ChrisFred96

So, my father had purchased a Zebrakenko Olympic Ace in the 1970's and it is completely original other than most likely the brake pads and tires. Even the original pearlescent paint, Olympic Ace decal, and the stands (since it has no kickstand like several other Zebras). That being said, I have a few questions.

1.) How rare is this bike? I understand they were very expensive new (from what I understand 800-1000 USD), and I have only seen one other goldensport that seemed to be slightly unoriginal

2.) How much do these go for? Not that I intend on selling it, but I want to know how coveted such a rare piece is

3.) Is there any serial numbers I should take a picture of to input my rare bike into a directory for statistical reasons and to maintain a good head count?

I will upload pics if anyone wants to see. I just got back from vacation and will take pictures tomorrow on the original stands. I also believe the original manual is around somewhere...

cb400bill

Welcome to Bike Forums. Because you asked for an appraisal, we're going to move your thread to our Classic & Vintage Appraisals forum.

In addition, for any type of accurate appraisal, pics are a must.

oddjob2

Upload photos to a photo host and post links here. Take them outdoors, details of components and decals as well.

mstateglfr 

Yes, upload them to flikr and link em please. I would love to see a higher end zebra.

I am currently toy working on restoring a 79 zebrakenko Thunder model. There is very little on the internet about the company and their bikes, but a Thunder was apparently lower end and even it has stock aluminum wheels, mid-level components, downtube shifters, and alloy components.

I'd love to see details of what a higher level model has.

OldsCOOL

Zebra's are quite uncommon or at least among our membership they just dont get much mention. I had one about 10yrs ago that I found at a thrift shop for 15.00. Probably a mid level bike with SunTour BL derailleur, Ish 022 and the usual Japanese accompaniments. Nice bikes. I would love to see their top shelf bike.

ChrisFred96

Update for those who are interested. I have pictures! Behold!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/134282.../shares/68Gc15

I also weighed it at 18.5lbs. The picture of the nut confuses me, because my father does not remember putting it on there and it clearly isn't factory. It is fairly original and some staining on the paint, but most certainly not worth repainting. it is only original once!

The story goes, my father raced several 100+ mile races with the bike and used it as a cruiser for many years after he stopped racing. As a kid (around the age of one or two) I had rode strapped to the back in a children's carry seat. Since then it had sat in my garage until I took more interest into it.

zukahn1 

That's an interesting bike I have never seen a race level Zebranko bike with full DA components before and the under 20lb wieght is impressive for a late 70's bike. Not sure of exact value but worth at least $500 based on the 1st generation Black DA stuff which often goes for $300-400 by itself.

exxongraftek

Only one problem - you still haven't seen one! Look closer, that's a Sugino crank and Suntour Cyclone derailleurs.

That awful seat binder nut is what enabled that pretty bike to be "adorned" with a child carrier (shudder)

ChrisFred96

Any time period correct nut for the binder that I can find that will be a better solution than leaving the god awful plastic one?

oddjob2

@zukahn1 and I are usually within 10% of one another on values, but on this Zebra, I'm more like 50%, $250-$300 tops. It may be rare, but as @wrk101 says, it is more often times than not, due to lack of brand awareness and poor marketing/distribution. Unless someone is jonesing for that specific Olympic Ace bike, it wouldn't bring any random buyers. It is not up there with the team level Miyatas, Fujis, Bridgestones, and even some Centurions.

inkandsilver

Cool bike. And interesting -- it is equipped very similarly to the '76-'77-'78ish Centurion Semi-Professionals. And... the frames have some similarities, too, from what I can see in your photos. The long point lugs, seatstay caps... maybe I am just imagining it? The '77 Schwinn Volare also seems to have some kinship.

Guyon

I kind of disagree oddjob2. As an ex Schwinn mechanic I believe this bike ranks up there, especially with that frame to work from.
I would much rather have an ultra rare (for whatever reason) bike, than a kind of rare bike that sold hundreds of thousands.
No matter what, It is a sharp looking bike and would certainly be a conversation piece. If not a once in a life time opportunity to own.

Please keep us informed on what happens.


@inkandsilver very cool bike!

ChrisFred96

Wow! That is interesting! The frames look identical! Any serial numbers on the Centurion that may be in a similar place for the Zebra?

You are right about the Schwinn Volare being rather similar, but the tubular chassis seems to look slightly different in the back (unless the picture I am looking at is a paint job that makes it look different). Was there a company that made these chassis and then sold them to bicycle companies?

