| I purchased a Zebrakenko "Wind" in 1985 and it currently sits in a cocoon in my garage. It hasn't been riden since 1994. I was just thinking about replacing the tires and riding it again. Am I the only one that still has one of these bikes from Japan? It's all original and in great shape. I've been trying to find some history on these bikes but no luck so far. by: 63.101.81.248 |
| Zebrakenko was a Japanese brand that goes back to the turn of the century (20th) but only started US distribution in the mid 1970s. They offered a wide range of models, from entry level to high end. There was even a nice Dura Ace 10 equipped track bicycle. The early models were typical Japanese bicycles: clean workmanship, very sturdy, capable components, but having a "dead" ride quality relative to the resiliency of most European bicycles. Depending on the year and/or model you could find them equipped with either Shimano or SunTour based groups. The head badge was quite nice, with an oval with a roaring lion's head in the centre, a crown over the lion's head and 'GOLDENSPORTS GS ZEBRAKENKO'. The brand seems to have disappeared in the mid-1980s, about the same time that the Zebra brand appeared. I have always wondered if they just shortened the name, but the distributors were different, so it may just be a co-incidence. The Wind was one of the original models distributed in the USA during the mid-1970s and was one of the most popular models. It was obviously long live too, if you bought one in 1985. I am quite familiar with the early version, which was a nicely appointed, mid-range bicycle. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the mid-1980s model. by: 64.235.202.23 |
| I had a Zebrakenko 15 speed touring bike "Country Road" in the early 80s, it was nice with typical Sun Tour components, if a bit heavy. Unfortunately, it was stolen after only a year or so. by: 68.248.246.108 |
| I was just doing some background research about Zebrakenko--I have two of their frames both dating sometime before 1981--and stumbled across your page. One still has all orginal parts and the other I converted to a "cheater" fixed gear. Over the course of nine months the rear drop out on the converted bicycle has been slightly bent due to not putting a true fixed gear hub on it. Just thought I'd let you know that they are still out there--somewhere near the Edge. Sincerely, S. Lassak by: 65.24.90.138 |
| i have a maroon zebrakenko wind. its a nice enough ride. its got mostly sun tour crap on it, so i am trying to overhaul it on my own, switching out components, etc. i only wish there was more infomation on the company out there. by: 65.97.135.156 |
| I have a 1977 Zebrakenko Wind in good condition. I am willing to sell it to anyone intersted. by: 71.246.253.72 |
| what is it worth ? by: 74.236.75.223 |
| I have an 81 Zebrakenko Storm, there was a Wind and a Storm model, one in chromoly, one in double butted steel. My bottom bracket bearing races are shot. You wouldn't just have a bottom bracket available, would you? I biked across the US on it and I'm trying to keep it going as my back-up bike. by: 65.103.25.232 |
| I have a Zebra Tempest from 84 or 85. Given the storm theme I think it might be more than coincidence about the Zebra/Zebrakenko relationship. The head badge on my bike is however very different. by: 71.77.4.54 |
| I just got my Zebrakenko Wind back today, which was their top of line bike in 1977 when I bought it new. If I remember right, it was fairly expensive -- I thought it was $500 but maybe it was less--if anyone can remember what they sold for back then, I'd love to know). I ended up selling it 15 years ago beause I had lost interest in road biking. The guy who bought it from me rarely rode it and kept it in his basement. My husband bought it back this week and replaced the brake pads, the tires and the tubes. He gave it to me as a Mothers Day gift. It is in beautiful shape and it still a great bike. It feels lighter than the Raleigh rode bike I bought two years ago (which I sold recently). The nice thing about these bikes is that the brand name isn't plastered across the frame and there was only one frame color--unlike most of the bikes on the market now. I am thrilled to have this bike back!! P.S. Someone asked why the model name wasn't on the bike--it probably came off--the model name was a decal on the bottom back of the frame. My Wind decal is still on the bike. by: 70.224.216.0 |
| congratulations, Val! i've been riding a blue zebrakenko wind which i bought used from a grad student in 2004. at the time i didn't think i could ride a road bike, being new to bike enlightenment..but i soon discovered the joy of riding..& if i go fast enough, my bike makes a whistling sound like the wind! by: 64.252.76.108 |
