Based on the serial number I'd eliminate 1986 and go with very early 1987. It looks similar to the MIKI serial number format, though I don't believe I've seen one with 9 characters. Typically, they are 8 characters long.

Hey folks! I was hoping that somebody may be able to give me some insight into this frame that I have acquired. I'm not able to post pictures yet so bear with me on my wonky descriptions hopefully they make sense.

All of my internet searches have led me to believe that all Japanese made Schwinn bicycles have either an 8-digit serial number and a date code that begins with an S, or a serial number that includes an alpha designation for the month or year that it was produced. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

But the frame I got, doesn't have either of those. It is a light blue Schwinn Traveler, has the Schwinn approved made in Japan designations, and has two numbers stamped into it. The first is on the left front fork and reads "L173." The second is on the left rear axle hanger and reads "80 05 00083."

If I were normal, I would assume that this meant that my frame was built in Japan in the first week of December 1973, but I'm not, so here I am. Lol. Anyone have any information that might help me out? All of my time with Google led me here to this guide, which is great, but didn't straighten anything out for me I'm afraid. Thanks in advance!

The serial number is consistent with a frame that was manufactured in May 1980 by Kuwahara of Japan. Here's another 1980 Schwinn traveller with the Kuwahara serial number format, though this one would be from July.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5b594ff46.jpeg

Marry me!

Brilliant, a million thank yous!

Marry me!

Brilliant, a million thank yous!

So, what does the other number mean then? Curiosity is my weakness. Or strength, depends how you look at it.

The other number is believed to be a sequential frame number for the month and year in question. In other words, your frame was the 83rd manufactured during May, 1980.

While my wife has no problems with my acquiring n+1 bicycles, I'm not sure that she would be receptive to n+1 wives. Regardless, I wouldn't go into a blind marriage. Before even considering your proposal, I'd require a full, drive side photo. :D

T-mar,

What do you think of this number (7D03172) on the lower end of the head tube? I guess it is a serial but I stink at decoding them and appreciate your help. The seller believes it is a Nishiki. I think it is a decent spray paint and there is no head badge or decals of any kind. There are no drive side photos and the machined aluminum piece at the bottom looks like possibly a spacer to make another fork fit because it looks out of place to me but that is just speculation. It has Tru-America Matrix rims but I don't know they are original. It has Shimano 600 aero brake levers and if the derailleurs are 600 I don't think I would hurt myself buying it.

Thanks in advance.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c5e97ce73e.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6f0a9a84af.jpg

Based on the serial number format, in conjuction with other features such as the pump peg, it is a 1987 model manufactured by Matsu****a/National of Japan. However, it's much harder to identify the model. The obvious candidate would be a Panasonic DX-5000 based on the New 600EX but in that case I would also expect the New 600EX headset and an integral fork crown. I would have expected the same, had this been a contract built Schwinn Super Sport. It's also possible that the New 600EX is not OEM, though it is period correct. I also can't rule out a crashed bicycle with a replacement fork and front wheel, given the repaint and Matrix rims. It also looks like the headset may have been cobbled together from a few mismatched parts, to accommodate a fork with a slightly longer steering column. To be safe, inspect it very carefully and give it a good test ride. It's unfortunate that there aren't more photos, specifically a good, overall, drive side photo.

Regardless, it's definitely a 1987 frame built in late February by Matsu****a/National. Here's a head photo of a 1987 Panasonic DX-5000 showing the same serial number format and location.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6404918645.jpg

Thank you again for your continued help. Do you believe that this may be a quality tubing or hi-ten?

It's really hard to make a definitive statement, without additional photos or information. If we operate on the premise that the New 600EX is OEM, then I'd expect Tange No. 1 or No. 2. Also, the presence of the pump peg and brazed-on shift lever bosses during this period would typically suggest something better than hi-tensile steel, even if it's just seamed, butted CrMo. For me, the definitive characteristic in determing the tubing grade has always been the seat post diameter. Matsu****a/National typically built with Tange tubing during this period, in which case I'd expect nothing smaller than a 26.6mm seat post for a CrMo tubeset.

