Hello!
I got a Matsuri bicycle from a person on Facebook Marketplace who was giving it away and I was trying to get some info on restoring it. I don’t plan on doing much, other than replacing the tires, cleaning and re-oiling the chain, and putting a seat cover on the old seat.
-Does anyone have any idea on the tire size for this bike? The rubber is so cracked and faded I can’t read anything on the tires
-Does an owners manual exist for this bike that I could reference online?
Also, if anyone knows the specific model of this bike it would be helpful. Honestly, any help is appreciated, I’ve attached some pics of the bike. Thanks!
by AegoltheBard
1 Comment
The tires are likely 27 x 1-1/4″. It’s possible that they are 700c, but US import bikes of that era were still 27″ for the most part. They are close in size, but not interchangeable. The bead seat diameter is how tires are defined now, it’s just what it sounds like. The rim and tire need to be the same BSD. If you see the number 630, it’s 27″. If you see 622, it’s 700c, which is easier to find a selection of tires in modern times.
That’s a good bike, not a great bike. It will ride well, but is not sought after. Certainly worth getting back on the road, but the value is in the riding you get out of it, not the value as a classic bike. Keep in mind that a new bike at a bike shop is $1,000 to start, and you can feel pretty good putting $50 into it and enjoying getting around.