Lovology

I need help figuring out about this bike that I have, which I just restored. IT is a beautiful frame, tall with amazing detail. Yet I can find NOTHING about it. I have attached pictures of the bike. I paid nothing for it. It is a nice looking bike and handles well.

Sixty Fiver

The little bit I have read on Suttons is that they were Japanese made and probably given this name to make them more attractive to North American buyers and may have been a store brand.

T-Mar

There was also an English Sutton and a custom builder by that name, however this one does appear to be a boom era, Japanese model. The serial number may provide a clue to it's lineage.

Lovology

Thanks so much so far, has anyone a clue as the time frame this bike was made? Would it be in the 70's

T-Mar

As I said earlier, it appears to be boom era (i.e. early 1970s). The year will also be coded into the serial number. Hopefully, it's a format I've seen before. If not, you'll have to rely on component codes.

Lovology

Hi, Thanks so FAR everyone, HERE is the serial number found under crank on the Sutton
2R46909.

repechage

Swimming pool aqua handlebar tape. Kind of works with the black. I saw ONE Sutton while working at the bike shop long long ago, 1974. Japanese. No idea beyond that.

Lovology

Actually its not black, it is deep deep green, called a Charlotteville Green, with slight slight sparkle. So actually then with the chrome, I thought the Bianchi green tape looked pretty rocking... The bike is really sweet to ride too...its soo pretty...I say...

I wish I knew the value...I am going to sell it, I need to, I have too many bikes..and this frame is too large for me..

T-Mar

The serial number format matchs that used by Matsu****a, the Japanese manufacturer of National and Panasonic brand bicycles, though it's also possible it was also used by other manufacturers. One problem with Japanese, boom era, serial numbers is that they sometimes used the Japanese Imperial Calendar, which is very different. It also indicates an autumn manufacture, so it's possible the bicycle is for the following model year. In this case, it could be 1968/1969, 1972/1973 or 1978/1979. The most likely of these is 1972/1973, as the boom had not hit in 1969 and the features look a bit dates for 1978/1979.

In this case, I suggest you check component date codes against the information on the components page of the Vintage-Trek website, in an attempt to corroborate the serial number. However, the derailleurs appear to be Shimano (GS version) and if so, will not have date codes if they are pre-1976, in which case the best bets for date codes are the back of the crank arms and the stem, below the insertion mark.

Lovology

Thanks ALOT, yes Shimano GS version is correct on the derailleurs. I get the vibes, based on my other bikes early 70's is accurate. I think $200.00 is undervalued, IT is SO sweet in its lugged design, and rides like a dream. I appreciate SOOOOOO MUCH....for the info.

Happy Holidays....ReBecca

marklamp

I'm the original owner of a 1973 Sutton, when I bought the bike in 74 shop guy told me it was last years model. Your pics look very similer to mine, I'll have to go out in the garage to compare the full details, one thing my frame has is a tire pump holder welded to the frame (That was the selling point why I bought it) ha-ha I was a kid and it was cool!

I believed the bike cost me about $149 On sale!!. That still was $10 - $20 more the Fuji's, Panasonics, Royce unions, Raleigh's. I think the Peugeot’s cost $20 more at the time.
As for the manufacturer I’m not sure! I remember the bike shop owner told me Sutton was new bike builder and they were using some very good components! He said on paper it's a GOOD bike But their reliability was not proven, and their price was keeping people away. You have to remember in 73/74 Japanese products were still considered low quality; Toyota's and Honda's they rusted out in 4 years!

Anyway I was kid, who thought this bike was the coolest thing I ever saw! And 40 years later I still enjoy riding it, with all of its scratches..
PS enjoy your Sutton …Your not alone anymore…Someone else remembers Sutton Bikes
PSS if you have any other information on Suttons I would be happy to hear from you.
Thanks ….Mark

juvela

the japanese made sutton bicycles imported into north america were imported and distributed by the union cycle co. of new york: royce union.

25th Viet Vet

I am new here. I bought a Sutton exactly like yours. Chrome lugs. Had to buy it. There was so much dirt on the bike it was a God send. The dirt kept the bicycle in beautiful condition. All original.

AlexCyclistRoch

OK, the 'net nanny' is going a bit too far.......

25th Viet Vet

I also found it interesting the Sutton Japanese bike was without a history. The day of purchase made me silly with the possibilities of a vintage steel chrome lug bike. After the investigating, I find myself here.
Doesn't it seem odd to have a company during the 1970s putting the finest designed parts together on fantastic steel , and there is no interest or history. The Sutton cable clips alone are so beautiful . Early Shimano everything else.

25th Viet Vet

I have a Sutton. Purple. All original. Still cannot understand why there is no interest. I have had mine for sale for over a year. Priced right and no interest. Those chrome lugs are beautiful.

cb400bill

Unknown name, low end components, stamped dropouts, stem shifters, cottered cranks, and chipped paint.

In my area, fully overhauled and ready to ride, this is a $100 bike.

cycleheimer

It looks like a nice bike to ride and enjoy. Have the tires been replaced? Some decent deals online, if needed.