Show us your Vintage Touring bikes
04-16-14, 07:20 AM
#1426
Senior Member
Sweet Fuji!
04-16-14, 08:23 AM
#1427
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Alpharetta, GA
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This may be the most gorgeous bike I have seen on this site...it just "floats my boat!" Might I inquire how you got the color on the handlebar tape? It looks like a combination of cotton tape with shellac...what is the combination?
04-16-14, 10:15 AM
#1429
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
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As promised, I took some better pictures once I had the Fuji all cleaned up. I just installed a new Brooks B17 saddle, all new cables and new brake cable housings. I'm not sure about the Brooks, yet. I'm still getting used to it. But it sure does look right at home on this bike.
04-16-14, 11:05 AM
#1430
Cyclist
Thanks! It's tan/brown cloth wrap, with amber shellac on it.
04-16-14, 11:45 AM
#1431
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Spartanburg, SC, USA
Posts: 255
Bikes: 1983 Fuji Touring Series IV, Masi Volumetrica 3VC
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Thanks. I've had a problem with sliding forward on it as I ride. So I've already adjusted it a bit more nose-up since this picture was taken. I'll certainly get it dialed in and give it a fair break-in period before making up my mind.
04-16-14, 12:29 PM
#1432
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,388
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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As promised, I took some better pictures once I had the Fuji all cleaned up. I just installed a new Brooks B17 saddle, all new cables and new brake cable housings. I'm not sure about the Brooks, yet. I'm still getting used to it. But it sure does look right at home on this bike.
Though it originally was 3x6, I replaced the freewheel with a custom 7 speed years ago, mainly to increase gearing range. If I wanted any more range, I'd have to get a rear derailleur with more capacity. I've replaced chainrings multiple times, due to wear and experimentaion, and finally settled on 50-40-28. I finally had to replace the chewed up Sugino crank bolt dust caps with Chinese aluminum ones. I like the look.
I just replaced the old, dried out hoods on the brake levers with new Cane Creek pieces. They fit like a glove, and complement the black of the bike pretty well. I did have to trim the cable openings just a little to allow them to fit over the cable end adjusters. I don't know of anyone else that still uses Grab On grips. But I've always liked them. This is probably my tenth set on this bike. The only downside is they can't be used to retain cables, like tape can. They rip too easily. So I have to use plastic cable ties where the bar-end shifter cables leave the bars. Not particularly elegant. But it works. The bar-ends are NOS Suntour units I bought on Ebay a few years ago. They're what came standard on the TS-V's back in the day. I love them.
Another cockpit view, showing my light and GPS for commuting. When I did the refurb, I found the stem was stuck in the steerer tube. It still is. But I was able to service the headset bearings and polish the stem in-situ. When I get an opportunity (i.e. not riding this bike every other day), I'll make a more determined attempt to free the stem.
That's an original Jim Blackburn rear rack, bought with the bike in '83. The fenders are cheap, plastic, Planet Bike ones bought a couple of years ago. They work great. Note I kept the dork disc, but trimmed it down to just larger than the largest cog on the freewheel. The 27" wheels are original to the bike. They're surprisingly straight, given the miles on them. I've used a syringe to add lube to the sealed bearings a few times. But they're original, too.
Non-drive side view of drivetrain. Because of the spare spoke mounts on the chainstay, I had to use an unconventional mounting arrangement for the cadence/speed sensor. It works, though. If the wheelbase were any longer, or my cranks any shorter, it wouldn't.
This shot shows the original bike shop sticker that came on the bike when I bought it. This shop is still around, and has a location in the town where I now live. They get a kick out of seeing this when I stop by from time to time. You can also see where I highlighted the lugs with red paint. It was the fashion back in the day. And I've always like to customize things. My bike wears it like a tattoo; a reminder of a younger, more foolish phase of life, with a mild sense of regret, but not enough to have it removed.
All in all, it's in remarkably good shape for it's age. I have no idea how many miles I've ridden on this bike. I had over 14,000 miles on the old Huret belt-drive odometer when I removed it in 1998. Now it's my faithful commuter bike. I never did take the cross-country tour. But someday, I still might. If not, I'm still glad we've spent a lifetime together.
Though it originally was 3x6, I replaced the freewheel with a custom 7 speed years ago, mainly to increase gearing range. If I wanted any more range, I'd have to get a rear derailleur with more capacity. I've replaced chainrings multiple times, due to wear and experimentaion, and finally settled on 50-40-28. I finally had to replace the chewed up Sugino crank bolt dust caps with Chinese aluminum ones. I like the look.
