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1989 Panasonic PICS Philippe Lauraire

Numerous unique features. For starters, the name on the top tube is Phileppe Lauraire. If you aren't old enough to remember the 1980's and pro cyclists back then, he was a domestique for 1987 Tour De France winner Stephen Roche on Team Fagor and rode in the Tour three times. I was able to get in contact with Mr. Lauraire and he did indeed confirm this was his old team bike while he was racing on a southern California based team. Other odd traits include internally routed shift cables which are a first for me. I've never seen that on other Panasonics to date. The bike also has many extra Panasonic and Shimano decals which do make me wonder about the history. The head tube badge is a PICS label rather than the Panasonic label which is also strange.

Frame:
58 cm Tange (likely Prestige but TBD)

Fork/Headset:
Tange / Stronglight

Crankset/Bottom Bracket:
Dura Ace

Derailleurs/Shifters:
Dura Ace 7402

Handlebars/Stem:
Cinelli

Saddle/Seatpost:
San Marco Rolls /

Brakes:
Dura Ace 7402

Front Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Dura Ace / Mavic MA4

Rear Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Dura Ace / Mavic MA4

More Info:
Over the years more than a few professional cyclists have ridden Panasonic bicycles. Panasonic DID have a professional cycling team for a while so that would naturally account for their bicycles being ridden by pro cyclists. In early December of 2012 I spotted a rather obscure text-only ad on a southern California Craigslist offering a Panasonic Team bike for sale. I had suspected it was another 1985 Panasonic Team since I see a fair number of them offered for sale around the country. I asked the seller for photos in order to see what he had on his hands and was more than a little shocked at what I got in response. The bike was a Team Custom PICS frame with full Dura Ace. Most unexpected! This bike has been sold to an enthusiastic new owner in the Philippines.

Added over 11 years ago by PBVM. Last updated about 7 years ago.