I was just advised to go from the general forum to this one to see if T Mar could answer this:

I just bought a Manta 10-speed bicycle circa 1980s. It has Japanese parts (Dia-Compte brakes, Suntour shifters and gears, even a Cateye Astrale mile counter). It's a beautiful bike and fun to ride. I'm wondering, though, if anyone on this forum knows about the history of Manta bicycles or where I could get more information. (It's not a Schwinn Mantaray, btw.) I've found very little online, just that very brief and cryptic information. (I'd attach photos, but this forum says I have to post at least six times before I can post photos.)

Manta was a Wisconsin based marketing brand, with the bicycles first appearing circa 1982. They were relatively short lived, lasting only about 3-4 years. So far, I have not been able to collect any serial numbers to determine who manufactured them but given the era and components, they were likely of Japanese or Taiwanese origin. The only samples I've seen have been entry level to mid-range road bicycles, though the range may have been larger.

You do not have to wait for 10 posts to upload pictures. That restriction is only for attaching photograghs to a post. Photographs will upload to a gallery album album where members can view them.

japanese manta for sale locally from a Wisconsin shop. Just fyi

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/i...0107004122479/

Thank-you for posting. At least now we know that some of the models were made in Japan, as previously suspected. Too bad there's no photo the serial number. The subject bicycle appears to have a Shimano Selecta B crankset mated with Shimano Altus LT derailleurs. Both were introduced for the 1979 model year and the derailleurs survived into at least 1984, so it could still fit into that known 1982-1984 timeframe for Manta. Or maybe it could push the introduction date back a bit.

Sanwa and Manta were sister brands from the same factory. Identical bikes except for different badges & decals. More info in this post:

Sanwa 700 road bike, Tange #2 - anyone have more info?