I am in search of that "perfect" bicycle (as I assume many here are) and this is another step in that direction. I am very interested in bicycle geometry and I've read about how the geometry of MTB's changed drastically from the 80's to the 90's and how those old old 80's MTB's, especially Stumpjumpers, are popular as fat-tire cruisers. I've been really curious about how those old 80's MTB's ride and for me, it was worth the $50 just to experience that. A quick check on Ebay shows a set of the same derailleurs for $40, buy it now and the crankset fo $85, buy it now. No idea if the sellers will get those prices but it indicates what folks here said, there are some decent vintage components on this bike.

I've mentioned before that a long-term goal is a custom frameset. I'm still trying to decide between 26" wheels and 700c. This bike has solidified my already strong preference for the ability to run really fat tires. My Trek 820 discouraged me a bit because of the huge knobbies. The Takara has relatively smooth tires and it's a huge difference, in a positive way.

This experience swings me back toward Velo-Orange's Camarague or a 26" Long Haul Trucker for an off-the-shelf frame. I had been leaning toward a Surly Ogre or Salsa Fargo but I really prefer a traditional diamond frame. Now that I have two 26" wheeled bikes I will probably go ahead and invest in some 26" Big Apple tires. I think if I can get the Takara in riding shape and find a taller stem I'm really going to enjoy cruising the neighborhood on it.

Two of my four big questions (fat tires and MTB handlebars) have been answered and the final questions come down to 26" vs 700c and whether I want a bike that is biased toward stability or agility.