Today’s OTS comes to us from Will in Virginia. The first thing that strikes me about this Azuki—other than its size—would be the Avenir shoulder frame bag. You just never see those things anymore! I remember back in the late 80s and early 90s every department store mountain bike seemed to be equipped with one of those things. The good news is they are still available!

Here is the $8 Azuki I picked up for a daily driver. I had the bike set up with flat bars for comfort and the wheels and guts of the bike came from a $35 Univega Mixte bike that looked barely used. I repacked the bottom bracket and threw on the alloy crank combined with the Araya alloy wheels and the 6(wow) speed cassette from the Univega to cheat and make it a 12 speed. Everything worked great and I inquired to my dad about his old Raleigh Record and he said he had sold it! I was really looking forward to doing a ride together on our old bikes and he said he was interested in riding again so the Azuki will be his now! Sorry for the crummy pics but you can see the conversion taking place (the dirty little world of old bikes!). I threw on some red vinyl bar tape since the picture to keep it old school for him and lowered the seat since this is a massive frame. I am 6’3″ and it feels stout when I ride it. Very nice and you can see for blocks over traffic! Anyhow just wanted to throw another Azuki on here, thanks!

Thanks Will