I picked up a cheap $10 beater at a thrift shop simply because I liked the cool Azuki head badge. the 1980 date, by the way, is purely based on what the thrift shop clerk said - whether or not she had any real knowledge about the bike is up for debate. What is not up for debate is that the finish was in really sad shape, the stem frozen in place, and the wheel set was toast. I usually try to restore my bike purchases, or at least honor their lineage if I upgrade components and paint. I decided to try something just a little different and went with a two-tone paint scheme. I chose an antique-looking red for the tubing and contrasted it with a cream color for the rather attractive lugs. I'm keeping the unusual brown cable housing, which color coordinated with a matching (but horrible) brown saddle; tossed the crappy saddle and replaced it with an Italian saddle that appears to be made out of baby elephant hide or ostrich or some other exotic leather. I'm liking the overall retro look of the frame, I think. Anyone else agree? Or is this sacrilege to do this? Just curious what other bike souls think.

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