Would dropouts also tell something about quality or would all dropouts be cast at that time so looking to see if not stamped wouldn't tell much?

Thank you again. I like the bike but not enough to drive to Tulsa to look at it based on what I have seen of the head tube that looks suspicious. But I’m running the Tulsa Run in three weeks and if it is still hanging around I may see if I can look at it.

Also the pictures are bad but it looks like the rear wheel is damaged and that is another reason I haven’t pursued it more.

Forged dropouts had trickled quite far down most product lines by this time. It was pretty easy to find upper entry level with seamed butted tubesets like Ishiwata's EX and EXO series or Tange 900, 1000 or Infinity. Typically, models with these tubesets also employed forged dropouts. Some brands were also using forged dropouts on some models with lightweight, hi-tensile steels. I wouldn't much faith in judging frame quality soley on dropout style during this period.

Thanks, I wasn't sure when forged dropouts became more widely accessible on lower frames.

Here's an odd one. 1983 or 1984 Stumpjumper Sport. Parts including fork are dated October 1983, so I am thinking early 1984. Bi-plane fork. Anyway, serial number does not adhere to anything I can see, AJ346750.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d0f9d020e.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...35f7b43da1.jpg

I don't know the identity of the manufacturer but the format would appear to be AMyxxxxx. That would make the frame manufacture date October 1983, which fits well with the component and fork date codes. I can't see anything on the frame but might there be a country of origin label? Regardless, thank-you for posting.

it has a Japan label on the seat tube. No tubing decals.

Thank-you for the additional information. Given the era, I would have assumed Japan but it's good to have confirmation. A 1984 buyer's guide entry for the Stumpjumper Sport states, "Special Series oversize chrome-moly tubing throughout" but does not give any further details. The same guide gives the same desciption for the Stumpjumper but also states "double butted", so I assume the Sport variant was plain gauge.

The Stumpy came with bull moose bars, Suntour thumbies, and Shimano brake calipers. Given date code on the calipers they appear original. Suntour thumbies are era correct. BR-MC 70 calipers. Bi plane Tange fork: 3J.

Thart sounds OEM. Factory specs for 1984 Stumpjumper Sport were:

Shifting System: SunTour Mountech derailleurs with SunTour thumbshifters
Crankset: Sugino TAT, 26/36/46T
Freewheel: SunTour Perfect, 5 spd, 14-30T
Wheels: SBI sealed hubs, Saturne X32 rims, SBI Crossroads 26" x 2.125 tyres
Brakeset: Shimano XT
Pedals: Shimano SX
Seatpost: SR LaPrade
Handlebars: bullmoose ( no brand/model given)
Chain: Shimano Uniglide
MSRP: $499

Another one, Its a 1984 Diamondback Mean Streak. Serial number does not follow N(1) or Fairly. Marked made in Japan. Paint scheme matches 1983 version. Derailleur date codes are July 1983.

I am used to National made bikes having the serial on the lower head tube. But it does follow National layout for February 1984. Faux bi-plane fork, missing original bull moose bars. Putting Fat Franks on it, just for kicks. Ape hangers and Next stem have been removed.



https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...90c3c8921d.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e64b057a96.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1638d90fa2.jpg

Agreed, it does follow the National format. We know that National did some manufacturing for WSI in the early 1980s and their format has turned up on a handful of Centurion Turbo and Pro Tour models with the S/N being stamped on what appears to be the same BB shell and with the same Made in Japan label. Consequently, it would appear to be National. Here's an example of a Centurion Turbo serial number, BB shell and country of orign label, as submitted by BF member Classtime.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3fd66948c.jpeg

T-Mar I picked up this Japanese built Raleigh Racing USA Competition today. I was suspecting it to be an '84. I'm still trying to get better with your serial number decoding but I think this may fit the Matsu****a format. It is 4B5R0024 and on the bottom bracket. Raleigh 555 double butted main tubes and the decal says all tubes are Chrome Moly. Thanks again in advance for your help. Edit: It may fit the National format as well.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...935535e85.jpeg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...46cf0c69f.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...82b96a28f.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...07dc1c843.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...210f9c444.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f732f1aac.jpeg