Acquired from Robert of www.localbikeoutlet.com out of Florida, this 1989 Panasonic DX-5000 Tange 1 tubed bike didn’t leave much to be done upon arrival. It possessed the factory Suntour GPX groupset along with other quality Japanese components throughout.
Aside from the saddle and rims, this bike is full Japanese manufacturing. As mentioned previously, the Suntour GPX groupset is all there with a beautiful gray finish and flawless operation. The SR Sakae Custom Modolo Patent Anatomic Bend bars make for easy handling at any speed. The Suntour GPX brakes perform great with just a slight touch of the levers on the aforementioned bars. The whole package stays in place by a matching SR Sakae Custom stem.
Moving to the drivetrain, the Suntour GPX crankset, derailleurs, and downtube shifters (friction or indexed) are a perfect blend of beauty and function. The SR SP-155 pedals with offset toe-straps and Mira toe clips make for a beautiful match to the other Japanese components.
The rims are where things get special. I chose after recommendation from Covi Hazelwood of Two Wheeler Dealer (Wilmington, NC) to purchase a set a of gray DT Swiss RR-465 rims which correspond with the gray Suntour GPX 32-hole low flange hubs perfectly. Covi not only built the front wheel, but showed me the mathematics and labor behind wheel building. This allowed me to build the rear wheel with his supervision and guidance. Overall, a great experience with a friend and very insightful.
The bike rounded out with a SR seatpost with Selle San Marco Concor Light white saddle purchased from Two Wheeler Dealer of Wilmington, NC also. I cannot recommend Mr. Jim Mincher and the fellas over there enough for quality customer service and overall care for cyclists of any/all form.
Please feel free to visit my blog at: www.brokenspokesnc.blogspot.com
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