so I know this thread is old as dirt, but that's okay for the RG in me; and I found it through an internet search, so there.

anyway, on my way home form the bike path today I was headed down my usual street for such things and a swing around the beach parking lot before heading home.

there was an old blue bike leaning against a "no parking sign" and a guy out chainsawing tree branches. I swung around and went back asking him if the bike was for sale. free he said; previous tenant left it outside the shed for about a year and he was hoping someone would take it rather than stuff it in the dumpster.

so I road home, posthaste, changed, headed to the package store and grabbed a 12 pack of Sierra Nevadas, and went beck to pick up the bike.

it's a Takara "custom 12", "special high tensile tubes" frame, made in Japan stickers, riveted metal headbadge, Suntour stem mounted shifters, Suntour Spirt (???? - I checked 3 times) front derailleur, Suntour Honor rear derailleur, Sugino crankset, Araya 27 x 1.125 rims. Dia-compe center pull brakes & levers, wheel spoke & front/ rear reflectors. some obvious rust, but it doesn't look to far gone.

the number stamped in the bottom bracket SO 11 524 .

anyone who could add any info, especially a date, would be very appreciated.

when I pulled away, the guy was sitting under a tree having an Ale. we both made out!