I know more about old school BMX but I was looking to get a Old School road bike. I came across a Takara. I can't post pics yet, but the sn is 76 1 76135. Does anyone know maybe what year it may be? It looks to be 70's by the pedals and other things. Still has original reflectors and everything needs work. I just wanna kinda know what I'm working on. The front badge is different from any of the 80's ones I've seen online.

Thread moved from General Cycling to Classic & Vintage.

KUWAHARA (Japan): yy mmxxxx(x)

Your bike was likely made for Takara by Kuwahara. Using the above guide makes it likely a January 1976 bike.

1976 was a good year for the predominant "sport-touring" sort of frame geometry, along with generous clearances for wide tires.

Only drivetrains have improved since then, in most respects anyway! Your bike could probably be used for what is today called "gravel" riding, if the spoke tensions are decently uniform.

Seven more trivial posts and you'll be able to post a nice drive-side photo of your Takara.

I would guess your Takara would have Maxy cranks, Suntour derailer, and Diacomp center pull brakes. Is it green? I seem to recall that was their color.

Yes it is a light green