?

mickey85

Take two blocks of wood with C's cut in them that match the shape of the tube. Clamp it around the tube and twist them around, tightening as you go. Ruins the paint, but saves the frame.

If you wanted crazy money, the tubes on lugged bikes are replaceable. Depending on where you are in wisconsin, you could get it done at a framebuilder. I think Waterford does repair like that...

eschlwc

sounds easy enough. does it pull out these big dents though? got a youtube vid to share?

Chris W.

Very cool bike! I really like the French build.
I'd check into the Yellow Jersey for repairs.

Cheers,
Chris

due ruote 

You could also check with RRB Cycles for a second opinion.

I'm generally not very risk averse when it comes to these things, but that looks like it's had some pretty hard knocks. I think I'd want to hear what a reputable builder says before doing any serious miles on it.

nlerner

Nice Sekai, but that's a Stronglight 93 crankset, not a 49D.

Arrowana

Right, guess I'm getting models mixed up.

I've had enough people at work, including the head mechanic and a guy that has framebuilding experience, tell me it's ok that I think I'll go ahead and ride it. Of course, I still plan on attempting to roll out the dents soon.

Now I've gotta figure out what I want to do with it. It should get new rubber fairly soon, so I can either get new tubulars, or throw a clincher wheelset on it. I'm thinking I want to try tubular, since I've never had a bike with them before. New seatpost is a must, as the current one is too short for me. And I guess I'll have to go on a bit longer ride to decide if I think I have to change anything in the drivetrain, though a modern freewheel and chain already sound tempting.

Road Fan

I think riding is ok, but check those cracks and creases at least once a week, including under the tube near the lug. That metal is quite thin, it has been creased hard, and it will continue to be flexed due to road vibration and pedaling stresses.

For the rest, just overhaul and regrease, and adjust the derailleurs right. It should ride great if nothing worse happens to the tubing.

I agree with taking it to RRB down in Kenilworth, IL. There are a lot of experienced builders in WI, but Ron Boi is one of the top guys and has decades of frame restoration experience.

YJ tubulars: 3 for $50, pick them up in Madison, decent quality, ride well, repairable. What more could you want?

stringbreaker

Gee Sekai's all over there is one in another thread and I bought one about a month ago for my rain bike.

Gravity Aided

Know what you mean, stringbreaker. They seem to run in cycles When I got my 1000 , I'd seen about 3 that week, and I seem to see them in groups when they come up. Our LBS had them as a budget brand . Great Quality .

RaleighSport

The 5000 tubing was very very very thin, a complaint of the era was that you could literally squeeze the tubes with your fingertips. However we do have a forum member who rides a 5000 found in a dumpster with similar tube damage his thread is here https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ve#post3578671

I'd say if it rides safely it's probably fine.

Edit: Your tubes/lugs
5000 Tange Professional .06 x .03 double butted Cr-Moly, Lugs tange short point with cutouts

T-Mar

While it's hard to make a proper assessments from pictures, I'd be very leery of the crease on the underside of the top tube, just behind the lug. The Sekai 5000 did indeed use Tange Champion Pro, so that top tube is thinner than both Columbus KL and Reynolds 753. When thin metal is creased, it does not take much of an impact to cause a complete collapse. I agree that you should take it to a professional framebuilder who can perform a proper and thorough examination. It probably could use a realignment anyways.

Edit: The rear derialleur appears to the 1969/1970 version of the Simplex Criterium.

Arrowana

I made a quick stop by Yellow Jersey today, they told me it's from 1975. They also said I'm ok riding it. I did check the alignment of the frame at work, it's not perfect, but pretty close.

Also decided I am at least going to replace the chain and freewheel, already been injured from riding a bike with a French freewheel, no need to experience that again.

RaleighSport

enjoy your sweet score man!