Found this today as I was driving by the LBS, it was sitting out by the dumpster with the rest of the trash. I asked the guy at the counter if I could take it -- he looked at me like I was crazy, laughed and said sure. Hated to see it end up in the trash dump, even if I only could salvage for the frame/parts.

The name is rubbed off on the side, so I don't know what model it is. It's labeled "12 speed" on the chainstays, has Suntour 7 GT rear derailleur, 27 inch rims, Diacompe centerpull brakes, missing pads in rear... The serial number is SC105741...

Any info would be appreciated.

Not sure if it's worth fixing up yet --- I've only had time to take off the crusty rusty chain so I could get at closer look to see what else was up --- the rear derailleur looks like it needs some serious attention, there is something wacky going on with the cabling. The frame looks solid as far as I can tell, just the expected dings here and there.

Could be a candidate for a fixie, perhaps?

One more pic of the rear...

Your serial number indicates 1981. Distinguishing characteristics: Front derailleur looks like Compe-V, rear is Suntour 7 gt. No integrated derailleur hangar in the rear dropout and two rear eyelets.

Nice save, it looks like a good candidate for a beater/grocery getter. The rear dérailleur cable housing needs to be rerouted to the outside of the frame near the rear dropout.

I"m not into fixies, but you're right, that's a good candidate. Might be a Valite frame, looks real nice. Certainly worth saving. I'm guessing that bike shop was not a C&V type shop.

why the heck would a bike shop throw away ANY bike? don't you think they'd have appreciation for any non x-mart bike?
Nice bike, btw.

I've noticed x-mart bikes out there by the dumpster before from time to time, but this is the first time I've seen something I wanted. I will be taking a closer look from now on, no doubt.

I didn't ask why, I figured it was obvious they didn't want to put any time or effort into it. Maybe they were hoping someone like me would pick it up so they could make money on the parts I'd need

I love those fuji frames for single speeds or fixed gear because of the long dropouts, and they seem to be a lot stronger drops than just a cheap stamped unit, while haveing no hanger gives a clean look. they are also good riding bikes
there should also be tons of room for fenders and racks, which are the new black you know...

if you must have a derailer get a stabilizer for the hanger, it goes through the extra hole behind the axle slot and keeps everything stable. don't get it at the botique snob fashionista place that threw it away. find a shop that is not so smug.

If it is 1981, too early for Valite, I believe. Is there any indication of tubing on the seat tube?

The suntour 7 RD indicates fairly low in the line, like Monterey.

Given the era and rear derailleur, the most likely candidate is a Sports 12.

Sorry, I forgot to mention this part --- there's a sticker on the top tube that says "Ciclolinea" and there's a partially rubbed off sticker on the seat tube that says Fuji (something) Steel Tubing with what looks like the numbers 661?

Also --- now that T-Mar mentions "Sport 12" --- the rubbed off decals on the side look like there's an "S" and the number "12".

S-12-S?

That's a respectable entry-level bicycle.

Nope, 661 is hi-ten, and by 1981 (actually, 1978, I believe) S-12 was chromoly. If you go to the link below and scroll down, you can see a picture of the tubing indicator on a Sports 10 that shows the Hi-Ten 661 logo.

https://nihonmaru.blogspot.com/2008/08/fuji-sports-10.html

Yes, that is the sticker on mine. The "Hi-Tension" portion is rubbed off and I couldn't read it.

ok - High Tensile tubing would make robatsu correct.

I have heard of people placing old bikes by the back door or dumpster behind bike shops in hopes that maybe someone at the shop will claim it.

yay for fuji

Agreed. I got a Fuji gratis from my neighbor. It looked like this at the time:


Now it rolls like this, on 700x35s:


It's a '77 S10-S, made from 880 Hi-Ten tubing. I shoehorned a seven-speed rear on a 700 rim in there, and I plan to add a 34-tooth granny ring to the front. It's a little too big for me, but I love it anyway.

Just thought I'd revisit this one, in case anybody wants to see the progress. Almost done other than tires and handlebar tape. I took most of the parts from two other bikes I ran across. The paint isn't so great, but chalk it up to character...

Probably took more time and effort than it will be worth to sell, but I had fun bringing it back. Not bad for a bike that was literally going to the dump.

Looks great! You saved it's life... +1 for good bike karma.

Yep, you saved that old bike and look at it now.

Good job.

We pulled a Fuji 12 speed out of the lbs dumpster last weekend...it was Valite tubed and was in a 50 cm size which my friend needed.

We also saved a completely mint and complete Kuwahara Mixte with a butted frame set that we built into a fixed gear for his gf that very evening.

Dang Mishmashmusic, that's a nice looking bike. You SURE you want to sell it? You do nice work.

Looks a sight better than when you started! Nice job, and bikes everywhere thank you .

East Hill

don't the s-12-s models have suntour dropouts? or am I just imagining things