The BikeCommuters.com Secret Lab, Phoenix division, is now open and the adventure of building my own commuter is finally upon me.
I like tinkering with bikes and have even had a few opportunities to take apart, paint and reassemble bikes. All of those projects never resulted in anything much – none of the bikes are even in my possession any more. But I am always on the look out for a good “project bike.” Once I started bike commuting, I felt the desire to build a custom commuter – spec’d exactly for what I needed. My road bike is too nice for the crummy roads and my mountain bike is too slow and too relaxed (geometry-wise) for the distance. I like the feel of lugged steel (who doesn’t, really?) and have been on the lookout for a frame for building my franken-bike. And, alas, I have found it.
While making my first visit to the Tempe Bike Saviours – a local bike co-op (aka HEAVEN) – I found this sweet ol’ gal amidst a pile of rusted out Schwinn’s and Huffy’s. I have yet to decipher all of the serial numbers so I can figure out the exact model and year of manufacture – but I do know that it is a pre-1973 Japanese model of the Sekine road bike.
Sekine’s were originally manufactured in Japan until 1973, when they opened a plant in Manitoba, Canada to avoid certain duties and tariffs on importing bikes. Sekine was one of those brands that really profited off of the 70s bike boom – they were self-proclaimed as the “World’s Finest Bicycle” (note that the actual frame decal says “World Finest Bicycle…”).
The head badge has a signature rhinestone at the top – which I actually thought was something added by whoever owned this bike before.
For now, all I have is the frameset: frame, fork and crankset. This merely means that I have a blank canvas to work with and I get to hand pick every piece. I will write periodic updates as the project moves along.
Popularity: 7% [?]
Oh man that’s sweet! Too bad you didn’t post pics of the lugz…I like lugz!
That’s awesome. Definitely keep us updated on the progress. I’m interested in taking on a project like this one day myself.
Sekines have the BEST headtube badges! Kinda funny to have such a glamorous badge on what can best be described as a “gaspipe” frame.
There’s an old man here in Tampa who rides a beautiful metallic yellow Sekine to the grocery store (that’s where I always see it). I’m always tempted to offer him money for it, but he rides away too quickly.
That’s a great-looking frame. I even like the color!
I will certainly get “up close and personal” with photos in the future. My camera is starting to crap out on me…
The lugs are quite nice (not as nice as a vintage Raleigh or something). The frame is in good shape but has a few paint chips, so I can’t decide if I want to repaint it or not. Any suggestions?
If the paint is salvageable…just leave it alone. I don’t know if Sekines will ever be coveted collector’s items, but better safe than sorry.
Otherwise, if the paint is beyond saving, go for powdercoating — super durable and way better than a home repainting job.
Ya, or anodize that sucka! Either way have fun with the build Jeff.
[...] was talking with Jeff about his new Sekine project the other day, and he was curious about how to fit wheels into this old frame — he had tried [...]
I have one of those but its red. I purchased it in 1974. It has a magnesium alloy frame, and they boasted it weighed only 7lbs. My original bike had what was commonly known as sew up tires for cross country. The brakes and de-railers were considered state of the art at the time. I don’t think they can make bikes like this now. It was a $360.00 bike back then.
I just want to pat you on the back. I had a frame identical to yours given to me. Granted, not the best shape, but it is a strong commuter. I built it up and it is a fantastically fast bike. Not sure of the gearing, but it moves. Treat her well and she will make you happy. Wouldn’t get rid of mine for the world. p.s., I did my first metric century last year with it. It kicked butt!! ENJOY!
Sorry, forgot one more thing. It is definitely a 69-73 build. The trim levels are hard to discern, but the best that I have been able to figure out is that, a) it was the least popular color which equals rarity, b) it is at least the SHA trim, and c) it’s a Japanese build which was only done for the four years. With those things in mind, we don’t want to repaint unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! From one strange green Sekine owner to another, let the scratches show. I
I’ve got one of these – mine was originally yellow – I got it NEW back in 1974 (it is a ‘73 model from Japan). I’m still riding it after 35 years!! It has Tange CrMo tubing but I think it’s straight gauge (NOT gaspipe) and I actually raced this bike back in the mid 70’s.