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