Cleaned up the drive train on this SR step-through I found for my girlfriend to use as a commuter. I'm trying to figure out the age. What I've found online suggested these are from the 80s, but I read that Tange 5 was discontinued in '73. Components are all say Shimano with no parts names. Head tube shifters, caliper brakes, 12 speed. Frame pump is from a french bike.
Thanks for any help.
by Zykked
4 Comments
Looks late 1970s to 1980-ish
The paint and decals are incredibly similar to a Miyata “Sport 10” mixte that I have, I would almost guess they are like the same bike, that’s uncanny
Anyway, I would guess early 80s on yours.. Did it come with 27 inch wheels?
The shimano parts have a date code on them, I’d start there.
Its probably 1980-85. Its definitely a good base for a mixte build. The japanese frames are generally better quality (with chromoly tubing) than their euro counterparts.
They are pretty much the “standard” specs when it comes to threading and dimensions, so parts availability is vast and any needed adapters are super common.
I usually look for a late 90s to mid oughts donor bike to swap parts from, often found cheap on cracked or damaged aluminum road bikes.
When I’m building a mixte, the features I look for (in order) are:
1. Chromoly tubing.
2. Forged rear dropouts.
3. Integrated rear derailleur hanger.
4. Square taper cranks, preferably aluminum.
5. Aluminum, 700c rims.
Look at how similar the color scheme on this bike is isn’t that weird?
https://www.reddit.com/u/AfraidOfTheSun/s/1hALKx28bV