Retro Bikes of Quality

[doctor-bond]

Okay. I'd hoped to have one of the thoroughbreds finished this week, but I am waiting for some final parts coming in. A true bummer as I would have liked the idea of putting it in this month's pre 90s BOTM. Would even have qualified for pre '85 :shock:

You tease: looking forward to it. Although, as I've entered this month's comp, I'm glad you've been delayed.

 

[CTK]

but if we take materials used, precision and functionality as leading, than the Panasonic is simply the bike to beat. Period ...and no single bit of doubt about that. Important to realize this.

What makes the Panasonic stand out? I see the Panasonic as being a high end Japanese built frame- there must be lots of others built to the same standard. Unquestionably good quality- but why the best?

 

[Elev12k]

You tease: looking forward to it. Although, as I've entered this month's comp, I'm glad you've been delayed.

Yes, I am sorry. I am teasing a bit

A couple more

This mountainbike is more rare than a Cunningham :shock:

The model has been raced to more victories than Yeti, Ritchey and GT ....together :shock:

 

[Elev12k]

Panasonic TV's

Panasonic walkman

Matsushita (Panasonic) is a very huge conglomerate being involved in thousands of products and services. The company evolved from Mr Matsushita's little bicycle shop and I will not be surprised if Mr Matsushitas enterprice evolved in something as big or bigger than the rest of the cycling industry together. They still do bikes, but don't really sell full bikes abroad due to that the Yen and Japan itself became too expensive. They also still do a line of really fine bicycles in steel and titanium tubing - the later of a multibutted type and in for ti quite difficult shapes.

The frames are available in 1001 paint and finishing options. Below an example highlighting the butted sections >>

The original team-paint is also an option

 

[Elev12k]

but if we take materials used, precision and functionality as leading, than the Panasonic is simply the bike to beat. Period ...and no single bit of doubt about that. Important to realize this.

What makes the Panasonic stand out? I see the Panasonic as being a high end Japanese built frame- there must be lots of others built to the same standard. Unquestionably good quality- but why the best?

I do not think any other manufacturer was as serious or dedicated to come up with something of this quality. Of course we all associate Japanese with precision and minimal tollerances. On a PR-6000 or MC-Team/Pro one builder spent a lot time. The best materials are used, like Tange Prestige and own cast lugs. Brazing with silver at no more than 600 degrees. Of course the brazing must have flown everywhere where it was needed and not to where it does not belong. I do not believe other companies had the ability nor willingness to do it this way. This whole PR-6000 and MC-Team/Pro story was also a matter of prestige.

 

[FMJ]

I do not think any other manufacturer was as serious or dedicated to come up with something of this quality.

I beg to differ.

 

[Elev12k]

Yes, the small Japanese builders like 3Rensho or Nagasawa, but they did no mountainbikes. The mountainbikes I know of 3Rensho look like >> this. Without any doubt nice, but they will not outperform the later and more mature MC-Team/Pro.

Am also not sure a road-Rensho would outperform a PR-6000, as they couldn't benefit from input by Jan Legrand and the full Post-team that actually raced them in Europe.

For keirin and overall 3Rensho is very nice though. Absolute among my favourite bicycles.

 

[yo-Nate-y]

Panasonic is/was a much bigger operation than 3Rensho. But 3Ren had a ton of one-offs and interesting custom bikes, mtbs included.

 

[Elev12k]

Very nice. It looks like a much later downhillbike, but without the suspension.

 

[novekili]

can we sway from this Japanese craze and start talking about something really stunning?

... an externally duble butted ti bike 4 example