This is newcomer David E’s early ’80s Soma Competition. I can’t argue with your reasoning; your bike is welcome here.
Here’s my first submission to your famous gallery. Despite the obvious modernization, I believe this bike qualifies because:
1. a similarly modified Trek was accepted, 2. I’ve stayed true to the original group, I just moved from 80’s Shimano 600 to 90’s Shimano 600 3. this deserves special consideration in light of the dearth of information online about the old Soma brand 4. shellac’ed bartape 5. chrome 6. pinstriped lugs 7. it’s awesome
This is a 1984 (possibly ’82?) Soma Competition frame (Champion #2 Butted Chromoly by Kuwahara) with a modernized build. I believe the original component group would have been Shimano 600 Arabesque, but I purchased the frame by itself at the Denver Veloswap. Any information on the original model and brand is welcome. Note the fantastic engraved Kuwahara fork ends and dropouts.
When I bought this frame the seller asked me if I was going to make it into a fixed gear. I laughed and told him ‘fat chance!’ and I’m glad I did, this old Soma is a dream to ride.