I think it may be time for a new frame...

[Ajax Bay]

The frame seems to be a bit bigger than my current one;

This is a rather small frame - I estimate 48cm c-c. I'd be amazed if it's bigger than your current one.

 

[Punkawallah]

It's not a Mayata, but a "Kuwahara". Has anyone heard of this?

The rear chain stays are connected to the saddle tube either side of the cut which allows the tube to clamp the seat post. I've seen that occasionally, but not with the bolt going through the chain stays.
I'm trying to persuade myself this won't cause any weakness in the frame; can anyone with more experience advise?

I'm also not sure what that little lug on the right of the picture is for: I think it was connected to the cantilevers. I'll file it off as I'll be using V-Brakes.

Isn’t it a ‘lovers leap in old Japan’? ;-)

One assumes that the designer has done their sums? Google it and see if it’s been recalled? If the thing is going to give you the niggles, go for a different frame.

Rather than remove it, cap it off in case you need it at some unforeseen point?

 

[Elybazza61]

Lug looks like a hanger for anti cables.

Pretty well liked by the looks of it, probably not light but should ride well like old 90's Konas etc.


View: https://www.reddit.com/r/xbiking/comments/16w7com/should_i_buy_this_kuwahara/



View: https://www.reddit.com/r/xbiking/comments/nizqcs/i_gave_this_kuwahara_to_a_buddy_today_he_seemed/


https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/funky-kuwahara-oncilla.499183/


View: https://www.facebook.com/groups/700679973635193/posts/1660618044308043/


You'll be able to read this better than me!

https://www.mtb-news.de/forum/t/kuwahara-oncilla-19-jahre-jung-neu-fast-wie-neu.452360/

 

[Andy in Germany]

This is a rather small frame - I estimate 48cm c-c. I'd be amazed if it's bigger than your current one.

Unfortunately I think you're right.

I measured my current "emergency" bike, a 26" wheeled hybrid of uncertain vintage:

Top tube Horizontal: 580mm
Seat tube: 500mm
Head Tube: 145mm
Wheelbase: 1080

I also finally retrieved the VSF T400 frame from the storage area on the roof of the team office:

Top Tube: 560mm
Seat Tube: 550mm
Head Tube: 190mm
Wheelbase: 1090mm

So, the T400 is a bit shorter than my current bike; that said the current bike has the shortest stem I could find because it was a bit too long, the seat tube is 50mm taller, the head tube is 45mm taller, and the wheelbase is 10mm longer. I really can't picture how this would compare in riding, bearing in mind the new frame will be converted for drop bars.

 

[Punkawallah]

Ah, well. Back to the drawing board - next time you’re in York, you could browse Darlington’s second hand bike shop for a frame.

 

[Jameshow]

Is this any use 22" continental frame with a fsa tempo triple chainset?

 

[Andy in Germany]

Ah, well. Back to the drawing board - next time you’re in York, you could browse Darlington’s second hand bike shop for a frame.

Sorry, poor communication from me there. The "Emergency" bike is actually very comfortable: the only issue I had was that the reach was a bit too long originally, and I had to search a bit to find a short enough stem, so it would be more comfortable.

On this basis, the 20mm shorter reach on the VSF Frame may be about right; I may even be able to put a normal stem on it. The frame is almost the same; if you look the seat post goes about 50mm above the top bar, meaning that when I stand over the crossbar it's about the same height: the front end will be a tad higher, which probably isn't bad.

In other words, I think this may work, unless someone with more experience has noticed something I've missed...

 

[Andy in Germany]

Ah, well. Back to the drawing board - next time you’re in York, you could browse Darlington’s second hand bike shop for a frame.

View attachment 823330


Is this any use 22" continental frame with a fsa tempo triple chainset?

Thanks for the thoughts: a suitable frame will turn up as we deal with hundreds each year; I'm just impatient.

Also I have a Heavily scratched 28" Butted VSF frame waiting in the "Lost and found" which is very unlikely to be claimed, so that's my long-term plan; this is a direct replacement for the current frame.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Thanks for the thoughts: a suitable frame will turn up as we deal with hundreds each year; I'm just impatient.

Case in point; another frame has arrived:

Top Tube: 575mm
Seat Tube: 555mm
Head Tube: 165mm
Wheelbase: 1090mm

Reynolds 501 (I think) Chromoly; butted frame, horizontal top tube; I can just feel it when I stand astride the crossbar. Head tube looks like it's at a fairly extreme angle compared to the VSF, but that's because the top tube is horizontal; the VSF has a sloped crossbar.

Has to be said, the VSF is in better condition.

 

[Gillstay]

I had a Kuwahara amd used to ride to work on it for many years. Then it became the university bike for both my kids so got hammered around Bristol and then salt sprayed in Falmouth. The geometry was good and it lasted well, so fettled it again and gave it to a worthy cause.

Go for it.