I wanted to replace my 1984 Trek frame with something like the A Homer Hilson; but I also wanted to use my Paul's Neo Retro brakes, which I love; I wanted 130 or 132 wheel spacing, because I already owned two extra sets of wheels. I also wanted threaded inserts at the crown & seat bridge for a pair of Honjo fenders; and, I wanted it in an orange, like the original Rambouillet. When I wrote to Grant Peterson about it he quoted me a price that was almost custom. Then, while looking for a new crank I came across this frame set and immediately realized it was almost everything I was looking for. The lugs are simpler than the AHH, it's a single color, and there is room for 35 mm tires with these fenders.

I found the color hard to photograph, Hiroshi calls it "Moltini Orange", but it reminds me of orange creamsicle, for those of you old enough to remember them. This has been my every day bike for the past year but in addition to commuting I've done mountains with it and would concur with the review in Bicycle Quarterly - the bike climbs nicely, descends solidly, and corners predictably. It feels lively, is very stable at slow speed, which is important in a commuter. It may be a tad light in the front. I let go of the handlebars at 35+ MPH and got a small amount of front end vibration. Since I'm not in the habit of doing this, it doesn't concern me. The 62 cm (ctc) frame has a long, 60cm, TT, which gives me the first bike I've ever owned without any TCO.

So here are the details:
Frame & Fork : Ebisu All Purpose 62 CM (http://www.jitensha.com/eng/aboutframes_e.html )
Headset: Ultegra
Wheels: These are Ultegra, with Open Pro, 28 Fr & 32 R, with 32MM Pasellas; but sturdier 105 / Synergy will commute the 30 miles rt to work every day.
Drive Train: Phil Wood BB; Sugino XD2, 48/34T; Hiroshi came through with a beauty; Ultegra 12x27 9 spd; Campy Centaur Fr & R derailleurs; Conex 908 chain; Silver bar ends, Speedplay Frog Pedals
Cockpit: Nitto seat post, Nitto Deluxe stem, Noodle bars with cloth tape , Selle Anatomica Rubusto Saddle.
Brakes: Pauls Neo Retros with Cane Creek Levers (very good combination).
Accessories: Honjo Fluted Fenders, Nito Rear Rack, Carradice SQR, DiNotte Dual Lithium Ion 5W Lights, Spanninga Rear Fender light I've added the small Nitto Canti rack in the front since these were taken.

Mhechmer@mac.com

more photos at: http://gallery.me.com/mhechmer#100029