30 January 2008
Surprised by purple steel: The story of a Bridgestone XO-1, Part 2
Posted by todd under: Bridgestone XO-1; My bikes .
Bush and I talked it over, and he agreed to sell me the XO-1 frame AND build it up for me, for some ridiculously low price — I remember it being less than $300.
It would be built of parts salvaged from two previous commuting bikes — an early-1980s Bianchi Grizzly mountain bike that died of a cracked chainstay, and a Fuji S-10-S that perished in a crash.
Bush brought the XO-1 frame into the shop, and we put my wheels on it to make sure there would be enough clearance for the tires I had.
There was, barely. And sure enough, it was the 59 cm size. It would be a perfect fit.
Here’s the history of the parts:
From the Bianchi Grizzly:
- Wheels
- Cassette
- Crankset, pedals and toe clips
From the S-10-S:
- Brake levers and brakes
- Stem
- Saddle
- Rear derailer
- Bar-end shifters
- Chain
- Deflector
From Bush:
- Mustache handlebars
- Front derailer
********
Bush had me over to see how the build-up was going.
Three bikes (including mine) were under construction on the hardwood floor of his apartment, with tools and parts around them. He showed me his copy of the 1992 Bridgestone catalog.
It was clear then, as it is clear now, that he was doing a beautiful job. For example, I would find that not only were the shifting and braking tuned just about perfectly, but the cables were neatly trimmed to the right length — not too long — and capped.
He must have gotten tired of me saying thanks.
Nevertheless, I’ll say it again:
Thanks, Bush, for your generosity and attention to detail.
********
The mustache bars took some getting used to, and I raised the stem and adjusted the angle a little. But that was about all the bike needed from me.
Now, my XO-1 reminds me of past rides on well-used, well-loved bikes.
When I ride it, I think about Bush’s craftsmanship. I enjoy running a piece of cycling history across rutted trails and city streets.
It is a constant source of simple pleasure.
Hey, Bush — did I remember to say thanks?
In fact, I almost ALWAYS wear one (while riding a bike anyway). (On the other hand, if YOU don't want to wear a helmet, I have no problem with it.) I don't remember what happened on this particular day. Fortunately for all of us it makes for a less-nerdly picture. My exceptionally talented professional photographer friend Charles Bertram took this photo.
I asked my 6-year-old son, Caleb, an avid bicyclist and artist, to draw a bike for me. I think he did a great job!
