1981 SR Gran Course rejuvenation
More known for their cranksets and stems, SR (short for Sakae Ringyo) did make a small number of somewhat obscure Japanese bikes. Born of the bike boom, the SR Gran Course is a great example of an affordable workhorse with sensibility and class.
1981 SR Gran Course
The SR sports an incredibly ornate and sought after Shimano 600 EX Arabesque group set. This set was second from the top of the Shimano component food chain. The parts may look delicate but in reality, they are quite durable and made to last. At the time, both Shimano and Suntour were putting out exceptionally well made components which have stood the test of time and abuse. However, the Shimano 600 EX Arabesque group set was the more ornate competitor and thus seems to get more attention and command higher prices when sought out.
The SR rejuvenation came back together remarkably well as all aspects of the bike were made for practicality and an introduction to recreational cycling.
Stately elegance, practical character and sophisticated components should keep her alive and roaming for years to come.
At present time, this bike is currently for sale.
Color: Sand metallic with brown and red pinstripes
Frame Size: 53cm (C-T) seat post & 57cm (C-C) top tube
Frame/Drop-outs: Hi-Tensile Steel
Fork: Hi-Tensile Steel
Handlebars: SR Sakae; Newbaums cloth bar wrap with hemp twine (shellac finish) and cork ends
Stem: SR
Saddle: Nashbar Prospect
Seat Post: SR
Crankset: SR Sakae/Silster; 52/42 170mm
Freewheel: 6-Speed Shimano 600 EX
Hubs: Shimano 600 EX (36 hole; Shimano skewers)
Front Derailleur: Shimano 600 EX
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 600 EX
Shifting Levers: Shimano 600 EX
Brakes: Shimano 600 EX levers & calipers; Shimano pads
Rims: Araya 27″
Tires: Panaracer Pasela; 27″x1-1/4″
Pedals: SR SP-150
Special Features: Graceful lug work with pin striping
Wow! What a looooong top tube! I am very fond of the 600 Arabesque group – the decorative nature really hails back to a bygone era.
I know, I know. I had to measure 3 times to make sure it was accurate although the top tube does fall more on the 54cm size (actual measurements 53.65cm).
The Arabesque group was what sold me on the bike in the first place and I feel that it keeps the frame classy and functional at the same time. Thanks for the post, Mark!
I had that gruppo! On a Takara back when I was in college. It worked great even tho everyone was Suntou-centric then. Sadly, I tossed all of those parts, heavily scratched from crash damage, I was crazy back then and wish I could have them back.
I have an SR Pro Am I want to restore with many original parts, but need an Aerox crank! Also Cyclone II F and R derailleurs.
SR did make some fine, machines. This was certainly one of them as it was of lower price but was a real value considering the performance capabilities. As for the Aerox crank and/or Cyclone derailleurs, those can be tricky to find. Sometimes, I’ll buy a whole bike just because I want to harvest a part or two from the groupset. You many need to consider thinking along these same lines in order to finish off your Pro AM.
Hi Josh, yes, you’re right, I am considering a whole bike. Cyclone derailleurs can be had on eBay, but they are pricey. The Aerox crank is a rarity, but I am sending the frame out for paint so there’s time. I learned patience on a Raleigh Super Course MKII I am finishing after 9 months! That one I went for the vintage look but upgraded to a 9-speed and SIS down tube shifters. Still have the Huret FD though! Took a long time to accumulate the parts I wanted. Your Gran Course is beautiful.
I agree, in this game, patience is a mighty important virtue. Good luck on the parts acquisition and please share some photos of your gem once it’s complete! Thanks again for the kind comments and correspondence.
Very beautiful!