1987 SHOGUN NINJA

A Shogun bicycle is this week’s Japanese Bicycle of the Week, featuring the 1987 Shogun Ninja! A timeless ride, the Shogun bicycle has earned its place in vintage bicycle history. First introduced by Marui Ltd., the Shogun Ninja became a favorite among riders for its reliable performance and solid bicycle craftsmanship. Its enduring appeal makes it a standout among classic road bikes and other collectible bikes from Japanese bike brands.

SHOGUN’S HISTORY

The history of the Shogun dates back to 1977 when it made its debut in the USA. Marui Ltd., founded by Rio Marui, was known for its close ties with Shimano and initially focused on Japan’s market but shifted to a global approach as demand grew.

The brand was manufactured by several sources, including Merida bikes and Yamaguchi bikes, and later acquired by Kent International in 2004. Today, Shogun bicycles are cherished by bicycle collectors and fans of retro cycling gear.

TANGE 2 FRAME SET

The 1987 Shogun bicycle features a strong yet lightweight steel frame made from Tange tubing. This chromoly frame offers excellent durability for long-distance cycling. Additionally, the double-butted tubing ensures a smooth ride without extra weight.

As a result, the bicycle combines performance with comfort, making it ideal for both touring bicycles and retro cycling fans. Moreover, Tange’s high-quality steel adds to its long-lasting appeal, making the Shogun bicycle a top choice for vintage bike enthusiasts.

SHIMANO EX COMPONENTS

The 1987 Shogun bicycle comes equipped with Shimano’s 600 EX components, which are known for their precision and high-performance components. These parts, originally supplied by Shimano to Merida bikes, offer a reliable performance for riders. Additionally, the smooth shifting enhances the overall riding experience, which makes the Shogun bicycle a well-rounded option for cycling enthusiasts. Moreover, Shimano 600 EX components add a level of performance that appeals to those who appreciate vintage bicycles and custom bike builds.

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ARAYA RIMS

The 1987 Shogun features Araya SS40 light alloy rims, which are both durable and lightweight. These 700c wheels with 32/32 holes provide excellent strength while keeping the bike’s weight down, making it ideal for long-distance cycling.

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Additionally, the light alloy ensures smoother rides and better handling, something bicycle collectors and retro cycling fans value in rare bicycles like this. Araya rims are highly regarded for their reliability and performance, further enhancing the appeal of the Shogun bicycle.

UNIQUE SEAT STAYS

The 1987 Shogun bicycle features unusual seat stays that attach directly to the top tube instead of the seat tube lug. This unique bicycle geometry not only adds visual appeal but also improves the bike’s overall durability and comfort. Additionally, the seat stays’ positioning enhances the bike’s stability, creating a sleek, modern look that appeals to those interested in bicycle design innovation. This distinct feature helps the Shogun bicycle stand out among other classic road bikes and collectible bikes.

If you enjoyed learning about this week’s featured bicycle, don’t miss out on some cycling information you can use and enjoy! Visit our website at pacelinebikes.comPlus, check out our YouTube channel, Bicycle Restoration Man, for detailed restoration videos and showcases of our finished projects. Subscribe and join our community of bike enthusiasts!

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This weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week” is vintage Nishiki Tri-A. Nishiki’s origins trace back to West Coast Cycle, established by Leo Cohen Sr. and RosaBelle Cohen, who were former partners at Wheel Goods Corporation in Minneapolis. Transitioning to Los Angeles in 1946, they acquired an established retail bicycle outlet named Atlas Cycle.

Eventually, they rebranded the company as Playrite Bicycle Supply Co. Subsequently, in the late 1950s, the Cohens ventured into bicycle distribution, parts, and accessories. Venturing into the different aspects of the bicycle industry, led them to create the West Coast Cycle Supply Company. This expansion signaled their commitment to the burgeoning cycling market, laying the groundwork for the future success of these vintage Nishiki bicycles.

Howie Cohen, who took control of the company from his parents, initially placed an order for 570 bikes with Kawamura. He marketed these bikes under the American Eagle brand. This marked the inception of their successful venture, with tens of thousands of American Eagle bicycles sold by WCC.

This weeks bike is in unrestored condition. It was originally specced out with Shimano’s 600 groupset. It appears that the group set was kept intact. The 600 components were the forerunner of the Ultegra groupset. Likewise, the Araya 700c bronze wheels were original as well.

The paint is in pretty good condition with only a few chips here and there. The frame was made from Tange 1 tubing. Tange was hugh in Japan and most of the bikes of this time were made with this tubing.

MANY VINTAGE NISHIKI BICYCLE USED TANGE TUBING

Tange embarked on its journey in 1920 as Tange Iron Works, established by Yosujirou Tange, initially specializing in the production of bicycle forks. Over the years, the company expanded its operations and product offerings.

Their original tube was branded as Champion and was assigned numbers according to the weight. Champion 1 was the lightest and every following number, 2,3,4 was heavier. They eventually called in Tange 1, Tange 2 and so forth.

The Nishiki Tri-A competed with the Centurion Ironman models. Consequently, these two models competed with one another from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While they share similarities in their target demographic and intended use, there are notable differences between the two.

In terms of design, both bikes feature aerodynamic frames optimized for speed and efficiency. However, the Nishiki Tri-A tends to have a more aggressive and race-oriented geometry, prioritizing performance over comfort.

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