I posted in r/bicycles and a couple folks said you guys would enjoy. Back around 2006 my best friend imported this Stratos frame from Japan. He spent months sourcing NJS stamped parts to make it as authentic of a build as possible. I believe the only non NJS parts on this bike are the rims, but they are laced to the high flange 36 hole dura ace hubs. We were roommates at the time so I was there for every step of this build and I was almost as excited as he was when it was completed. June 21 2015, Michael lost his battle with depression and alcoholism, it was and still is a very difficult thing to sit with. After the funeral I helped his mom with his things and I told her this bike was very special and she should hang on to it since it was priceless to those close to him, she never forgot me telling her that. She reached out to me a few weeks ago because her and Michael’s dad are getting older and needed to downsize their home and move into something without stairs so she was trying to g to find homes for some of his belongings. She told me she wanted me to have this bike and I was kind of floored with awesome feelings but also a little melancholy. It has been sitting in storage for 9 years so it needs a little TLC which I plan on dedicating time to after Christmas. It will mostly serve as a wall hanger, but I do intend to ride it on special occasions or just when I wanna spend some time with my friend. Just to put minds at ease, I’m no stranger to riding brakeless. I’ve had a steamroller since about 2004 and have done my fair share of alley cats and other shenanigans when I was younger. I really only plan on short spirited rides on cycling paths with no cars, also, the geometry is aggressive af and I don’t see myself spending more than an hour or so in those drops. I’m mostly an xc mountain biker these days and that riding position isn’t gonna feel so hot on my neck and back lol.

by nova2726

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6 Comments

  1. I’d leave it as is.
    Looks pretty clean to me. I’m glad it went to you.
    Sorry you lost a friend.

  2. Dope story, great frame.

    Those track drops aren’t really meant to be ridden in for long periods of time. So if you’re looking for long rides, you’re probably gonna be on the tops or the bends for most of it

  3. Man, this bike is super cool, he had great taste! And a great back story besides the circumstances.

    Every time you ride this bike, he’ll be riding with you.

  4. What the fuck dude, that is one incredibly special bike. That deserves to be ridden, I’m so glad to hear that that’s what you’re planning on!

    Take care of it and ride it like he would’ve wanted to. Sorry for your loss.

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