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The part 100 is the catalog of Katakura SILK sports bicycle in 1974. As for SILK, I had introduced each model at the beginning of Catalog of Reminiscens.
However, images were small, hard to see the detail. So I would like to introduce them again in order of issue years at the occasion of part 100.
The size of catalog of 1974 is a bit narrower than A4, opens like a bellows. The models which were introduced in the catalog were below.
1. PR10-4DX:Perfect Quick DX(delux model of perfect Rinko bicycle)
2. PR10-4:Perfect Quick(professional model of Rinko bicycle)
3. SC15-4:Camping (Full equipment camping model)
4. 27S-:Speed master(Sportif)
5. 27S-4D:Speed Master DX(Delux Sportif)
6. R2-4:Road-racing bicycle (Professional racing bicycle)
7. PR10-4L:Perfect Quick L(Rinko bicycle for woman)
8. SR10-4:Speed Master(Professional touring bicycle)
Katakura bicycle was not highlighted, but had a established reputation in the sport bicycle market.
It was used since the beginning of Keirin (professional bicycle competition) after WW II. Katakura bicycle was also used by Japanese team since Helsinki Olympic by years.
Sport bicycle of Katakura SILK was in the top level as mass-production sport bicycle during 1970’s to 1980’s by well design and the best selection of parts.
After those years, Japanese bicycle industry lost the competition ability in the world market because of high exchange rate of the yen after Plaza agreement and industry of Taiwan and America gained power.
Katakura Bicycle which was not strong joined a member of Sanwa bicycle group, closed in the end of 1990’s.
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My first tailor made bicycle was a road-racing bicycle of Katakura Silk. Back in those days, even a hobby cyclist as me could order a frame. The photo was a order sheet which I used at 17 years old. I followed R2-4 in frame design and parts composition, Only the tube length and paint were full order. The derailleur was SUNTOUR Cyclone which had just put in the market.
At this occasion, I re-scanned catalogs of 43 years ago, improved image with image-editing software as much as I can.
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Photo of Perfect Quick DX covering two facing pages as poster
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This page introduces the specification of Perfect Quick DX.
Rinko bicycle of mass-production maker in those days was equipped with the desorption mechanism of front fork, split type of rear fender, quick seat pin.
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Here is Perfect Quick of standard specification. We cans see the effect of ALPS Quick Ace in the fender stays of pine leaves shape, and headlight which is mounted on front fork.
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Back in those day, lots of mass-production maker produced four side camping bicycle. Flame was closed seat stays, lug-less type which made of High tension steel; front fork was made of Chromium molybdenum steel.
This model equipped with Guidonnet levers and JOS type tail right. The chain wheel was SAKAE Custom 3. Waterproof flashlight which contained three of D size battery was simple and fortitude.
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Speed Master was Sprotif model which was equipped with 27x1-1/4 tires. It was also equipped with rear carrier though Sportif.
Gear ratio was middle ratio of F48x36T and R14-24T, It was a light trip bicycle which was suitable for paved road.
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The frame of Speed Master DX was made of full of Chromium Molybdenum steel tubes, attached direct weld pomp peg and plate of bottle cage.
It was equipped with SUGINO Pro-dinamic chain wheel, light alloy rims, quick hubs, SAKAE Campagnolo type seat post, and leather saddle. Parts composition was upgraded.
I could feel refined cense of producer in the long fender same as Speed Master of standard type
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Flagship model of Katakura SILK was R2 road-racing model. Lug-less frame of chromium molybdenum steel and round shaped fork with two steps shoulder were characteristics.
I longed for this road-racing model, had ordered 570 mm frame with almost same specification.
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This is Perfect Quick which has Mixt type frame. I could feel the atmosphere of those days from the word “for woman”.
This type of bicycle was popular for girls cycling circle of university.
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This is 26 inch model of Speed Master of standard specification. It was equipped with leather saddle and pannier rack.
I often saw young cyclist who ride this type of touring model which was typified by Bridgestone SS-10 at youth hostel or highway during summer holiday.
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This is back cover. I occasionally stopped by the gate of head factory which was located at Kumagawa Fussa city Tokyo on the way ccycling to Okutama
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