not_me

So I bought this Sekine from the police auctions in Toronto a few months ago. When I received it, it was covered in stickers, including a massive "John Mackie Grand Touring Bikes of Canada" decal covering the Sekine lettering. Anyone know anything about John Mackie?

Anyway, after some research, I'm pretty sure it's an SHS model, as all the components and stamped shimano dropouts and fork ends seem to point that way. (Links to randyjawa's site, as well as the 1975 catalogs with full spec list).

https://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...troduction.htm
https://thesekineproject.blogspot.ca/...catalogue.html

I have another lower end model Sekine built up as a fixed commuter. I love the way it rides, so when this one was listed I jumped on it. My plans are to build it as a 10 or 12 speed.

The wheels need to be replaced as they and badly beat up, I have a shimano 600ex (6208) group lying around that I'm considering using for the rest.

What would the bikeforum members do if this was yours? Clean up the old components and keep it stock, or swap in the 6208 group?

cb400bill

I'd put the better components on it and ride it.

Italuminium

600, no contest. Such a competent line of groups.

fettsvenska 

I say that if you already have the parts and don't have to spend a whole lot of money on it, then do 600 group. But I'm in favor of resurrecting almost anything with 2 wheels.

T-Mar

The frame is definitely from an SHS or SHT. The two models were almost the same, with the most notable difference being the crankset.

The New 600EX components are a serious upgrade over the OEM components, so if you have them, I'd use them. However, I wouldn't throw out the old parts. Keep them just in case you find a better frame for the New 600EX components.

You may have some compatibility issues with the components. Most of the new 600EX levers were manufactured for brazed-on boss fittings. Most New 600EX wheel sets were 700c and the short reach brake caliper is the most common version, so there may be some reach issues on the frame, which was intended for 27" wheels. Hopefully, you have the less common clamp shifters and long reach calipers. The other issue may be the bottom bracket. Many of the mid-1970s, hi-tensile Sekine used a 70mm bottom bracket. The top model, the SHX, used a 68mm, but I'm not sure at which point in the line and what year the transition occured, Given that the SHS used the same crankset as the as the hi-tensile models, it may be 70mm too. There's also the possibility of headset issue.

I'd appreciate the serial number for my database and will reciprocate with the year.

not_me

Thanks T-Mar, I'm at work right now, but I'll update with the serial number when I get home.

Lucky I do have the long reach 600 calipers, as well as the correct clamp-on adapter for the dt shifters, so I probably will go through with the upgrade!

Not sure about the bb shell, my lower end one had a 70mm as you said, this frameset has a "Champion Butted Chromoly" decal, I'll put the digital caliper on it tonight and find out.

old's'cool

While you're at it, can you weigh the frame, and the fork, and report to this thread?

not_me

T-mar, yep, my bb shell is 70 mm so I won't be able to use the 600 bb I've got.

Serial number is X1005434

Frame weight = 5 lb 0 oz
Fork weight = 1 lb 12 oz

Seat tube = 58cm c-t
Top tube = 57cm c-c

zukahn1 

I think the 600 stuff you have should be fine for this bike with a little work. For the BB use the cups that are already in frame if not awfull some loose balls and spindle to fit. It should just be pretty much putting the bike together with a little patience and TLC and you can tackle specific issues as they arise. Having built about a hundred vintage road bikes it seems you over thinking stuff in advance. You will likely need to start putting stuff together to figure out what you realy need. More often then not stuff I thought where going to be issues weren't while stuff didn't even consider turned out to be the real issues.

T-Mar

It should be a 1974 model.

zukahn1 

The dropout style with the screws would make me think a year or two later but I will differ to T-Mar on this. As most manufacturers made year models for several years with starting with the same serial number coding.

old's'cool

Assuming +/- 10% accuracy, those are pretty respectable numbers for a low/mid-range bike from the mid-70s. That kinda supports the Cro-moly decal; but I'm just speculating.

not_me

The only other bare frame I have lying around to compare it's weight is an '87 Miyata 912 (that's actually where most of the donor parts for the Sekine are coming from - the Miyata is getting upgraded to 600 tricolor w/ brifters).

The Miyata is actually heavier!!! It's spline triple butted, but still, WTF??
frame= 5 lb 6 oz
fork = 1 lb 12 oz

T-Mar

That doesn't surprise me. Miyata used quite extensive splining, much more than Columbus. There's probably an extra 3 ounces in splines alone. Then the Miyata has all kinds of fittings that the Sekine doesn't; downtube shifter bosses, dual bottle bosses, pump peg, chain hanger, cable tunnels and a a cast rear bridge bridge for recessed brake fasteners. This adds several ounces of features that the Sekine frame is devoid of. So, the lighter gauge of the miyata tubing apparent just makes up for all that.

FYI, my SHX frame and fork come in at 6 lb 1 oz, including headset.

BTW, I did some research and John Mackie was former Toronto LBS owner and bicycle advocate. I'd never heard of him until now.

Sending PM.