Incoming Hirame time to break out the Plus Gas

[Mark Manley]

I was at my local bike shop last week buying some mudguards when I made the mistake of mentioning to the friend that owns the place about my new found interest in Japanese bicycles, he then replied that he had an old Hirame in the store that he was never going to get around to and offered it to me for a very reasonable price.
It is something of a mess and I knew I was just really getting a frame and a few other parts but that I had nearly everything needed to build a complete bike so yesterday I brought it home and stripped it down, apart from the stem it came apart quite easily.
It will be while before much else gets done although I have just ordered the decals as I was getting others anyway and am watching a suitable seat post on Ebay.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Most of the kit looks a little basic for the frame anyway so it's a great opportunity to find some nice period Japanese parts

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I like the style/font of the graphics.

 

[Betsy]

My favourite head badge of all time..

 

[Rod_Saetan]

Looks like its probably a 'Kyoto' model:

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/hirame-frame-restoration-what-paint-finish.174391/post-1314260

 

[Mark Manley]

Looks like its probably a 'Kyoto' model:

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/hirame-frame-restoration-what-paint-finish.174391/post-1314260

I believe it is, at 22" it is bigger than my usual 21" but has a short top tube so I will still be able to get my favoured riding position.

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

Seeing this reminded me that I have a frame sitting in a box waiting for some love. I’m going for a rat look with straight bars. I guess you are refinishing yours?

 

[Mark Manley]

Seeing this reminded me that I have a frame sitting in a box waiting for some love. I’m going for a rat look with straight bars. I guess you are refinishing yours?

Yes and I rather like that colour, I don't suppose anyone has a RAL code for it? That model I believe is an Osaka Pro the top of the range model.

 

[Jonny69]

Came here for the stuck seatpost and stem content and the ensuing misery getting them out. Thread didn’t deliver. I want my 3 minutes back.

 

[Mark Manley]

Came here for the stuck seatpost and stem content and the ensuing misery getting them out. Thread didn’t deliver. I want my 3 minutes back.

I can meet you half way with a stuck stem although the forks were in poor shape with deep rust anyway and I have a nice pair with a sloping crown to replace them.