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SEKINE TL35F LADIES DELUXE TOURING -
INTRODUCTION
For approximately ten years, 1973 to 1983, a lot of
Sekine bicycles were built in Canada. Housed in Three River,
Manitoba, the Sekine bicycle became a favourite of bicycle shops.
The Sekine company went to extra lengths to meet the needs of bicycle
shops. For example, even though this would not apply to the TL35F
with the upright handlebars, drop bar models came with the handlebars
already wrapped with bar tape. This one feature alone made it
easier for bike shops to sell the bicycles.
 These
bicycles, mostly entry to mid level steeds, were well made, attractive
and marketed, mostly, in Canada. That said, many Canadian made
Sekine bicycles did make their way to the United States, but few found
homes elsewhere on the planet.
 The
Sekine Step Through was marketed as a ladies bicycle. The Sekine
company's brochure documented sales pitch was, "Lady cyclists will
enjoy the matchless performance and peerless design of this popular
5-speed touring model". Being unsure, myself, of how to
comment on a gender specific bicycle, in today's world, is beyond my
politically correct capabilities. In today's world, this style of
bicycle is referred to as a Step Through, or even, City Bike.
 And
a City Bike this thirty five year old roadster is. Sprung saddle,
offering dated suspension, but suspension, none the less. An
upright seating position, thanks to the beautiful light alloy touring
bars. Though only five speeds, the wide gear range freewheel
offers more than adequate gearing for most road or traffic situations.
Reflectors, front, back and both sides adorn the bicycle. To all
that, add a gorgeous set of, factory issued, alloy fenders. I
might add that of the many fenders I
 have
come across in my time, these old Sekine half hoops are about the
nicest. The only thing missing would be a flap at the back of the
front fender. Without it, in hard rain fall, one's shoes tend to
get a bit wetter. To that
original issue accessory package, add the after market side stand,
package rack and bell. When you look closely, this is a City
Bicycle, in every sense of the word. However, the technology, and
the "user friendliness" of it, does date the machine.
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THE SEKINE TL35F LADIES DELUXE TOURING |
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