The abbreviated version: While pulling my Burley D’Lite trailer behind my Bridgestone XO-1, I tried a sharp U-turn. Just before I fell, I thought: That’s gravel, and I’m going too fast. The front wheel skidded out from under me, and I went down on my left side.

Two things to note about this mishap:

1. There’s no reason on earth to attempt a sharp turn on gravel.

2. More significantly: While the XO-1 and I pancaked somewhat spectacularly on the pavement, the trailer was affected not a bit. This was possible because the trailer has a (very) flexible part on the shaft where the trailer connects to the bike. (My 3-year-old daughter was sitting in the trailer at the time of the crash.)

I wouldn’t want to replicate this field test, and I hope you don’t, either — but just know that the D’Lite
will stay upright even when you don’t. That’s one major advantage, in my view, that the trailer has over those child seats that attach to the bike’s rear rack. If your child is sitting in a seat behind you on the bike, he or she is going down with you.

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?

I learned the lore online, by reading e-mails and links from the Internet Bridgestone Owners’ Bunch.

Sure, I would’ve loved to have one. Who wouldn’t?

The thing is, the XO-1 came out for only two years, 1992 and 1993, and there were just 1,000 made each year.

Its rarity is part of its appeal.

*********

So one day in a local bike shop, I noticed this clerk looking at me funny. I didn’t recognize him at all, but it turned out to be an old acquaintance named Bush, who had worked at the shop years before.

Bush shared my affinity for old steel frames and friction-shifting. We had talked bikes and quoted Grant Peterson to each other, and I’d admired the Bridgestone RB-1 frame he bought off E-bay.

*********

Now Bush was back — much lighter, and clean-shaven. He looked like a completely different guy. We caught up a little. In the course of conversation, either then or later, he happened to mention that he had an XO-1 that he never rode.

He casually related that he had been thinking about putting it on EBay … but, well, he would rather sell it to someone who would appreciate it.

It was the largest size (which would fit me perfectly).

Would I be interested?

Hmm … let me think about it …

Well … YES …