1989 was the final year of Panasonic sales in North America and that makes this the final MC-5500 mountain bike model sold here as well. As you can see, Panasonic chose to finish the bike in what they refer to as Purple Haze paint. It is a very good looking bike, especially in direct sunlight. Being the MC-5500 meant that this was the 3rd best MC model offering for ’89 behind the MC-6500 and MC-7500.
1989 Panasonic MC-5500 Specifications
- List Price:N/A
- Frame Models: MCV-217, MCV-219, MCV-220, MCV-222
- Frame Sizes: 17.5″, 19″, 20.5″, 22″
- Frame: Tange Infinity Cr-Mo double butted tube, forged ends and Tange TK-25S sealed bottom bracket set
- Fork: Tange Cr-Mo Blades, forged ends and sealed headset
- Handlebar: MTB tapered steel, black painted
- Stem: MTS Cr-Mo Tubes, black painted
- Saddle:Panasonic, black vinyl leatherette anatomic with 320mm long micro adjusting alloy seat post
- Crankset: Shimano Mountain LX Biopace 48/38/28T
- Freewheel: Shimano Deore II 7-speed 13-30T Hyperglide cassette type
- Chain: Shimano Deore II 1/2″x3/32″x108 links, narrow type
- Hubs: Shimano Mountain LX, Sealed mechanism with quick release
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Mountain LX S.I.S.
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Mountain LX
- Shifting Lever: Shimano Mountain LX 7-speed S.I.S. & Light Action
- Brakes: Shimano Mountain LX cantilever with Mountain LX S.L.R. levers
- Rims: Araya 7S 26×1.5“, Alloy
- Tires: Panasonic 26″x1.5″ open side, 40 psi
- Spokes: 14G U-C-P finish
- Pedals: MKS G-6000 with reflectors
- Accessories: Front, rear and side reflectors / handlebar grips / plastic spoke protector / Q.R. seat binder bolt set / Toe clips and straps
- Color: Purple Haze