Vlad Luskin wrote:
"Some questions about a Zunow Pentagla. The bike supposedly was custom-ordered by an American visitor to Okinawa in ~1981. It is lovely metallic blue with chromed lugs that have Mario-esque spade cutouts. The paint job is very subdued compared to other Zunows I've seen. Zunow logo engraved/pantographed into fork crown and seat stay caps. Can't recall the tubing.
Anyone know about the Pentagla specifically? I've searched the archives and have found glowing reviews of Zunow build quality and ride but I'd also love a Zunow history lesson. Thanks a lot."
I'm as eager as Vlad to hear more about this model. I have only seen pictures of this one, two different bikes. Both had very subdued, solid-color (metallic) paint jobs, simple elegant lugs and very Italian styling. The frames look like my '81 Nishiki Pro which was built as an Italian knock-off, IMO. Both of them had chrome forks and diamond-sectioned chain stays (a la DeRosa). Both equipped with Italian components and tubular rims.
But Zunow (Japanese slang for "genius" or "brainiac" or "gray matter" I'm told) has always got something going. Both Pentaglas I know of use the "Ditchex" top tube. Special made for Zunow by Tange, I think. A groove is formed into the tube to accomodate the rear brake cable.
Anyway, I love Zunows for their eccentricity but I also like the looks (in photos, anyway) of the Pentagla. Can you post pictures somewhere, Vlad? Or if it's nearby I would love to see it in person.
I'm also eager to hear Hugh Enox's history lesson on the firm itself (grin). BTW, one can still buy brand-new Zunows in steel, aluminum or carbon at http://www.zunow.net (bring your Japanese phrase book).
Dave "struggling in Zunow History 1A" Ross Portola Valley, CA