| I just got laughed at by 2 bike shops when I brought my early 80's "Thunder". I am looking for a replacement Suntours front derailer (sp?). If you know of any source, please let me know. Thankyou, Tim tube by: 74.33.23.124 |
| when iwas a kid back in 70s my dad bot me a bike from coast to coast hardware it was the red baron with the cross on the chain gard. if eny one has a clue on wear to find one let me no. they came with a cheater slick and apehanger by: 24.236.187.158 |
| I bought my Storm from a used bike shop in Southern Wisconsin in 2001 for 80.00. Due to a DUI I was forced to reintroduce myself to riding, now 6 years later I wonder why I ever gave it up in the first place. I ride year around and couldn't guess how many miles I have on my Zebrakenko. This is one tough bike and now that I know some of it's history I will treat it with more care. Mike by: 67.180.33.67 |
| I thought I'd share a few pics of my "Wind" that was left me by my brother. [p][a href=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/bmann/IMG_0316small.jpg target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a] by: 76.17.169.146 |
| And another of the whole bike.[p][a href=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/bmann/IMG_0314small.jpg target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a] by: 76.17.169.146 |
| Sorry to come to this thread so late. I'm replying because I was just given a Goldensports GS Zebrakeno. It had been in a neighbor's basement for many, many years, and its condition shows it. The frame is white now, but it's obviously a rattlecan job; head badge still shows, but nothing else. One point that is interesting: It's mostly Campagnolo-equipped, with the exception of the crank, which is a really nice forged Stronglight (the star-patterned one). Heavy surface rust on the frame, but may try stripping it and seeing what's underneath. by: 68.160.33.197 |
| I was sad to hear they went out of business. I still have my "Olympic Ace" in the basement - attached to a trainer. I got it back in 87. Great bike! by: 24.44.49.161 |
| I've owned my Zebrakenko "Blue Sky" since new. I rode it many miles and never had any problems. I see there is still interest in these bikes. Enjoy by: 65.31.190.106 |
| I own 3 Zebrakankos and my brother has 2. I have 2 80's and an 81, all Winds. My brother has an 80 wind and just picked up what I believe is an 81 Thunder. We worked at a bike shop in 1980 when he bought his Wind new. It listed for about $600. There were also lighting and storm models as I recall. If there is interest I think I have the date code from the serial number figured out. by: 65.89.17.26 |
| I am renovating a Zebrakenko Goldensporte that was in the garbage here in Brooklyn. Not sure which model, it has the original all black paint job but no decals, only the headbadge with the crowned lion. lugged steel frame, chromed front fork, sugino super maxi cranks, suntour shifters and derailleur and dia-compte brakes. Still in pretty good shape! Would like to know what year it is if anyone knows any way to figure that out. by: 69.114.223.107 |
| i have a zebrakenko, touring bike...excellent condition, black. i bought it in 1977. anyone interested in purchasing it. let me known by: 69.232.236.248 |
| I have a mid seventies wind or storm light blue in good original condition if any one wants to buy it or I will restore it to origanal condition which wouldn't take much it has early sun tour stuff the early good stuff which is more valuable than the whole bike. by: 64.136.27.227 |
| I have a mid seventies wind or storm light blue in good original condition if any one wants to buy it or I will restore it to origanal condition which wouldn't take much it has early sun tour stuff the early good stuff which is more valuable than the whole bike. by: 64.136.27.227 |
| I have a mid seventies wind or storm light blue in good original condition if any one wants to buy it or I will restore it to origanal condition which wouldn't take much it has early sun tour stuff the early good stuff which is more valuable than the whole bike.[p][a href=mnbikeresto@yahoo.com target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a] by: 64.136.27.227 |
| I have a Zebrakenko that I found in a friend's basement. Think it had been there for many, many years. Not in great shape (bad respray, lots of wear), but the funny thing is that the bike actually has good components: Campagnolo derailleurs, seatpost, rims, hubs; beautiful Stronglight alloy crank. Any others out there like mine? by: 151.199.51.52 |
| i have a zebrakenko I believe thunder are there Serial numbers or date code to tell when the bike was produced.. I picked it up for $5 or 10.00 a couple of years ago at a tag sale perfect condition. I'll post a picture if anyone wants to see it. I'm not looking to sell it just want to find out anything i can about the bike.Thanks Wally (Manchester, CT) by: 192.249.47.8 |
