Tiger Cycle Super Model Deluxe

The Tiger Cycle MFG. Super Model Deluxe 10 speed road bike is likely a bicycle from the Japanese import bicycle boom during the 1970's here in the United states. The bicycle is throughly Japanese. The wheels are steel araya 27x1-1/4, the brake set is centerpull Shimano Tourney with Shimano brake levers. Front derailleur is Shimano Thunderbird. Rear Derailleur is Shimano Skylark. Levers are also Shimano branded. It is not clear what brand the Crank is but there is a Japan mark on both Crank arms. The bicycle is in fairly good shape for it's age and rides extremely smooth. Bumps are comfortably absorbed by the steel tubing and the handling is fairly responsive as were many Japanese bicycles. It is by far a lightweight, but certainly lighter and of better quality than the Schwinn Varsity and Continentals of the time. The tires are Sekai branded (also Japanese) and appear to be of the period if not original. If they are then they've held up very well. I found the engraving on the handlebar amusing with the picture of the road champion cyclist and the 'Alps industrial company' writing. Perhaps the Japanese manufacturers were attempting to fit in with the big bicycle companies from Europe before taking pride in their own geography and history (ei. Mt. Fuji). The original owner Equipped it with a brake lever mounted rear view mirror.