Discussion Group
Are you a past or present Panasonic bicycle owner that would like to discuss the bikes with other owners and enthusiasts? I encourage you to join our Google Group for all Panasonic bicycle enthusiasts where you can do just that. So far we’re low volume with a dozen or so members but in time I am sure more and more people will discover the site and group.
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GROUP RULES:
- Please keep the group PG and appropriate for all ages.
- No “personal attacks” allowed. Keep it civil, we’re talk bicycles after all.
- No political commentary please.
- Do not join to group simply to try to market your bicycle to us. We have a fully functional classified ad system for that… please use it.
- Members are allowed to post a “heads-up” notice of interesting bikes they have noticed on ebay, Craigslist, etc. If you’re selling your own bike, it is ok to make a mention of it to the group but please, please, please take a moment to post it within our classifieds.
- Please help spread the word about the site, group, and classifieds to other Panasonic enthusiasts.
- Help me out! When I created the Panasonic Bicycles Virtual Museum web site and owner’s group I did so in order to help fill a void. With that said, I am certainly not a know-it-all when it comes to all things Panasonic bicycle related. Additional web site editor positions are available if you’re the kind of person who wants to assist in the construction of this resource. If you want to help, just say so in the group or email zeringer@hotmail.com
- Enjoy and ride safely!
NEW!! Owner Registry form now online.
If you are the owner of a Panasonic Bicycle you may now submit it to us to be archived offline. We will NOT be posting your bicycle or personal info online, but rather keeping it safe in an offline database of owners. The purpose is simple. In the event your bicycle is ever stolen contact us right away so we can post the serial number, photo, and other important information. With a little luck, your bicycle may turn up somewhere and you can be reunited or notified.
The registry database will also help us determine where the hot-spots are for certain models around the country/world. Statistics are fun!
Naturally, NO personal information will be revealed about your submission and we won’t contact you, spam you, walk your dog, mow your lawn, or reprogram any of the remote controls on your coffee table. Don’t even ask… we’ll say NO. 
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User Registration
If you wish to utilize features on our web site such as the classified ad area or have the ability to comment on other posts on the site you will need to register for a user ID.
Submit a user registration application to us here. Please allow up to 48 hours for your account to be created. In most cases we’ll have you verified and set up fairly quickly.
You will be notified via e-mail as soon as your account has been created and is active. Be sure to check your spam folders if you don’t see a confirmation in your inbox.
Latest Site Updates
July 7, 2010
We just moved to a new web server. Our old server was often tediously slow so we have relocated to a new host in order to better handle the load and allow for future updates. We’ll have some new content coming to the site in the near future plus some new videos on the YouTube channel. Happy riding!
February 12, 2010
While we can’t exactly brag about high production value, we have just launched a Panasonic Bicycles Virtual Museum channel over on YouTube. Our first three videos show quick overviews of the 1983 AR-6000, 1985 Team and 1988 DX-4000. We’ll likely work on a more professional and complete video for each in the not-so-distant future. We’re also open to ideas on other things you’d like to see on our YouTube channel.
December 17, 2009
We’ve just updated our FAQ so that site visitors can submit questions directly from the FAQ page without using an email client. Have a question pertaining to Panasonic bicycles? Ask your question right here!
Also added today are photos and specifications for the 1986 Panasonic DX-3000. Thanks to Jay W. for sharing photos of his nicely restored and upgraded model.
November 13, 2009
We’ve just updated our classified ad system to a newer and simpler platform. All registered users are encouraged to post Panasonic bicycle related ads here free of charge. You may now include up to four photos with you ad as well. Enjoy!
May 6, 2009
Twitter user? You can follow us on Twitter here.
March 16, 2009
The Panasonic Bicycles Owner Registry and Buy/Sell Databases have been created. We also created a Post Content page where YOU the site user can submit content for publication on this web site. Enjoy!
February 18, 2009
The Panasonic Bicycles Virtual Museum web site has been relocated to a new dedicated web host. Our old subdomain location of panabike.s-cars.org will remain active until March 1st. Update your bookmarks and links: http://panasonicbikemuseum.info
December 24, 2008
The 1988 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog has been located and scanned. It is now available on the web site although I still have the last few pages to scan (spec pages etc.) after Christmas.
