FamiLee Life

My Surprise (Unveiled)

It started out so innocently. A mere hobby. Something to do for exercise, relaxation, and pure enjoyment (see here). As you may recall from previous posts #1 and #2, I eventually decided to focus my attention on Bridgestone bicycles, as I already owned two of them (XO-3 and MB-3). So, last year, I purchased a RB-1 and I thought my collection was complete.

Then, if you may indulge me, I started to talk with a friend, Paul L, about biking and camping around town. Something called a S24O for a sub-24 hour overnighter. You bike to a local spot, camp for the night, and bike back the next day or two. Well, this got me thinking of which bicycle I would fit with racks, basket, and panniers. The XO-3 was a good option but I wanted to bicycle with more of a road bike-feel. Specifically, a touring bike. I was hopeful to retro-fit the RB-1 for this purpose, but I decided against it because of the frame geometry and the cost to do so.

After browsing ebay for months, I came across the bike (shown above). I waited patiently and then anxiously as the bidding time came near to a close. Then, I started to bid with an upper price point in mind. With luck and (ahem) skill, I won the bicycle. Here are a couple of more photographs.

It is a Bridgestone Eurasia EAD500 and it dates back to 1988 or so. A check of the serial numbers suggest it was built in 1988 and probably sold in 1989. The cool thing about the bicycle is that it was never sold in the United States. I think it's most comparable US-sold bike is the Bridgestone T-700. It was purchased by a woman in Japan (her name was Yuko) who eventually must have moved to the states and then sold to a Japanese American man (his name was Takeuchi). The bike never exactly fit him and so he put it up for sale on ebay. Lucky me! As the new owner, I have named the bike, Yuko Takeuchi.

This is a touring bike which means the wheelbase is a bit longer than on my RB-1, comes equipped with eyelets to attach racks, and can accommodate larger size rims/wheels. I believe it's pretty stock (with Suntour Cyclone 7000 dérailleurs, Nitto technomic stem, Nitto 105 bars) but I did add a Brooks saddle, Berthould steel fenders, and MKS Sylvan pedals. Eventually, I am going to replace the Nitto handlebars which was very narrow (39 cm), but am waiting to decide on what will replace them. Importantly, it rides like a dream.

So, okay, enough bike porn for a Monday morning. Enjoy and see you on the road.

Posted by richlee at March 19, 2007 09:52 AM