Le Tour vs Panasonic Who designed them and which is better?

[Goldenrod]

They dropped into the dumpster but we still ride and enjoy their bikes.

 

[Goldenrod]

Both are nice !

To me it depends on the Panasonic model and the year . Looks like you have maybe a Sport model Panasonic and maybe a 74-77 ish Letour ?

Over the years , I refurbished dozens of Letour , and only had 2-3 Panasonic’s .


My opinion is as the 70s , 80s progress , Panasonics get better and schwinn falls begins somewhat at same price point ( just like the broader trend of the period for bikes cars everything )


Meanwhile , along the way , schwinn ( belatedly, sadly , for schwinn) sourced / bought mid range road frames frames from Panasonic .


What I find fascinating is the story of Panasonic .... it’s long time leader was born of modest means to bike shop owner family and maintained top capability in frame making craft within the National corp portfolio Right up until the end of his tenure .

Full story here :

History of Panasonic Bicycles | Panasonic Bicycles Virtual Museum

The history of Panasonic Bicycles, bicycle brands, cycling racing teams, and more

www.panasonicbikemuseum.info

Later , with the voyager 11.8 , world sport, and LeTours , schwinn embraces the Far East frames quality and puts the made in Japan label , theme shows up in catalogs.


I would definitely prefer your silver Letour over a Panasonic Sport of the same period .

Once we get to the 1980s , give me a Panasonic 1000dx or Panasonic 3000 over any Letour or midrange extra life schwinn model ( under / excluding the paramount )

Wonder what the world wold be like today if American Bike manufacturers had embraced Far East sources earlier under USA brands , and used the breathing room to bring USA quality and innovation up .



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My Delicate Bits quiver when they look at that high bar.