November 6, 2008
We’ll be working on some more updates during the upcoming weekend. Things got a little busy and I have fallen a bit behind in posting new bikes etc. We still need the 1988 Panasonic U.S. sales catalog, so if anyone has one please drop us a line! Finally, if you are a Facebook user, check us out there as well.
September 15, 2008
Complete 1986 catalog will be online shortly thanks to scans provided by John Morales. 1986 Panasonic DX-4000 bike added. Specifications updated for 1986 Team America model.
September 11, 2008
1987 Panasonic Team Time Trial bike added. New photos added to 1988 MC-5500 and 1988 MC-7500 entries.
September 7, 2008
If you are a member of our Panasonic Google Group you’ll know that I periodically post a list of the Panasonic bikes I find for sale from around the country/world on Craigslist and ebay. Many have asked how I find them (hint: huge RSS feed list) and now I have added a box to the bottom left corner of the site that will give readers access to my personal picks from both Craigslist and eBay. Check it out!
August 29, 2008
Two new bikes added to the museum profile… 1988 Panasonic DX-2000 and 1988 Panasonic MC-5500.
August 27, 2008
Complete 1995 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog for German market posted. Special thanks to Melvin for providing us with the catalog.
August 24, 2008
Complete 1987 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog for U.S. market posted. Special thanks to Matthew Marine for providing us with the scans of his catalog.
August 12, 2008
Complete overhaul of our classifieds section. Now easier and open to the public! By all means start posting your ads… it is one of the busiest areas on this web site but very few ads have been posted.
August 11, 2008
Complete 1979 Panasonic Bicycle catalog has been added to the site Thanks to Norman Halperin for loaning us the catalog.
August 8, 2008
Complete 1980 Panasonic Bicycle catalog has been added to the site Thanks to Norman Halperin for loaning us the catalog.
August 5, 2008
Complete 1981 and 1982 Panasonic Bicycles catalogs have been added to the site Thanks to Norman Halperin for loaning us the catalogs.
August 4, 2008
Complete 1984 Panasonic Bicycles catalog added. 1988 MC-7500 model added.
August 3, 2008
Complete 1985 Panasonic Bicycles catalog now scanned and online. Also added 1983 catalog and 1989 European catalogs. 1979-1984 catalog scans are underway and coming as soon as time permits. Factory specifications updated for 1985 Panasonic Team and Team Europe II models.
July 26, 2008
1985 Panasonic Team Europe II added. Thanks to George for sharing photos of his bike.
July 23, 2008
1993 Panasonic Bicycles catalog added. Thanks to Melvin for the scans of his European catalog.
July 7th, 2008
A 1982 Panasonic DX-4000 has been added to the museum. Thanks to Mani S. for the submission of his bicycle.
July 1st, 2008
Newly revised free classified ad system debuts. Our previous system was nice albeit a bit more technical than it needed to be. With our new classified ad area, all you need to do is register for a user account on this site using a valid email address, browse the classified ad category in which you wish to place your ad, and post your ad. Simple.
June 25th, 2008
1991 Panasonic MC Comp added
June 23rd, 2008
1985 Panasonic DX-3000, 1985 DX-2000, 1986 Sport 1000, 1989 DX-5000, and 1989 PT-4500 models added.
June 21st, 2008
1977 Panasonic Bicycles catalog added thanks to a contribution from Tom Fritts.
June 19th, 2008
1987 Panasonic DX-4000 photos added. Thanks to Ryan for sharing them with us!
June 5th, 2008
New Panasonic Bicycles classified ad system debuts! In an effort to boost the site to the next level, we’ve just finished our new classifieds section. Now you can register for an account and place a for sale or wanted ad within minutes! Click here to check it out and get started today!
June 2nd, 2008
The 1989 catalogs I purchased from Jeff at First Flight have arrived along with some additional P.I.C.S. program information (now posted). The full 1989 model year catalogs will be online as soon as I have time to scan them and upload them (partially posted).
