1972 Sanwa Road Bike Small 51cm 10 Speed Lugged Steel Retro Cafe Java Commuter:)
This page is affiliate-supported. Prices and availability can change after the last marketplace refresh.
About this product
This is a vintage 1972 Sanwa Road Bike, featuring a small 51cm lugged steel frame in blue, suitable for unisex adults. It's equipped with 700C clincher tires, drop handlebars, and a 10-speed (2x5 gear) derailleur system with stem shifters. The bike weighs 40 lbs and includes caliper center-pull brakes with no suspension. Additional features for commuter convenience include an adjustable seat, bottle cage, and kickstand.
Our take
If you're looking for a genuine vintage ride, this 1972 Sanwa road bike offers a classic experience. The lugged steel frame gives it that timeless aesthetic and a robust feel, though it does contribute to the 40 lb weight. The 10-speed drivetrain with stem shifters is period-correct, but modern riders might find the shifting less precise than contemporary options. It's a no-suspension setup with center-pull caliper brakes, so expect a direct ride and braking performance typical of its era. It's a solid choice for a retro cafe or commuter bike if you appreciate the charm and simplicity of a vintage machine, complete with practical features like a kickstand and bottle cage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Authentic 1972 vintage steel frame
- 10-speed derailleur gears
- Includes kickstand and bottle cage
- Lugged steel construction
Cons
- Heavy at 40 lbs
- Stem shifters may feel dated
- No suspension
- Caliper brakes are older technology
Specifications
- Handlebar Type Drop Bar
- Wheel Size 700C
- Item Length 40 in
- Number of Speeds 10 Speed
- Vintage Yes
- Department Unisex Adult
Show all 26 specifications
- Model Year
- 1972
- Item Height
- 36 in
- Features
- Adjustable Seat, Bottle Cage, Kickstand
- Item Width
- 12 in
- Number of Gears
- 2 x 5
- Bike Type
- Road Bike
- Color
- Blue
- Tire Type
- Clincher Tires
- Material
- Steel
- Materials sourced from
- Japan
- Brand
- Sanwa
- Custom-Built
- No
- Brake Type
- Caliper Brake - Center Pull
- Suspension Type
- No Suspension
- Model
- Sanwa
- Shifter Style
- Stem Shifter
- Gear Change Mechanism
- Derailleur Gears
- Item Weight
- 40 Ib
- Frame Size
- Small
- Country of Origin
- Japan