Originally Posted by
Sixty Fiver
Two my favourite bikes of all time are my 87 and 88 Kuwaharas which are a model apart but share the same frame dimensions and geometry and a few folks think they are the same bike.
One is set up for commuting / trekking while the other is my touring bike.
I have a twin set of favorite frames also. Steel Novara Randonee touring frames from 1996 and 1997. These are xs size frames that take 26" wheels. They don't make them any more. I got the first one about 4 years ago at an REI garage sale, NOS for $15. Built it up as a commuter with flat bars. Paid for itself a long time ago.
I spotted another one of these frames on ebay a few months ago so I bought it and built it as a second commuter with drop bars and STIs, and an LHT fork. Been riding it to work all summer.
They have the same geometry but the second one has smaller diameter tubing and is a bit more flexy than the first. Both are excellent transportation around town.
I plan to get both frames/forks powdercoated over the winter. The flat bar one will be dark blue and the drop bar one will be imperial bronze.