As always, if ANYONE has catalogs for Panasonic Bicycles that would be willing to either scan them in their entirety or loan them to me for scanning, please email me at zeringer@hotmail.com . I want to make this site as complete as possible. Thanks!
Join Our Google Group!
If you’re an owner or enthusiast of Panasonic bicycles, please consider joining our new Google Group set up to discuss all things Panasonic. Take a moment to introduce yourself after you join.
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Site Credits and Thanks
I’m certainly not a walking encyclopedia when it comes to vintage Panasonic bicycles. While I do have some recollection of many models in the 80′s, I do have to turn to others to help me fill in the blanks from time to time.
I would like to thank the following individuals for providing me with information or photos.
Historic Information Acquisition or Consulting
Andrew Muzi of Yellow Jersey in Madison, Wisconsin.
Steve Duregger and Russell Rayburn of Lakeside Cyclery in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Norman Halperin, Former National Sales Manager, Panasonic Bicycles USA
Jeff Archer of First Flight Bicycles in Statesville, North Carolina.
Catalog & Magazine Scans and Contributions
1977 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Tom Fritts
1979 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Norman Halperin
1980 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Norman Halperin
1981 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Norman Halperin
1982 Panasonic Bictalog : Norman Halperin
1986 Panasonic Bicycles Catycles Catalog : Norman Halperin
1983 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Norman Halperin
1984 Panasonic Bicycles Catallog : John Morales
1987 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Norman Halperin
1985 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Matthew Marine
1987 Panasonic DX-6000 Article : Unknown
1988 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Jeffrey Miller
1988 Panasonic PICS Team America Article : Unknown
1989 Panasonic Bicycles Catalog : Darin Nederhoff
1989 Panasonic Bicycles EU Catalog : Melvin
1989 Panasonic PICS catalog : Darin Nederhoff
1991 Panasonic Bicycles EU Catalog: Melvin
1993 Panasonic Bicycles EU Catalog: Melvin
1995 Panasonic Bicycles EU Catalog: Melvin
Featured Bicycle Owners
1977 Panasonic Sport Deluxe : Tom Fritts
1982 Panasonic AR-6000 : Robin Bennett
1983 Panasonic DX-4000 : Mani Sarathy
1983 Panasonic PT-5000 : John Hollosy (sold bike)
1983 Panasonic AR-6000 : Darin Nederhoff
1985 Panasonic Team : Darin Nederhoff
1985 Panasonic Team Europe II : George Evans
1985 Panasonic DX-4000 : Grant Irvine
1985 Panasonic DX-3000 : Parker
1986 Panasonic Team America : Darin Nederhoff
1986 Panasonic Team Europe II : Ed V.
1986 Panasonic DX-3000 : Jeff W.
1986 Panasonic DX-5000 : Anthony M.Cindrich
1987 Panasonic DX-4000 : Ryan (last name withheld)
1987 Panasonic DX-5000 : Junee V. and Mike A.
1987 Panasonic Team Time Trial : Dave Hickey
1988 Panasonic DX-2000 : Anonymous
1988 Panasonic DX-4000 : Stan Nederhoff
1988 Panasonic DX-5000 : Darin Nederhoff
1988 Panasonic MC-5500 : Darin Nederhoff
1988 Panasonic MC-7500 : T. D., formerly David Stone (orig owner)
1989 Panasonic DX-1000 : Melissa B. (orig owner)
1989 Panasonic DX-5000 : Robert Mays (pending)
1989 Panasonic Titanium : “Thunder82″
1989 Panasonic P.I.C.S. Team 1200 Custom : Jared
1989 Panasonic P.I.C.S. Team Custom : Sheryl
1991 Panasonic MC Comp : Melvin
199? Panasonic PR-6000 : Melvin
199? Panasonic PR-6000 project : Darin Nederhoff
Other Photos
Random images on this web site were spotted on ebay and/or Craigslist. We make every effort to email the owner and ask for permission prior to posting photos, but with that said there are a few bicycle photos on this web site from my personal web photo archives and I have no idea who the owner is. In the event you see your bike on this site and would like to be named within the photo credits or have your photos removed you can email zeringer@hotmail.com . We do hope there is no objection to the use of a few random images for historical/informational purposes.
