Kobus

I just ran into this Panasonic.
And I am having dificulties to determin which model this is.
When I found the bike it was complete with a Campagnolo C-Record groupset with Cobalto brakes.
There was only 1 shimano part fitted, the was the plastic cover for the bracket.
This plastic cover was from Dura Ace 7400.
First I was thinking about the AL7000 or the AL9000.
But now I have 1 model extra to add, and that is the PCA-1500
To be honest, Panasonic is not much sold over here in holland and the folders doesn't give me enough clarity.

Mainly I am hoping for information to determin this model, and if somebody have expieriences with this bike it would be appreciated.

zukahn1 

That bike is a professional level frame set circa late 80's it is POS Panasonic Order System bike meaning it isn't a specific model these bikes were built to order with a large selection of components and options.

T-Mar

Often, there is variance between markets that can complicate identification, given that most BF members are American based. FWIW, the livery is that of the Panasonic Sportlife pro team and dates to the early 1990s. In 1989 the team was Panasonic Isotar and supplied by Colnago. The team was based in the Netherlands, so the lack of a substantial Panasonic presence there, during this era, is a bit puzzling.

In this case, the presence of the PICS decal could be a concession to the pro team livery, as the team bicycles have this decal. However, we know it's not a team bicycle, as it sports a pump peg, as opposed to a number peg.

It certainly does appear to one of the aluminum frames. Did you test it with a magnet? Whether it's an AL7000 or AL9000 is irrelevant as both bicycles used the same frame. The difference was in the components and colour options. I'm not familiar with the PCA-1500.

Strangely, the early 1990s, European catalogues on the Panasonic site do not list any aluminum models. Panasonic closed its USA division at the end of 1989. While the aluminum models are shown in the 1989 USA catalogue, they are not offered in this livery either among the standard or PICS options. Given that the aluminum models appeared in 1989 and the earliest European catalogue is 1991 and does not feature them, it's tempting to say that it's a 1990 European model. Certainly, the livery had been created by 1990. Hopefully, some other members can provide additional insight.

Kobus

Aha thats very interresting.
I just checked the Panasonic POS website, and I am blown away.
What a beauty's

Regarding the frame I have.

I am reconsidering to keep it and rebuilt with Shimano Dura Ace (as I think it should be).
But how about the weight limitation of this high end Alu frame?
For example I weigh 95 kilograms, (200pounds)
Or will it feel "limp".

Now I have a Gazelle Champion Mondial AA special, made from Reynolds 531.
And I like the ride a lot!

Thanks so far

Kobus

T-Mar:

Well we do have some presence of the panasonic bikes,
but Italian and ofcourse dutch bikes roamed the streets.
Previous I had a Team Holland Panasonic and a AL4000

yes I have tested with a magnet, and it doesn't stick.
Hopefully the inscription of the BB will give more information.

Actually the front fork brings me most questions.
All models of the AL7000 and the AL9000 do have different forks.
I could only find 1 set of photo of a pca-1500, which had the same fork.

Frameweight is 2550 grams (frame, fork and headset)

I am looking forward to the replies.

Thumpic

zukahn1 

If you pull the fork most better made Japanese forks have a branding label and details on strearer tube. I suspect this one is a tange aluminium something aero 1 or 2 indicating there highest level of OEM fork at the time.

T-Mar

Bettter yet, if it is a stock Tange fork, it should have a year-month date code.

Kobus

Hi everyone, I have more information.
After doing some more research and also opened a subject at Retrobike.com, I finally know what it is.
The bottombracket there is stamped SR__1, this is from the team riders of the panasonic sportlife team.
His name is Steven Rooks and this was his 1st bike.
This guy is a true legend in Holland.
This frame was built by Jan Legrand, the best bike builder Holland ever had.
This builder always added the 2 letters from the cyclist.
This frame is dated at 1990

Great find, unbelievable it was resting in a hometrainer with an 83 year old man.

Thanks for all the help

T-Mar

Well, that makes sense of the atypical S/N. It was commonplace to stamp riders initials on pro team bicycles and it is Rook's size. The only thing I'd question is it being a Legrand frame. LeGrand may have built the steel team bicycles but this is a bonded aluminum frame. It's a totally different technolgy and process. Regardless, congratulations on a once in a lifetime acquisition. Enjoy.

BTW, you'll want to build this with Shimano new Dura-Ace (7400 series) to be team issue.

Kevindale

Congrats on an awesome find. You hit the jackpot on this one.

DMC707

If it was a 1990 team bike, it was probably sold off in late 90 or 91.

The old man would have been 57 or 58 then, -- still on the "distinguished" side of life, but young enough to be able to make people hurt on a club ride. (Provided he is the 2nd owner that is)

I think about these things often when I see someone 2 or 3 decades my senior. That they were once young and strong too