I just replaced the old, dried out hoods on the brake levers with new Cane Creek pieces. They fit like a glove, and complement the black of the bike pretty well. I did have to trim the cable openings just a little to allow them to fit over the cable end adjusters. I don't know of anyone else that still uses Grab On grips. But I've always liked them. This is probably my tenth set on this bike. The only downside is they can't be used to retain cables, like tape can. They rip too easily. So I have to use plastic cable ties where the bar-end shifter cables leave the bars. Not particularly elegant. But it works. The bar-ends are NOS Suntour units I bought on Ebay a few years ago. They're what came standard on the TS-V's back in the day. I love them.
Another cockpit view, showing my light and GPS for commuting. When I did the refurb, I found the stem was stuck in the steerer tube. It still is. But I was able to service the headset bearings and polish the stem in-situ. When I get an opportunity (i.e. not riding this bike every other day), I'll make a more determined attempt to free the stem.
That's an original Jim Blackburn rear rack, bought with the bike in '83. The fenders are cheap, plastic, Planet Bike ones bought a couple of years ago. They work great. Note I kept the dork disc, but trimmed it down to just larger than the largest cog on the freewheel. The 27" wheels are original to the bike. They're surprisingly straight, given the miles on them. I've used a syringe to add lube to the sealed bearings a few times. But they're original, too.
Non-drive side view of drivetrain. Because of the spare spoke mounts on the chainstay, I had to use an unconventional mounting arrangement for the cadence/speed sensor. It works, though. If the wheelbase were any longer, or my cranks any shorter, it wouldn't.
This shot shows the original bike shop sticker that came on the bike when I bought it. This shop is still around, and has a location in the town where I now live. They get a kick out of seeing this when I stop by from time to time. You can also see where I highlighted the lugs with red paint. It was the fashion back in the day. And I've always like to customize things. My bike wears it like a tattoo; a reminder of a younger, more foolish phase of life, with a mild sense of regret, but not enough to have it removed.
All in all, it's in remarkably good shape for it's age. I have no idea how many miles I've ridden on this bike. I had over 14,000 miles on the old Huret belt-drive odometer when I removed it in 1998. Now it's my faithful commuter bike. I never did take the cross-country tour. But someday, I still might. If not, I'm still glad we've spent a lifetime together.
WOW is that thing cool.
It looked fine before- and it's looking fantastic now. Congratulations on your "restore."
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
05-12-14, 07:48 PM
#1433
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,388
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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Just bumping this up for any new additions.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
05-13-14, 09:56 AM
#1434
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: The Foothills of California
Posts: 98
Bikes: '81 Team/ Pro Miyatas, '83 Mercian Vincitore, '85 Merckx Corsa, '85 Cherubim, '85 Raleigh Prestige, '89/90 3Rensho Katana, '85/90 Allez, '86 Bertoni Pro, '90 Lemond Ventoux, '91/'92 RB-2/ RB-1, '92 Miyata 914/ 714, '98 Colnago Decor, '98 GT Force
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my 1983 Trek 720 restoration.
05-13-14, 07:05 PM
#1435
Senior Member
This looks great! I'd like to see more pictures in a larger size, look into setting up a Flickr account. Well done!
1982 Nishiki Cresta
1982 Nishiki Cresta
05-13-14, 08:26 PM
#1436
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,388
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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Let's hear some stories about that beautiful bike!
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
05-13-14, 10:13 PM
#1437
Friendship is Magic
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05-13-14, 10:25 PM
#1438
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: The Foothills of California
Posts: 98
Bikes: '81 Team/ Pro Miyatas, '83 Mercian Vincitore, '85 Merckx Corsa, '85 Cherubim, '85 Raleigh Prestige, '89/90 3Rensho Katana, '85/90 Allez, '86 Bertoni Pro, '90 Lemond Ventoux, '91/'92 RB-2/ RB-1, '92 Miyata 914/ 714, '98 Colnago Decor, '98 GT Force
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I would say a barn find that I restored from an ugly state into a good one. Actually, I bought it in bad shape with a bent fork, flat tires laced in a rusty rims, some rust at the top tube & a busted saddle. Didn't know the model at first until I notice a leftover sticker in the chain stay with the number 720 after an hour of vigorous cleaning & scrubbing. I did disassemble the bike, prep the bike with 3 coats of self etching primer, 4 coats of paint, put new decals & clear coated the frame all in spray cans. well the hard work pays off and now I have given this bike a new lease of life, hopefully another 31 years of quality touring!
