This is a bike for the discriminating collector and vintage steel bike enthusiast. I really don't want to sell or need to sell this rare beauty but I have to many bikes in my collection so have to let some go. This bike is up there with custom bikes such as Eisentraut, Ron Cooper, Bruce Gordon, Tom Richey to name a few. Mike Johnson was lessor know but among locals in the know he was highly respected. Below is a link to info on Michaels life and short building career. Between 1979 -1984 he only built 300 frames so these are extremely rare. He learned his craft from Albert Eisentraut, the god father of American frame building and it shows in his work which is very Eisentraut - esk.
Very rare late 70s early 80s Michael Johnson custom built road bike made in Sacramento California by renowned local frame builder Mike Johnson. A prodigy and contemporary of Albert Eisentraut (whom he reportedly trained under) and other prominent Calif frame builders you can see the influence of these greats in his work. Things such as finely filed lugs and fine work at the top of seat tube along with the unique fastback stays with Dutch style pinch bolt - with a very high quality gorgeous paint job etc. Alignment of the frame is impeccable.
Many high quality upgraded parts from the stock ones that just work much better than the original ones.
Lets face it, those old brakes from this era were terrible! Putting your feet to the asphalt would stop you faster. And friction shifters! Just say no! Bikes like this beauty are made to be ridden not hung on the wall as art for nostalgias sake.
Frame - Columbus Tubing
Shimano 600EX Arabesque Crankset 52/42
Suntour Superbe front derailleur
Upgrade to Shimano SIS indexed shifters with 105 rear SIS derailleur
Upgrade from 27" to 700c Rigida wheelset laced to like new Suntour Superbe hubs
Cinelli stem
12-28 Shimano 5 speed freewheel (126mm spacing so can be upgraded to a 6 or 7sd freewheel)
Like new upgraded more modern caliper brakes
Like new aero style brake levers
Shimano 600 strap in pedals
New bar tape, cables and housing.
New Michelin Dynamic gum wall 28mm tires
Tuned and ready to ride
Back in the day these California top end custom frames would cost a few thousand dollars and that's in 70s / 80s money.
This is very well priced given what it is, that it is a complete bike and that its extraordinary rare. Your not going to find a bike of the quality and rarity at this price anywhere. One knowledgeable online source claimed there is only about a half dozen of these known to exist in the state of California. So if you want a very rare and special custom made bike that rides really nice, is hand made and meticulously built then this may be the one for you.
Best times to see are weekends.
Cash perfered
***WILL SHIP- Buyer pays box/packing fee + Bike Flights