tgot

Hi,

A neighbor has a Maruishi road bike, lugged frame, sticker saying Champion 2, for garage sale. Biopace chainrings, which roughly dates it. Maybe 58cm? Seemed slightly bigger than my 56 but I didn't measure.

Rust on rear cogs, I didn't see any on frame or handlebars or seatpost.

Newer tires, newer flat pedals, the husband had certainly ridden it more recently than its original vintage. Still downtube shifters. Rear derailleur might have been upgraded, looked newer. Brakes looked original but I didn't look too carefully.

My thought if I buy it would be to seek to trade it in the SF Bay area for labor and maybe parts, with someone who knows restoring older bikes, to update and restore my Dave Scott Centurion.

But, I've never heard of that brand of bicycle. Can anyone tell me anything about it?

Is it desirable? What would be a reasonable offer for such a bike?

Thanks.

T-Mar

Maruishi's claim to fame was that they were Japan's oldest bicycle company, having imported the first bicycles into Japan in 1884. They were a full range manufacturer but the presence of Tange #2 on the subject bicycle suggests no lower than mid-range, while the BioPace, if OEM, suggests no older than 1983. However, there are no BioPace equipped models in my 1984 catalogue, let alone with Tange #2, so it should be late 1980s. Maruishi is not one of the higher profile Japanese brands, but the ones I've seen were nicely built and good value. Value will depend on the actual components and condition, so you should post pictures.

ramzilla

A Maruishi w/Tange 2 frame in the SF Bay Area. Yes, that's a desirable bike. In good reliable condition worth maybe $200. All cleaned up with new tires & parts $300.

oddjob2

I'd say 1/2 the above estimates. The SR-5000 below is asking $200, been on the market for nearly 3 weeks, a higher grade Tange 1 frameset and has components worth parting out. Not exactly Bay Area though, but close enough.

https://merced.craigslist.org/bik/d/...523574094.html

ramzilla

I'd agree on about 1/2 the above estimates for someplace like Omaha or Scranton. But, this is the SF Bay Area. And, it's a Tange 2 Maruishi. Great googly moogly, It's a one of a kind find! For someone who seeks something unique. Quit being such a tightwad oddjob. (Don't make me say it again). You're so tight you squeek when you walk. (Sorry. I just can't help it).

alexander55

This one is branded Nashbar but was made by Maruishi. 1984. Great riding bike.

tor94306

I've found an old Maruishi road bike. Aluminum frame with shimano 105 components. The only labels on the bike are "Maruishi", "Made in Japan", "Aluminum Series 7000", "Alu-Tech", and 3 yellow/red/blue pictures showing running, biking, swimming.

Has anybody heard of this model? Any idea of when it was made? Was/is it a good frame?
Thanks,
tor