Maruishi bicycles
#1
Maruishi bicycles
Does anyone know where to find info on Maruishi bikes? I have an Emperor that I found a long time ago, it looks cheap, with fairly roughly finished cast lugs and no derailer hanger, drops a lot like a Fuji s-10-s.
It had shimano 600 derailers and and bar ends, but tourney brakes. Alloy rims and shimano 600 hubs.
The headbadge says made in japan, the stuff on the frame seemed mid to later eightys.
over the years I have used it as a single, fixed, tourer, and currently as a three speed basket bike.
All info I can find is in japanese, but the pictures look like nice Rando style tourers, and this bike is not that style.

any info?
It had shimano 600 derailers and and bar ends, but tourney brakes. Alloy rims and shimano 600 hubs.
The headbadge says made in japan, the stuff on the frame seemed mid to later eightys.
over the years I have used it as a single, fixed, tourer, and currently as a three speed basket bike.
All info I can find is in japanese, but the pictures look like nice Rando style tourers, and this bike is not that style.
any info?
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 13
From: Kansai
My understanding, which is quite limited, of Maruishi is that their quality level runs from department store bikes to pretty nice stuff. This is actually pretty common among Japanese marques.
I think they may have gone out of business, there was some big financial scandal at the company one or 2 years ago.
I think they may have gone out of business, there was some big financial scandal at the company one or 2 years ago.
#4
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Lack of braze-ons indicate is probably 1970s rahter than 1980s. Lack of derailleur hanger and no tubiung sticker would indicate entry level. Tourney brakes are 1970s and found on low to mid range frames. Other, higher parts could be customer bait or later replacements.
#5
Don't look too hard--there isn't much info on the internet about the brand.
I have a catalogue from the mid-80's I've got to scan and upload over at Velobase.
Robatsu is right, they don't exist anymore due to a Enron type of scandal.
I have a catalogue from the mid-80's I've got to scan and upload over at Velobase.
Robatsu is right, they don't exist anymore due to a Enron type of scandal.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 12
From: New Haven, CT area
Bikes: Trek 7.5 Hybrid, Trek 1.1 Road, Holdsworth touring,Raleigh International,Ritchey Commando,Italvega Speciallissimo,et.al.
They were around for a while in the 80's. One of many Japanese brands that came and went fast- a la Sekine, Takara, Zebrakenko, etc. They were nice quality.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Japan
Bikes: Toei
The Maruishi Emperor is still sold in Japan.
https://www.maruishi-cycle.com/produc...eror/e_tm.html
It has 650 wheels and it's equiped with Sora parts. It sells for 91 350 yen which is 946 US $, which is pretty cheap if you consider it's a fully built touring bike.
The racks are extra, but they seem to be Nitto Campee racks.
https://www.maruishi-cycle.com/produc...eror/e_tm.html
It has 650 wheels and it's equiped with Sora parts. It sells for 91 350 yen which is 946 US $, which is pretty cheap if you consider it's a fully built touring bike.
The racks are extra, but they seem to be Nitto Campee racks.
#8
I thought that this thread had just fizzled.
I would like to get one of the new bikes on that link. I will be in Japan next year for an art exibit, if it goes "very" well(if I sell a lot)I want to bring one back with me. A friend of mine brought back a 75 toyota landcruiser pickup from NZ a few years ago, so I guess I can handle a bike.
The Emperor I have is nice to ride because of its angles, its a bike that just steers itself and is very non fatigueing to ride long distance. I am thinking about riding it as a three speed on the BAK ride this summer. It looks entry level, but when you find a bike that you like to ride, who cares.
I would like to get one of the new bikes on that link. I will be in Japan next year for an art exibit, if it goes "very" well(if I sell a lot)I want to bring one back with me. A friend of mine brought back a 75 toyota landcruiser pickup from NZ a few years ago, so I guess I can handle a bike.
The Emperor I have is nice to ride because of its angles, its a bike that just steers itself and is very non fatigueing to ride long distance. I am thinking about riding it as a three speed on the BAK ride this summer. It looks entry level, but when you find a bike that you like to ride, who cares.
#9
NORTH JERSEY CRAIG'S LIST 03/05/09
Maruishi Tour ace 15 - $150 (Ramsey)
Reply to: sale-dnm4e-1061184851@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-05, 6:55AM EST
18 speed
27 inch alloy wheels
23 inch lightweight frame
7 years old
Very good condition
Ready to ride.
Maruishi Tour ace 15 - $150 (Ramsey)
Reply to: sale-dnm4e-1061184851@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-05, 6:55AM EST
18 speed
27 inch alloy wheels
23 inch lightweight frame
7 years old
Very good condition
Ready to ride.




dammit, someday I will learn how to get a pic to post on the first try. this is the best pic I have of the beast, in its touring incarnation. it rides really well.