Welcome!
Welcome to the future home of my “unofficial” Panasonic Bicycles Virtual Museum. I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with Panasonic, I am merely an owner and enthusiasts looking to create a resource for other owners. Simple enough?
Anyhow, if you happen to be a Panny owner please take a moment to register as a user. Have no fear, this site is non-commercial and we’ll never sell your email address blah blah blah.
As you can see, the site is still very much under construction. Want to help? Have old Panasonic sales literature or photos you’re willing to share? By all means, send me an email… zeringer at hotmail dot com. Thanks!
My Panasonic History
I became a Panasonic owner in October of 1985 when I received a Panasonic Team model for my birthday. If I remember correctly, the bike cost $330 at the nearby Panasonic dealer (Lakeside Cyclery) in Clear Lake, Iowa. One of the few photos of my old Team is shown below.
I rode the Team for not even two years before it was stolen prior to RAGBRAI one year. Bummer! On happier note, I just bought another 1985 Panasonic Team. See the 1985 bikes by model listings for photos.
In my quest for a replacement I once again went to my friends at Lakeside Cyclery in Clear Lake, Iowa. I had looked at a 1988 Schwinn Tempo at a local bike shop that was pretty nice and had a red/white/green color fade and (I think) Shimano 105 parts. I know now that the ’88 Tempo was in fact quite a sweet bicycle, but back then Schwinns weren’t exactly cool around here. I mean, the fat kid who sat in the corner in art class and ate paste rode a Schwinn. Forget it!
I was waiting for my insurance check to come in so I could buy the bike I really wanted, a 1988 Panasonic DX-4000 with Tange 1 tubing and full Shimano 105 parts group. (see below)
Cool bike isn’t it? Well, as it turned out, my ship would soon come in as they say. When my insurance check arrived I was overjoyed to discover that the uber-cool Panasonic DX-5000 was now within my reach thanks to a late season sale. Goodbye DX-4000, hello DX-5000!
The bike above was purchased on July 20th, 1988 from Lakeside Cyclery in Clear Lake, Iowa. I paid $585 ($608.40 out the door with tax) for it back then. As you can imagine, I really loved riding this and took great care in trying to maintain it to the highest level.
The same bike shop has looked after it all these years… even the same mechanic (thanks Russel)! The only thing that isn’t original to this bike as pictured would be the saddle, Sun Mistral wheels (Ukai were original but were replaced under a warranty/recall of sorts back in the day because they would make a clicking noise while riding), pedals (although I have the original 600 toe clip pedals), bar tape (obviously… original was thin yellow ribbon tape) and the tires (old school Panaracers sure did suck!) The color is Onyx Black.
I recently installed some inexpensive 700x23c Michelin Speedium tires for indoor display and some roller riding. I have a set of NOS 700x20c Michelin Hi Lite Comps circa ’88 I can fit if I want it to be true old school.
As cool as all that is, there was always ONE Panasonic I loved more than any other. The 1986 Panasonic Team America with the oh-so-cool tri-color paint fade on Columbus SL frame, Araya Aero tubulars, and full Dura Ace group. It was the UberSonic but it was also unobtainium to me as it cost considerably more than my DX-5000 did in ’88. A bit steep for a kid who had yet to reach his 12th birthday.
Fast forward to May of 2008. The “unicorn” bike that I thought had only existed in a catalog turns out to be real after all these years. I’ve seen a Team Europe or two over the years, and I even saw a Team Japan that I tried desperately to buy about a year ago. With that said, I have never seen my UberSonic… that is, until mid May of 2008 when one magically appeared on eBay.
Yeah, I bought it… $500 delivered to my door, thank you very much. The pic below shows the bike in-progress. I’ll post new pictures once everything is complete.
Oh, and remember that cool DX-4000 picture I showed you earlier in this story? Well, as it turned out, the same sale that made my DX-5000 affordable also made the DX-4000 appealing to my own father. He bought the bike and still owns and rides it to this day.