Ken Naylor inquired- <Does anyone have any opinions on the overall quality/reputation of the Sekai brand? All I know was it was one of the best bikes that was available in town back then (Along with the Puch Marco Polo and Schwinn Paramount). After seeing 'Breaking Away' though, I fell in love with orange-red Masi's, and now have quite an eclectic collection.>
Ken S. Naylor Fargo ND
I have two Sekai 4000's,different frame sizes,both black with very long point chrome Cinelli lugs and chrome wraparound top eyes; really nice deep chrome.One has a Tange #2 decal,the other is completely naked.Whatever the tubes are,they make a very distinctive sound when tapped,a pinging sound unlike any other frames that I've heard.Both are fully chromed under somewhat poor quality paint.As mentioned,the geometry is typical of Sport Touring bikes of the '70's,not criterium oriented.These are wonderful riders.Workmanship is excellent,nice even brazing,although the finish at the dropouts is kind of crude,very much like Paramounts or Raleighs of the same period.I haven't seen too many Japanese bikes from those days,besides custom frames,that approach these bikes in terms of quality construction and visual appeal.I get more comments from other riders,especially messengers when I'm on the single speed,than all of my other bikes combined.Love 'em both and have refused quite a few trade offers for more "collectable" bikes.Andy Muzi,of Yellow Jersey in Madison Wi.,is a good source for info on these bikes.According to Andy these frames were built by Miki in Osaka.I believe they still have decal sets available.Good thing,as the original decals must have been terrible.Every Sekai I have seen is either without decals or nearly so.
Todd "biased" Kielman
Chicago Il.