Interesting old Kuwahara Caravan Tour
06-10-20, 07:10 PM
#1
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Interesting old Kuwahara Caravan Tour
I happened to notice a Brooks saddle for sale on FB for $20 and then realized the listing said the bike and saddle were a package deal for $20. I wanted the saddle and not the bike but took both for $20. Now that I see the bike I realize that under a layer of grime, grease, and filth it’s actually in really good shape. It needs tubes and tires and probably bar tape but other than that it seems really good. It does not seem like a high end bike but with just a bit of cleaning and tuning (and tubes, tires, and tape) I think it could actually be a highly serviceable bike - perhaps for a college kid or a commuter who doesn’t want to ride a pricey bike around. I was originally going to keep the saddle and donate the bike to the co-op but it seems like it may be a shame to do that - maybe I should clean it up and sell it intact? Maybe $100 or $120? I have plenty of tubes and tires around but would need to buy some bar tape. So far cables looks pretty good but I will need to inspect them. Honestly Now that I see it I would definitely clean it up and keep it to ride but it’s a 54 - just a bit too small for me - I normally have a good fit with a 56. If I clean it, tune it, and repack bearings could be pretty nice? I’m curious what others would do - keep saddle and donate bike or fix it up and sell?
06-10-20, 09:51 PM
#3
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Nice find!
You got a whole lot of bike for 20 bucks...
You got a whole lot of bike for 20 bucks...
06-10-20, 10:37 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by branko_76
Nice find!
You got a whole lot of bike for 20 bucks...
You got a whole lot of bike for 20 bucks...
06-11-20, 08:54 AM
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For a fairly nice touring model with racks and fenders $100-120seem a bit low.nicely cleaned andserviced readyto ride you could likely get $250 in the current market it would be more but DT shifters and 27in wheels will holdprice down some.
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06-11-20, 01:16 PM
#6
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You could probably get $100 for it "as - is" and, it makes more sense to leave it alone. You'll never recover your investment after a complete overhaul with new consumables.
06-11-20, 01:37 PM
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Does the purple tubing sticker below the seat hold anything discernible? It actually seems like a nice frame, considering the lugs, multiple eyelets, and sloping fork crown.
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06-11-20, 02:10 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by noobinsf
Does the purple tubing sticker below the seat hold anything discernible? It actually seems like a nice frame, considering the lugs, multiple eyelets, and sloping fork crown.
06-11-20, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by noobinsf
Does the purple tubing sticker below the seat hold anything discernible? It actually seems like a nice frame, considering the lugs, multiple eyelets, and sloping fork crown.
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06-11-20, 05:31 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by T-Mar
That's Kuwahara's 'CHROMEMOLY' decal. You saw them a lot of Kuwahara built Apollo. There were several versions of the decal. They weren't all "3 tubes butted" like in the attached photo. Given the era and intended use, this one could very well be plain gauge.
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06-11-20, 06:20 PM
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As a nicer Tourer from the early 80's it likely has full medium strait guage chro-mo. Very good chance there is some tubing info on the steering tube of the fork if you pull it.
06-12-20, 04:17 PM
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It is a nice early '80s (1983?) touring bike with racks. Good demand for them out there. They are versatile. I would keep the saddle, but I have others to replace it with on that bike. The saddle is worth $50+. That bike cleaned up and serviced should bring another $175 to $225, or at least $150, without the Brooks and front racks. That is without adding a "pandemic" premium to it. You can give it away, or sell it cheap. Then somebody else wil sell it for $250. You could also try trading it for a decent bike your size. $20 for that is a seriously nice score to a C&V guy.
06-12-20, 05:25 PM
#13
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Good deal and a very sellable bike. Here’s how I’d work this one in my hood:
-Keep or sell the saddle separately. I’d now consider this a free bike.
-Purchase a $20 saddle on eBay that will show great.
-Sell the front rack separately
-I’d disassemble and clean working around what needed replacing (i.e. Cables, housing and tape)
-Invest $40 in cables, housing and tape as needed.
-Hopefully keep tires, chain and brake pads. You’ve got some room if you need to replace something.
-Take killer pictures of a great bike.
-List locally at $185 and be willing to accept $160.
You’ll never recover the value of your time but for some of us, that’s not the objective. You will end up with a few extra bucks, learn a little and take satisfaction in salvaging an old bike that puts a smile on the face of the new owner.
-Purchase a $20 saddle on eBay that will show great.
-Sell the front rack separately
-I’d disassemble and clean working around what needed replacing (i.e. Cables, housing and tape)
-Invest $40 in cables, housing and tape as needed.
-Hopefully keep tires, chain and brake pads. You’ve got some room if you need to replace something.
-Take killer pictures of a great bike.
-List locally at $185 and be willing to accept $160.
06-12-20, 07:53 PM
#14
WGB
Value depends on where seller is located. Might sell higher in good market. I'd bet $300+ in Toronto.
Usually Brooks sell well on this site for over $60 and that cool crank set might be real popular on here as well. I bet you could climb anything this side of the grand canyon with that 18....
Usually Brooks sell well on this site for over $60 and that cool crank set might be real popular on here as well. I bet you could climb anything this side of the grand canyon with that 18....