| Looking to sell my 1984 Zebrakenko OM-4. Beautiful condition. Make me an offer. by: 75.7.244.199 |
| I paid $275 for a brand-new Zebrakenko Wind in 1977. I've still got it, under the stairs, still with the Wind decal on the right rear stay...I guess they went up a lot after that. by: 71.163.232.3 |
| i recently got into riding. my first decent road bike was my fathers "wind" zebrakenko. ive moved one but want to keep the bike alive so im gunna convert it to a fix. nice to see others with winds by: 166.66.178.207 |
| This Zebrakenko fan is on the lookout for opportunities to buy one of these sweet 1980's bikes. Let me know if you have one for sale. Joe by: 75.73.11.67 |
| I have a 1976 Zebrakenko Lightning that my parents bought for me in 1976 for $280. It’s seen some abuse/ neglect over the years, but continues to be my only bike, and I just put clipless pedals on it. Looks pretty scrappy now, but originally a pearlescent light blue/violet. Chr-moly frame, seems to have been fitted out similar to the Wind. It’s a good old friend. by: 65.1.193.5 |
| Have a blue Zebrakenco Wind bought new in 1977 at Greasy Wheel Plymouth, NH. Still pretty, and pretty bulletproof. by: 71.101.180.192 |
| How much are they worth today by: 208.101.148.225 |
| Hello, I have a mid-seventies Zebrakenko with less than 100 miles on it. I hardly ever used it. I put new tires on it due to dry rot. It's a 12 speed road bike in like new condition. I would like to sell it. It has Suntour equipment. I paid $300 for it new. 203-288-0354 or edelman@comcast.net by: 71.235.194.109 |
| RS ZEBRAKEBKO STORM all ORGINAL DEEP RED METAILIC COLOR 9.999 ALL ORGINAL MINT CONDITION LOW MILES 1983 STORM LARGE FRAME 34..1/2" STANDOVER Dia Compe crank and breaks $400.00 new tires ORGINAL BEAR CLAW FOOT PEDALS WITH SHOE SUPPORTS JAPAN CLASSIC TIME Capsule by: 12.72.105.81 |
| Hello, a couple people mentioned the serial codes on Zebrakenkos. Mine is a Wind in metallic burgundy color over chrome. It has Suntour forged dropouts. The serial number is in two parts: D1D1125 Z81D Anyone know how do decipher these? Can I assume the Z81D part might signify the year as being 1981? Also, would anyone know what the original parts were on this bike? I got mine as a frame and built it up as a fixie just to get it rolling but would really like to get it back to geared road condition, preferably with original parts. Thanks![p][a href=http://i40.tinypic.com/zj77vb.jpg target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a] by: 208.120.231.171 |
| I have a zebrakenko, it is in fair condition, it is a cmplete bike. Iam trying to find a value. by: 173.108.214.51 |
| Hmm. I paid $7 for a 64cm "Wind" frame, forks, cranks, headset, and bars today at a yard sale. I was going to Ebay it, but maybe now I will keep it rolling. by: 209.112.151.178 |
| I have a Zebrakenko I bought in '83. I moved out of the city a couple months later and haven't ridden it since. Will sell, if interested, email me for details and pics. by: 96.234.218.209 |
| I have a black Zebrakenko Wind, I want to replace the tires which are rotting away. I can't read the size on the sidewalls. Can anyone tell me the size? Thank you, Jim by: 64.12.116.203 |
| I have a 1977 that I bought new for $500. Haven't had it out for a few years but plan on a triathlon this weekend. Road portion is 20 miles hope it holds up. It is still in good shape was and still is the best ride for the price I have ever been on. by: 68.72.1.3 |
| I have a 19 inch mens 1981 Pearlized Champagne New Sun Zebra Kenko, hardly ever used in super mint condition and would like to sell...... by: 24.44.145.149 |
| Red Zebra Kenko posted on Mpls MN Craigslist, hot red storm, I will purchase and pick up for anybody out of area. Don't know how long it has been posted and forgot who the guy was that E-mailed me and wanted one. It is cheap. Mike Larsen St. Paul, MN USA by: 64.136.27.227 |
| Response to Bonde; Z81D does signify 1981, the D translates to April. Does the headbadge have a lion head of does it show a stylized Z with a zebrahead on it? I have 2 80's & 1 81 Winds. Tell me what the headbadge is and I can tell you the components are as they seemed to changed during this period. Good luck! by: 76.16.88.142 |
| I just picked up a Maroon Zebrakenko Goldensports Wind for $20 at an estate sale. First time ever heard of this bike. Suntour handlebar-end shifters (wow - never had one of these) and derailleur, shimano hubs, allow wheels. Diacompe brakes, gummy hoods yucky. Very nice lion head badge. Can't remember if 10 or 12 speed, but very nice either way. Will keep since rare and the name is great. I have a Zebrakeno ..... a whooda whatta? by: 209.150.54.157 |