Orbit Excel Dura-Ace

[sinclair]

Hi.
Can anyone shed some light on the Orbit Excel Dura-Ace I have? it's Reynolds 753 and late 80's I'd say. I used all the parts on another build, but I'm thinking of having the frame restored.

 

[vcballbat]

Very nice frame so definitely worth restoring. Looks like it was the top of the range offered as a complete bike with Dura-ace or frame only. What does the bare frame weigh, I'm guessing around 1700g

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/all-things-orbit.221678/page-5

 

[sjcprojects]

The first STI shifters were introduced in 1990, so I would guess the bike is from around then. It’s not easy finding Orbit catalogues, but as mentioned, this would definitely be the top of their range at the time.

Looks like it has an interesting paint job, though obviously it’s too far gone to keep it.

 

[minor_LEGEND]

I like it (with dura ace parts)
I have my eyes permanently peeled for a 92 Dawes Linear which has a similar paint scheme.

 

[sinclair]

Thanks All.
Yes it must have been a lovely bike, the colours and that paint effect!. 54cm is too small for me so I’ll be selling it.

 

[pigman]

I reckon the dura ace transfer on the top tube was stuck on by the owner rather than by the factory. I say that because i have some of those stickers in my possession. Mine are stickers, so easy to apply by anyone. I may be wrong of course ....

 

[bikeworkshop]

We used to retail orbits, I don't recall a dura-ace model - and the stickers aren't in orbit's typeface.
The America was a popular sport bike but could it be an "excel"?

 

[sinclair]

Yes it’s an excel. It had dura-ace everything on it. But yes the sticker does look like an add on.

 

[vcballbat]

An expensive machine back in the day, at £1200 it was twice the price of the next model down

 

[sinclair]

I reckon the dura ace transfer on the top tube was stuck on by the owner rather than by the factory. I say that because i have some of those stickers in my possession. Mine are stickers, so easy to apply by anyone. I may be wrong of course ....

It is. Look at the paint underneath!