Welcome to the forums. Based on the serial number in conjunction with the frame features, it is a 1980 model manufactured by Yamaguchi. Features such as brake cable clips and a forged dropout with integral hanger suggest a mid to upper end frame but the components suggest more mid-range. I've never seen that tubing decal and would appreciate a better photo of it. A full drive side photo and detail picture of the crankset would also be appreciated. Pending further evidence, something along the lines of A Sekai 2400 appears to be the best candidate.

I've never seen that label before (that I can recall). The Sugino Super Maxy crankset is consistent with the mid-range models of the era. It's interesting that the front derailleur is a Seven while the rear is a VGT. Everything I can see matches the specs in my circa 1978 catalogue for the model 2400. Consequently. it remains the most likely candidate.

thanks T-mar

Not that it matters, but I concur with T-mar. Sekai 2400, most likely 78-79.

If you go back and look at the photos in post #299 , the serial number appears to start with Y0G, which would make it weeks 13-14 of 1980. Post #302 shows a J-8 code on the back on the crankarm which, based on current understanding of the Sugino codes, indicates August 1980. Generally, components codes predate the frame but it's possible that Yamaguchi was pre-building frames or this one had got caught in a rework cycle. Either way, both indicators appear to be for 1980, so it should be no older than that and the crank code is late enough in the year to suggest that it may possibly be a 1981 model.

You're right, I never saw the serial. Interesting how the specs don't seem to change between those particular years.

Here's a Sekai that I bought recently:

Serial: Y4A2427 (indicates 1984?)
Model: Magnum GT (same as the "Magnum S7" on the front page model listing?)
Cranks: Sugino GT 110/74
Wheels: aftermarket 700c, Sun rims

This one's Norco-branded on the seatstays, has Sekai decals on the headtube and downtubes.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521882http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521883http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521884http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521885http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521886http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521887http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521888http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521889http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521890http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=521891

One of seven old bikes I pulled from a friend's shed a few months ago. Very clearly stamped Y4A1548, components all line up with 1984: Suntour ARx, Sugino swaged crank with bash guard, DiaCompe 500 brakes with pretty groovy caliper centering adjustment screws I've never seen before. I think I'm going to swap out those brakes before I flip this little thing.

Sekai 500 (Norco stamps on the seat stay caps)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/IMG_4793.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/IMG_4794.jpg

Sekai Professional 4000
 

A thank you from helping a co-worker clean out her house and garage before a move. Not sure if it belongs here or in saved from the dump.

I have a very high level of confidence that your serial number indicates a frame manufactured during weeks 1-2 of 1984 by Yamaguchi of Japan. Consequently, it should be a 1984 model and matchs well with my 1984 spec sheet for this model.

During the mid 1980s, Norco and Sekai had two touring models. The Magnum GT (Grand Tour) was the lower of the two. The Magnum S7 was the higher end touring model with upgraded tubing and components. In fact, the S7 that is often reported is actually ST, which stands for Super Tour. If you look at the 'GT' decal on your bicycle, you can see how the stylized 'T' can be confused with a '7'.

Yes, it is quite rough. It's unfortunate that it appears to have been almost totally rebuilt. The SunTour Edge rear derailleur and shift levers are obviously not OEM and even the Sugino crankset and ARx front derailleur are lower level than what I would expect on a Sekai 4000 frame. Can you make out the 3rd character in the serial number? I can't make it out in the photograph. TIA.

The 3rd character is a rusty D with a chip at the bottom.

Hi Guys,

I stumbled upon this thread while chasing some history on my road bike, from what I've read here and on another forum this is a 1985 model.

Not sure of the exact model!

serial - Y5G3327

(This is in Australia)

is it worth keeping? http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/im...icon_smile.gif

Rims – UKAI 700 x 25c (Japan)

Tange 900 Cr-MO double butted tubes

Yamaguchi sports frame (Sakai Japan)

Suntour Symmetric down-tube mounted friction shifters

Suntour cyclone cranks

Suntour le pree derailleur

SR Alps Aero stem classic road aluminium handlebar

http://s33.postimg.org/h38sdcquj/bars.jpg


http://s33.postimg.org/3sfvmptyj/brakes.jpg


http://s33.postimg.org/q777dssff/flash_bike.jpg


http://s33.postimg.org/vmbc10uln/frame_neck.jpg


http://s33.postimg.org/wnbkq5bl7/gears.jpg


http://s33.postimg.org/soed7bmy3/headset.jpg


http://s33.postimg.org/spf499a0b/serial.png

Welcome to the forums. Yamaguchi was a contract manufacturer for a large number of brands that included Lotus, Norco, Sakai, Sekai, Shogun and Steve Bauer. I'm assuming that Flash is an Australian brand and cannot help with the model. However, Tange 900 was a seamed, doubled, chromium-molybdenum tubeset with gauges (and consequently weight) that was equivalent to Tange #2 . It was typically found on lower mid-range models. This level is supported by the presence of the LePree components which were just below Cyclone in the SunTour hierachy. However, I have never seen Lepree brakes before, which are obviously rebranded Dia-Compe GX400. Typically we see Lepree derailleurs and hubs paired with a Sugino crankset and Dia-Compe 500 brakes. As such, the brakes and cranks are a pleasant, minor upgrade over typical offerings seen in America.

This is a nice, lower mid-range bicycle from 1985. Personally, the only criticism that I have is the decal style, which is reminiscent of a private label brand seen in chain stores. I could see a lot of members of members keeping this bicycle but I could also envision just as many flipping it. Whether or not this is a keeper would be dependent on many factors such as the size and level of other bicycles in your stable, spousal acceptance of n+1, etc.

thanks [MENTION=20650]T-Mar[/MENTION], I appreciate your knowledge and feedback!

Another one of the seven pulled from the above mentioned shed: Sekai Bigfoot MTB Welded OS 4130 frame and 4130 fork 31 lbs w/light and kickstand. Shimano Light Action thumbies and derailleurs. Sugino VP triple

I lubed it up and gave it to an employee of mine. She rides it nearly everyday to work. I think her parents owe me a big thank you, since they used to have to drive her wherever she was going :)

Serial number F701***

1987?


http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/IMG_4815.jpghttp://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif

Based on the serial number it should be a 1987 model manufactured by Fairly of Taiwan in January 1987, but while it is similar, it doesn't quite match up with the specs in my literature.

Frame looks the same as the 1990 Sekai Mountaineer I have. Coincidentally, the housemate I gave it to just moved out and didn't take it with him, guess I'll be putting it up on Craigslist next week.

While there may be a superficial resemblance, there is a huge difference in the geometry. Just look at the difference in the length of chainstays alone, which is about 3 cm.

Hey everyone, I've got this Yamaguchi.

Can anyone help me identify the model?

Frame is Tange 900, forks Mangaloy 2001, Suntour dropouts.
From serial number it's a 1985 model
Front derailleur - Suntour Cyclone Mk2
Rear derailler - Shimano 105 (7sp)
Shifter - Suntour
Brakes - Shimano 600
Crank - Custom
Stem - Yii-long forged
Bars - Win Kusuki Winpista
Seatpost - Sekai
Wheels+saddle definitely not original.

Sorry photo is a bit blurry.
https://s32.postimg.org/587bg1rdd/image.jpg