The best deals are always “local pick-up only.” I saw this Zunow “Nuovo Touring” randonneur bike for sale on Japan’s Mercari marketplace last month. It sold for around $1000 USD and a trip to Atsugi City. Quite a steal, if you live locally. Collectors around the world know that you have to travel to get the best deals. I downloaded the photos from the listing and am sharing them here to show off a “vintage correct” build for one of these iconic bikes.
Over a decade ago, I decided that I prefer “brifter” (brake + shifter) controls over down-tube or bar-end shifters. With a few exceptions, my restorations have moved towards “neo-retro” builds that use modern parts, tastefully chosen to maintain a vintage look. Here’s what my Zunow Randonneur looked like before I switched the components to Campagnolo. This particular Zunow looks much like it did when brand new in the late 1970s, with the exception of modern SPD pedals. Read on for more photos and details!
From the auction description:
This is a ZUNOW Randonneur bike made to order in the late 1970s. The frame was assembled by Akiyama Cycle in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and the parts were assembled by Tanaka Cycle Shop, also in Fujisawa City. After that, I had it repainted twice by Akiyama Cycle, and about five years ago I had it overhauled at Yamaoto Seirinjo in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Note the use of ornate Nervex lugs, and the mix of French, Italian and Japanese components. This style of bike originated in France, and in the groovy 70s Japan, French and Italian components represented the apex of randonneur style. Simplex and Campagnolo drivetrains are over-represented in this era of Japanese “camping bikes,” despite contemporaneous domestic derailleurs being superior, such as the Suntour Cyclone GT. The build specs are as follows:
- Size: Seat Tube 53cm c-t-c, Top Tube 53cm c-t-c
- Tubing: Reynolds 531 (no label due to repaint)
- Crankset: TA Specialites Pro 5 VIS triple 49T x 44T x 28T
- Freewheel: Regina Extra 14 x 16 x 18 x 21 x 24
- Front and rear derailleurs: Simplex Super LJ
- Chain: Shimano CN-HG71
- Shifters: Campagnolo Super Record
- Hubs: Shimano Dura-Ace Large Flange 36-Hole
- Rims: Super Champion 650B
- Tires: Panaracer Gran-velo King 650x42B
- Handlebars: Philippe Randonneur
- Stem: Philippe 90mm
- Saddle: Brooks Professional
- Seat Post: Shimano Dura-Ace SP-7400-A
- Brake Levers: Yoshigai (Dia-Compe) Gran Compe
- Brakes: MAFAC Criterium cantilever
- Pedals: modern Shimano SPD compatible pedals
- Fenders: Lefol “Turtle Shell”
- Generator: Sanyo Dynapower (bottom bottom bracket mounted)
- Lights: Soubitez, with upgraded LED bulb
- Bell: VIVA direct mount
- Frame Pump: Silca Impero with ZUNOW engravings
Enjoy the gallery of photos:
Just for funsies, here’s a gallery of another Zunow randonneur build that I had in my archives. This one has “condorino” style handlebars with reverse brake levers, giving it a svelte look. It uses braze-on center-pull brakes, instead of cantilever brakes, so it was likely intended to be used in more of a sport touring or pass-hunter mode instead of loaded touring.
