Hangtownmatt

I apologize for the double post. I posted this in the Shogun DB thread and didn't even get a read so I'm trying here.

I need some help determining the value of this Shogun 600 to see if it's worth spending the time and money turning this into a commuter. There is not a serial number on the bottom bracket or anywhere else as far as I can tell. The rear wheel spacing is 120mm and there are eyelets for fenders and racks front and rear; very cool. The drive train components are all Shimano 600. Here are some pictures:

auchencrow

Shoguns are very nice rides - though not especially well known and rather underrated (and undervalued).
I had a 300 I sold for $140. - A year later, I received a think-you letter, because the new owner was so happy with it.

Your 600 is much nicer: Price-wise, I'd guess about $250 - but well worth spending a few bucks on fenders and racks
- IF it fits you that is.
(Looking at the height of the saddle gives me cause to wonder if it isn't too small for you).

TugaDude

If you have really long legs and short torso, it might fit, otherwise....

The bike is definitely worth fixing up. Shimano 600 is the old Ultegra and the Arabesque group alone is worth keeping. Based on the paint condition that I can see, I would clean it and apply a good wax. Polish all the chrome and alloy bits and service all the greasy stuff. It has the rack mounts and you can work out reasonable fenders, so go for it!

Hangtownmatt

That seat height had me questioning things also, but I am of the long legged short torso male variety, so it might work. I also have a Nitto Technomics (.sp?) stem that will raise the handlebars to a more comfortable height, but things might look a little goofy. Is the 120mm rear spacing a concern?

TugaDude

Depends on what you ultimately want to do with it. I assume it is a 5 speed right now. Unless your commute is hilly, should be fine as is. You can probably also spread it enough by hand to use a Shimano 6 speed freewheel if you so choose.

If it is your intent to upgrade the bike to 7, 8 or 9 speed, I would hesitate. It is certainly doable, but would require cold-setting the rear stays and before I did that, I would probably consider a newer bike with at least 126mm stays to base my build on.

Like I said, it is a nice bike, but if I were you I'd just try to get the most out of it within its limitations and not try to "modernize" it too much. But that's just me.

Bianchigirll 

great looking bike and well worth making a commuter out of it, if it fits well. I gree the seat looks high and talking about putting a Nitto tech. stem will not make things better. just how tall are you?

as for upgrading.. a 7spd FW may make a hilly commute easier but I would not start trying to go 8spd or upgrading to index.

wrk101

+1 Bike is too big. Really attractive bike, should bring a nice price.

Hangtownmatt

I'm 6' with a 33" inseam. Measuring seat tube to head tube C-C I think the frame is a 56cm; maybe 55cm. My commute is hilly and I was thinking of replacing the double with a triple crankset. But I know how that goes ... new bottom bracket, new rear derailleur, and who knows what else. The bike is in my possession and I'm hoping to get some time today to fiddle around a bit.

I appreciate the replies. Please continue.

Matt

TugaDude

I think you are trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. You will end up spending more than it is worth and then still not be 100% happy with it.

Find a similar bike in your size to start from. Patience is the key, they always show up. Perhaps post a WTB ad on your local CL. I have talked to many CL posters that have bikes "in the wings" that they don't especially want to sell, but will, if they know you are looking for that type of bike.

I picked up a 1985 Schwinn Letour Luxe, which would be perfect for what you are wanting to do. It has a triple up front, cantilever brakes and rack and fender mounts. Very lightweight for what it is. I paid $50.00 for it and polished it up, put on new bar tape, cables, etc. and it is now awesome. Don't rush and put a lot of dough into something that won't make you happy for the long haul. Polish it up, flip it, and use the proceeds to get a better candidate. Just my $.02

Hangtownmatt

I was able to do some more measuring and correct a couple mistakes. The rear wheel spacing is actually 126mm; not 120 as originally posted. And to eat a bit more humble pie, bicycles of this era, for the most part, were measured from the middle of the bottom bracket to to top of the seat stay; not seat tube to head tube C-C as originally posted. Using the correct measurement I'd say this is a 23" frame.

For the record I will be passing on this bike. It is a little too small.

Thanks for the help.

Matt