C.itoh...
06-27-19 | 09:50 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C.itoh...
Picked up a "celery green" C.ITOH,the other day. Its in decent condition...but it was converted into "single-speed",messenger cycle. I'm going to convert it back to its former 10 speed glory. Question...Are most Japanese cycles "lightweight"??? This ITOH makes my Schwinn "Varsity",feel like a "boat anchor". lol
06-27-19 | 11:09 PM
#2
I AM AI
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 1,164
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: 2008 S-Works Roubaix SL, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS, 1978 Schwinn Volare
Your Schwinn Varsity is what makes your Schwinn Varsity feel like a boat anchor. Nice upgrade. 
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
06-28-19 | 05:34 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,212
Likes: 3,122
Welcome to the forums. C.Itoh was a Japanese trading company that imported C.Itoh and Kabuki branded bicycles manufactured by Bridgestone during the 1970s. Your bicycle has hubs with wingnuts, suggesting that it is from the early 1970s. The exact date can be determined from the serial number.
C. Itoh marketed a wide range of bicycles, from entry level up to professional racing grade. Most early 1970s 10 speeds had a weights of 20-30 lbs, depending on the grade of components and frame tubing. Schwinn's Varsity, at ~40 lbs was considered very heavy even in it's day. For instance, in 1973, the Varsity had an MSRP of $103.95. Its main competition at the time were the Peugeot AO8 ($109.95) , Raleigh Record ($99.95) and Nishiki Sports Cycle ($99.00). They all had claimed weights of 29-31 lbs.
C. Itoh marketed a wide range of bicycles, from entry level up to professional racing grade. Most early 1970s 10 speeds had a weights of 20-30 lbs, depending on the grade of components and frame tubing. Schwinn's Varsity, at ~40 lbs was considered very heavy even in it's day. For instance, in 1973, the Varsity had an MSRP of $103.95. Its main competition at the time were the Peugeot AO8 ($109.95) , Raleigh Record ($99.95) and Nishiki Sports Cycle ($99.00). They all had claimed weights of 29-31 lbs.
06-29-19 | 04:21 PM
#5
Rolling Vintage Only
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 64
Likes: 65
From: San Diego, California
Bikes: About two dozen road, mountain, and tandem from 1940s to 1981.
The early C. Itoh bikes had
wonderfuld downtube decals: " Guaranteed World Finest Bicycle Precision Mechanism". Yes, "World" had no possessive punctuation.
wonderfuld downtube decals: " Guaranteed World Finest Bicycle Precision Mechanism". Yes, "World" had no possessive punctuation.
Picked up a "celery green" C.ITOH,the other day. Its in decent condition...but it was converted into "single-speed",messenger cycle. I'm going to convert it back to its former 10 speed glory. Question...Are most Japanese cycles "lightweight"??? This ITOH makes my Schwinn "Varsity",feel like a "boat anchor". lol
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