Bike Porn of the Day #2: 1982 in a Box
As promised, here is the next installation of Bike Porn of the Day. Number 2 comes in a box, in the form of an astonishing New Old Stock Shimano 600EX Arabesque Gear Set from 1982.
We get very excited when we find New Old Stock boxed items, and sure we've had NOS Shimano Arabesque bits before, but this one is particularly special. Not only is it in a box (we always have a soft spot for vintage packaging, and are always tempted to part with too much cash when a box is present), but what's really special about this set is just how complete it comes. You obviously get the expected parts; in this particular set it's the band-on down-tube shifters, band-on front derailleur, rear derailleur and you also get the bolt-on hanger just in case you need it.
With Shimano, we've come to expect cable guides in their gear sets, as the NOS Arabesque shifters we stock do have those too. You also get numerous cable guides (way more than we expected, the grand total comes to 3), plus one of the super rare Shimano steel coiled gear outer, and they even provide the cable ferrules to finish the job off properly.
It doesn't end there though. This may seem like an inane thing to some, but it's these types of touches that really get us going. On top of all the essential paraphernalia that completes the set, there is one last thing. Shimano's own 6mm allen key to fit the derailleur bolts. Incredible.
Shimano, you have officially spoiled us. If only this stuff was still available today :(
See the full photo gallery & spec here.
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