When it comes to acquiring nice OTS through means other than traditional purchase, one is either lucky, good or both.  I don’t consider myself any of those, but as for the faithful contributors to the OTSG, they are all of those and then some.  Everyday, it seems, I receive a bike from someone who,“… just happened upon this old ten-speed on trash day.” or, “…just came across this prinstine own-owner at a garage sale for 50 cents.”  Today is one of those entries. Coming to us from Robert, this Fuji Special Road Racer is another one of his—lucky or good—finds. You guys keep finding them, and I’ll keep posting them.

Here is my latest find, a 1970’s Fuji Special Road Racer. It is surprisingly light, 27 lbs, for a bike with steel rims, and it rides beautifully. (It fits me so well it’s become my regular ride.) Found it about 2 months ago, about 2 blocks from my house, in a pile of bikes standing along the street with a “FREE” sign on them. It needed the usual maintenance: tires, repacking the bearings, shining the chrome, new saddle. It has XL frame, Suntour components, a jumbo pie plate and that great name, “Special Road Racer.” It even has the matching green bar tape and green toe clip straps. I love this bike! This is now the 5th XL frame 10 speed I’ve found in as many years in our little town of 1300. First was a Schwinn Sprint (by Giant) which I never seem to finish rebuilding; then a Sanwa, which I crashed; then the Le Tour II, which I’ve already submitted; then a Chicago Schwinn, which was too heavy for my taste; and now this Fuji. All were at rummage sales, the junk yard, or free. Must be a lot of tall riders around here, who don’t ride anymore. I’d love a sticker for the Fuji. Thanks so much for the great site.

Thanks Robert