Falcon3

Ok C&Vers, here is an interesting one for you. I have only found record of one other bike of this model, owned by none other than our own @sanmi


Frame and components are in really nice shape, barely any brake wear on the rims. I feel like the bike maybe saw a couple hundred miles before being hung up.
All the other Matsuri bikes I've found are generally lowish end with high ten frames and Suntour components. However, this frame has some marks of craftsmanship and features Nissan butted cromoly. Fit and finish is surprisingly nice and the bike feels light. Araya/Sunshine Gyromaster wheel set in 700c, Gran Compe brakeset, Cyclone shifters and derailleurs, a Hatta Swan headset and Supermaxy crankset finish off the bike.

Post is 26.8.

Serial is CS93435N. Haven't pulled the fork yet to see if it's stamped. Suntour GS drops and fork ends.

I'll be updating this thread as I build it up, but in the meantime, any lug/Japanese tubing expert, please chime in. Also other Matsuri owners, share what you have/know.

AustinFitz

Beautiful bike!!! I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. I've seen a few other Nissan tubed frames, and I'm really curious if there is any relation to the auto manufacturer. I've tried to do some research on my own, but didnt find much of anything.

T-Mar

While there is no doubt that the frame was manufactured by Nissan (during weeks 37-38 of 1980 and should therefore be a 1981 model) the tubing is likely a rebranded Tange set based on the post diameter. Unfortunately Tange used the same seat tube for all their double butted tubesets of the era, except for #4, so it makes it difficult to determine the exact set.

The overall impression is of a lower mi-range model. While the frame has clean workmanship and very nice finish, it exhibits the cost concessions of mass production and a lower mid-range price point, for the era. For instance, there are no reinforcing tangs, the stay caps and ends are plain and the shift levers utilize a clamp. These were likely sacrificed for the more visible forged dropouts, top tube cable tunnels and bottle bosses. The chain stays look long and the clearances large for the 700C tyres, almost as if it was designed for 27" wheels. This, in conjunction with dropout eyelets, makes it look more sports oriented, as opposed to racing implied by the model name.

The SunTour Cyclone derailleurs are excellent performers and solid mid-range. Similarly, the 700C wheelset is a nice spec. However, the brakes and Super Maxy crankset are a bit lower level. The components suggest that the most likely tubeserts would be Tange #3 or #2.

It's an interesting, if somewhat contradictory bicycle. It is nicely made for a mass produced bicycle, despite the cost concessions. Thanks for posting. Enjoy your new acquisition.

sanmi

I bought mine as a frameset and posted it previously in the retro roadies thread https://www.bikeforums.net/18617227-post5419.html

Unfortunately, mine's not in quite as good shape (more nicks in the paint, headset should probably be replaced) and is also a tad big for me at 54cm. I rode it for a season and enjoyed it. I agree with T-Mar that it is sport oriented. It has very generous clearance, fender mounts, and somewhat relax geometry. The decals are pretty cheaply done and only the dropouts seem to be chromed as there are some rust spots where paint has chipped off.

Mine looks nearly identical (same color). Serial number CS93623N. As I said, bought it as a frameset, but believe it came with a 26.6 post. SUNTOUR-GS on rear dropouts and TANGE-TF on the front forks.

Can take more detailed picks later if anyone's interested.

sanmi

Forgot to mention that I found this catalog pic online a while back that suggests it was Matsuri's top road model in 1980 https://landlordscycling.com/wp-conte.../s-l1600-4.jpg

Hummer

From the Nissan Label: 80 10.

I think 80 means the year 1980 and 10 means the month October. (Edit: correct the month)

Nice looking bike. Thanks for posting the pictures and information.

Falcon3

That is very cool. Given the different specs from that 1980 catalog but same look and @Hummer 's point of manufacturing date, I would guess mine is a 1981? Still in queue for cleaning, but I'll post pics as soon as it's refurbed

stuart1865

FYI - I just posted a new "Matsuri" thread.

kc0yef 

A
Datsun

himespau 

I'm not used to seeing mid-range mass produced bikes out of japan with windows cut out of the lugs. Based on that detail, I would have gone higher than mid range, but then the eyelets and clearance would suggest otherwise. A conundrum.