A 1988 titanium Panasonic bicycle from the PICS system is this weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week”. The 1988
Introduced in 1988, the Panasonic PICS system represented a significant leap forward in cycling technology. Constructed from aerospace-grade titanium, the frame was celebrated for its lightweight strength and durability.

Panasonic Corporation, founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita, initially focused on electronics and consumer appliances. The company expanded its portfolio over the decades, venturing into various industries including automotive components, batteries, industrial solutions and bicycles.

Panasonic Bicycle 1987 PICS: Custom Bicycles Revolution

Consequently, in 1987, Panasonic introduced their PICS (Panasonic Individual Custom System), offering customers the opportunity to create their own high-quality custom Panasonic bicycle. The bikes were tailored to their specifications within a remarkably short timeframe of two to six weeks. Interestingly, The bike shops were equipped with a VHS tape player to showcase a factory tour video explaining the customization process.

The first step had customers choosing their preferred bike style, either road, MTB or TT bike.  Additionally they had the option to choose what material their Panasonic bicycle was made from such as, steel or titanium tubing. A variety of sizes were available, ensuring a precise fit for both mountain and road bikes, enhancing the semi-customization experience.

Panasonic Bicycle Customization: Shimano Components and Stylish Paint Schemes

The customization extended to component choices, with two tiers of Shimano mountain bike equipment and options like Shimano 105, 600, Sante’, or Dura-Ace groups for road bikes.  Furthermore, a comprehensive glossy brochure displayed numerous paint styles. This featured  single, dual, and tri-color schemes, alongside various stripes, panels, and fades.

In fact, bike shops displayed about a thousand different paint combinations using sample frame tubes painted with vibrant options. Each PICS bicycle allowed for personalization with up to 12 characters of laser-etched name on the handlebar stem or silkscreened onto the top tube.

Panasonic Bicycle PICS: High-Tech Ordering and Swift Delivery

After finalizing all selections, the shop used its new Panasonic facsimile machine to fax the order form to Japan, showcasing the cutting-edge technology of the time. Following a brief waiting period, customers received their custom-designed bike via Federal Express. Consequently, this completed the seamless and personalized Panasonic bicycle PICS experience.

Unfortunately, the 1988 Panasonic bicycle PICS Titanium is no longer in production However, its impact on cycling technology remains significant. As a result, the craftsmanship and innovation typified in the PICS continue to inspire both cyclists and manufacturers.

To this day, cycling enthusiasts cherish and preserve these vintage models. Panasonic’s legacy in the cycling world endures.  A time when pioneering materials and meticulous design transformed the way we ride

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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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