FastJake

Cool bike but rare has little bearing on value. There are lots of rare things that are worthless. This is nice mid/higher end race bike with a relatively unknown name (in the general market) and needing a complete teardown and overhaul including new tires, cables, housing, etc. I agree that it could possibly bring $300 as it sits.

+1000

Sorry, this bike doesn't weigh 18.5lbs. Get a new scale. Tall-ish vintage steel frame road bikes are simply not that light. Maybe if you convert it to fixed gear and remove the brakes, bottle cage, and pedals you could get it down that far. But as-is, no way.

inkandsilver

ChrisFred, the serial # on mine is on the underside of the bottom bracket shell. The above photo is "as found" -- take a look at this thread if you want to see what I have done with it.

Is anyone else seeing the similarities? What do you think, Tim? @fricker61

Total speculation: maybe Zebrakenko contract built for Centurion at some point?

ramzilla

That would be amazing if it only weighed 18.5 lbs. Even the best Italian bikes with top of the line Columbus tubing weighed in around 20lbs back then.

fricker61

Certainly a possibility. I wasn't aware though that Zebrakenko actually made bikes. I always assumed they were another marketing brand, but it's often hard to tell. I know Fuji, Panasonic, Bridgestone and Miyata actually MADE bikes, but I'm sure there were others and Zebrakenko might be one of them.

There is definitely a resemblance, but it could simply be they used the same lugs and similar component mix. A serial number match would help.

Tim

mstateglfr 

Zebrakenko did make bikes.

TugaDude

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02-11-09, 05:45 AM #7
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Funny to read this, as you do not encounter really much on Zebrakenko normally. Not long ago acquired a Zebrakenko myself. Model 'Olympic Ace' to be precisely, finished in lovely candy apple green. It is partially chromed, for example the top of the aero fork crown. Equipment is 1st gen Dura Ace with Crane rear mech and MKS pedals with leather covered half clips, what makes me believe it was the top of the range model. Condition is exceptionally good, like new. Shiny paint, spotless components. It has that funny Lion headbadge. Actually there is more funny on the bike: The name 'Zebrakenko'. 'Zebra' sounds warm, 'kenko' with the 2 k's very hard. 'Olimpic Ace' is also such name only far eastern manufacurers come up with.

Hope to have pics up soon.

Trueblood, I wish you much luck with your search for your 'Golden Sports'

berf

A little late to the party but what you have there is an extremely rare and extremely nice bike. The SunTour/Dia-Compe/Sansin components in black are the icing on the cake for rarity. It's only the second Olympic Ace I've seen on the web and the only one from that year. I'm going out on a limb to say the frameset may have come from a master builder outside the Zebrakenko/Riken factory. The Centurion mentioned elsewhere may have also come from the same builder. Golden Sports was a well-established Japanese manufacturer. Centurion is just an American marketing name. I'm glad you're keeping it but... I would absolutely love to have it or another like it. Been looking for a few years now, might be looking for a few more.

ChrisFred96

Better late than never! I love the bike and keep it 100% stock. Even to the point that the wrap on the handlebars are original and I only use sew up tires on the original wheels.

I've had several people suggest I modernize the wheels to no longer use sew ups, but hey, it is a quirky old Japanese bike. I like them, and they are worth the hassle hunting for them.

Glad you enjoyed seeing the bike. You will find one! Search Craigslist. You may not find an Olympic Ace, but you may find sister models.

As for the SunTour derailleur, it is fantastic. Needs a little tune, but works well!

marius.suiram 

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ebrakenko.html

Guyon

What a nice comment berf,
have a great day

T-Mar

I concur, this a nice, very well manufactured bicycle. The features are characteristic of higer end, smaller volume models. Regarding the manufacturer, it could be just about anybody. Most of the Japanese manufacturers were capable of this level, it's just that it was rarely seen. It may have manufactured by Zebrakenko or contracted out. The Centurion Semi-Pro of this era were manufactured by Miki, while the Schwinn Volare I've seen came from Bridgestone. The best indicator for the manufacturer and year will be the serial number. I'd also appreciate if the OP could provide the seat post diameter, unless there is a surviving tubeset decal, which I don't see. TIA.

I'm glad to hear that the OP is enjoying his father's bicycle. In terms of sentimental value, it's priceless.