[CR]Concerning Sekai Quality

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2006 13:01:40 -0500
From: <loudeeter@aol.com>
References: <63A74D8D427E8B428AF35D6476A0557F6FD8A0@rno-msg-02.northamerica.corp.microsoft.com>
In-Reply-To: <63A74D8D427E8B428AF35D6476A0557F6FD8A0@rno-msg-02.northamerica.corp.microsoft.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Concerning Sekai Quality

Below is what I have on Sekai in the Used Bike Buyers Guide. I've never owned or ridden one, but I've seen a few. My impression was that they were entry level bikes to compete with Fuji, Miyata, and other of similar quality. Based on the models I have listed, only three models are listed with Tange #1 which was a decent tubeset, although below the top-of-the-line Tange Prestige that was seen on the better models. I don't recall whether Prestige was available in 82-83, so perhaps # 1 was tops then. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL

"Traditionally, most of Australia's imports come from overseas." --Keppel Enderbery

SEKAI: 626 South Alaska Street, Seattle WA 98108. Built by Miki of Osaka, Japan Models: 2500 82 Tange Mangalloy 2700 82 Tange Mangalloy 500 Professional 82 Tange #1 4000 Professional 82 Tange #1 5000 Superbe Pro 83 Tange #1 500 Monterey 84 Hi-tensile 750 Sasquatch 84 Chromoly 1000 Monterey SL 84 Yamaguchi Champion #5 2600 85-86 Tange Infinity

-----Original Message----- From: Kenneth Naylor (MOLC) <knaylor@microsoft.com> To: Donald Gillies <gillies@cs.ubc.ca>; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Cc: Octavio Gomez (MOLC) <ogomez@microsoft.com>; soper2x4@verizon.net; John Struchynski <jstruchy@hotmail.com> Sent: Fri, 3 Feb 2006 08:33:01 -0800 Subject: RE: [CR]Craigslist Portland : SEKAI 4000, 1976, 22", $250

For what its worth-

I have a Sekai 4000, circa 1981. It was the first bike I bought that people, including my parents, labeled me "crazy" when I told them how much I paid for it (~$800, as I recall).

I raced it as a first-year USCF Junior, and while I think it is a great bike (I still have it, and use it as a winter ride) it had a too-long, 40"+ wheelbase for the criteriums I was riding all summer. I remember the shop I hung out at getting in a lone Sekai 5000 frame, and amazingly, the tube walls were so thin that you could pinch them with your fingers and visibly see them squish (the word in the shop was: NO PARK STAND CLAMP ON THE TUBES, seatpost only).

As I recall though, in 1980something the 4000 (and other Sekai models) were available in 'odd' number inch sizing: 19, 21, 23, 25. The 22" must have been an earlier size option.

Does anyone have any opinions on the overall quality/reputation of the Sekai brand? All I know was it was one of the best bikes that was available in town back then (Along with the Puch Marco Polo and Schwinn Paramount). After seeing 'Breaking Away' though, I fell in love with orange-red Masi's, and now have quite an eclectic collection.

Ken S. Naylor Fargo ND

-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Donald Gillies Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2006 9:23 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Cc: soper2x4@verizon.net Subject: [CR]Craigslist Portland : SEKAI 4000, 1976, 22", $250

SEKAI 4000 bike on Craigslist Portland. Campy and Phil Wood drivetrain parts. The seat stay tops are chrome (like my SEKAI 4000) and so I believe he is correct about the model. He seems willing to taking the bike to a bike shop for shipping. With some sweet talking (this is his baby, a back injury forces sale), he might pack it for you.

soper2x4@verizon.net - Gary Sooper http://portland.craigslist.org/bik/129923258.html

"Jim Merz did the paint and Bruce Gordon brazed on cable housing guides for the derailleurs, brakes, chain hanger, and water bottle cage.

I paid nearly $300 for the frame in 1976 which I purchased separately from Pine Street Bike shop in Seattle. I also know that it is made from high quality chrome-moly, must be the 4000 model. Both Bruce Gordon and Jim Merz remarked to the high quality of the frame. Jim Merz used to design and braze his own frames in a small shop off 23rd Avenue. Last time I heard he was a production manager for TREK. Not sure if Bruce Gordon is still making frames in Eugene or not. I do remember that the" frame only" without the fork was quite light. The frame is very responsive and I've even raced on it a few times. The front hub is a low flange Campy and the rear is a brand new rebuilt mid-flange Phil Wood unit. The bottom bracket consists of Campy equipment, Campy chain rings, it has a chain hanger and lots of cable guides for the housing. This has been my "baby" and I have taken meticulous care of it, which I do with ALL my mechanical equipment. The spokes are double-butted, Campy brakes and All cables are teflon coated Campy. After the frame was worked on it was repainted with Imron which is used on commercial vehicles such as aircraft, semi-trucks, and ships."

Here is some SEKAI 4000 information from my 1977 catalogue / flyer. The 4000 was offered only as a racing frameset, with Tange Professional fork and Shimano Dropouts in that year :

http://www.ece.ubc.ca/~gillies/raleigh/Sekai_4000_5000_1977.JPG

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA