I gave my local bike shop a task to refurbish (I didn't want to go quite to the level of restore) my old bike from the 70's, a Japanese built Araya Rex Deluxe. I always though it was a great riding bike when I was young, but it had been through a flood and had several (about 20) years of neglect.

I think he did pretty good. I'll add more pictures later.

Any other Araya owners out there? They seem kind of rare.

Hi vangoes,

thanks for posting the picture of the Rex by Araya.

Most of the Rex by Araya that I have seen are the Criterium model. I have seen one other Deluxe model.

I think the Rex by Araya are superceded by the Araya brand.

Do you have the serial number? I am wondering if it is possible to date the frame from the serial number.

Thanks for the response Hummer. I'll check it over when I get some time and see if I can spot a serial number. I read some models have a serial number on the seat post, but mine did not. I think you're right about the Criterium model, I've come across a few of those searching for info on mine. I can't recall the exact year I bought it, but I remember it wasn't cheap (I think about 350) and I had it in high school, so that puts it before 1975. I think it was about 1971 or 72.

Here's a before shot. I have more for later.

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