05-14-14, 06:42 AM
#1439
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Spartanburg, SC, USA
Posts: 255
Bikes: 1983 Fuji Touring Series IV, Masi Volumetrica 3VC
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It looks great, overall. Nice job on the restore. Maybe it's just an optical illusion, or the small photos, or my bad eyesight. But the top tube looks like it's bent a few inches behind the head tube. Your bent fork might not have been the only crash damage.
05-14-14, 11:17 AM
#1440
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: The Foothills of California
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Bikes: '81 Team/ Pro Miyatas, '83 Mercian Vincitore, '85 Merckx Corsa, '85 Cherubim, '85 Raleigh Prestige, '89/90 3Rensho Katana, '85/90 Allez, '86 Bertoni Pro, '90 Lemond Ventoux, '91/'92 RB-2/ RB-1, '92 Miyata 914/ 714, '98 Colnago Decor, '98 GT Force
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I had it checked by a good friend of mine who has 40+ yrs of experience working in our local bike kitchen and I guess he lives and sleeps with bikes all his life and he never said any problem about the frame so with its alignment. if it does for sure I would know right away, probably it would affect the headtube and the headset bearings installation. so far so good and I had a wonderful 53 miles ride last sunday and everything went well.
05-14-14, 11:20 AM
#1441
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I would say a barn find that I restored from an ugly state into a good one. Actually, I bought it in bad shape with a bent fork, flat tires laced in a rusty rims, some rust at the top tube & a busted saddle. Didn't know the model at first until I notice a leftover sticker in the chain stay with the number 720 after an hour of vigorous cleaning & scrubbing. I did disassemble the bike, prep the bike with 3 coats of self etching primer, 4 coats of paint, put new decals & clear coated the frame all in spray cans. well the hard work pays off and now I have given this bike a new lease of life, hopefully another 31 years of quality touring!
05-15-14, 09:38 AM
#1443
Senior Member
05-15-14, 10:26 AM
#1444
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,388
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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I love those bikes- like badger_biker said- that color scheme is so awesome. That looks like a really cool front rack and, personally, I think the "dork disk" totally works on a "touring" bike.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
05-15-14, 02:29 PM
#1445
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Spartanburg, SC, USA
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Bikes: 1983 Fuji Touring Series IV, Masi Volumetrica 3VC
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A Touring Series V! I lusted after one of those when I bought my TS-IV. But I couldn't afford the difference right out of high school. The color is absolutely beautiful. Sorry you had to sell.
05-16-14, 04:19 PM
#1446
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: The Foothills of California
Posts: 98
Bikes: '81 Team/ Pro Miyatas, '83 Mercian Vincitore, '85 Merckx Corsa, '85 Cherubim, '85 Raleigh Prestige, '89/90 3Rensho Katana, '85/90 Allez, '86 Bertoni Pro, '90 Lemond Ventoux, '91/'92 RB-2/ RB-1, '92 Miyata 914/ 714, '98 Colnago Decor, '98 GT Force
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05-17-14, 10:03 AM
#1448
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Sure wish I could figure out how to post from flickr. Used to be so easy.
Anyway, looking for some racks for this thing. It rides so nice, cant wait to get a load front and back on it and try it out that way!
****! it wont take you to the picture I tried to get! its to the left of the one that comes up. ****!
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/crawdadslim/14019385398" title="003 by onedollarmiyata, on Flickr"><img
This link takes you to the right picture. After almost an hour of trying, this is as close as I can get. I give up.
Anyway, looking for some racks for this thing. It rides so nice, cant wait to get a load front and back on it and try it out that way!
****! it wont take you to the picture I tried to get! its to the left of the one that comes up. ****!
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/crawdadslim/14019385398" title="003 by onedollarmiyata, on Flickr"><img
This link takes you to the right picture. After almost an hour of trying, this is as close as I can get. I give up.
Last edited by shipwreck; 05-17-14 at 11:35 AM.
07-23-14, 06:16 AM
#1449
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,388
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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Bumping this up for some of the newer additions!
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
07-23-14, 07:07 AM
#1450
Rides Majestic
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Westfield, MA
Posts: 1,357
Bikes: 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1970 Schwinn Super Sport, 2001 Univega Modo Vincere, Self-Built Nashbar Touring, 1974 Peugeot U08, 1974 Atala Grand Prix, 1986 Ross Mt. Hood, 80's Maruishi MT-18
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Technically this is not a new addition, but a new look for my 1983 Univega Gran Turismo. I liked the bike in it's previous configuration, but something about it just felt dorky to me. I changed the saddle to a nashbar Bedford saddle in natural color which approximates the original suede saddle, lowered the stem a bit, and removed the fenders. I really like the outcome, it's more sporty looking. Here's some pics: before and after.
