BertoBerg 

Hello-

I am looking for leads on an Echelon Odyssey. Either a complete bike or frame is great. I need a 59-60 cm. I know these things aren't very common but I figured it is worth a shot.

Thanks!

I stole this picture from Thomas Lawn. Thanks, Thomas!

The Thin Man 

In my nearly two decades of vintage bicycle searching, buying and selling, I can say that I'm fairly certain I've never seen one of those around. I say that now and the next post will be from someone showing one for sale, for $120, in Topeka, Kansas or somewhere random like that.

On the flip side, I also own a Shogun Alpine GT in incredible condition that I also have never seen for sale other than the one time where I scooped it up. It is one of the most impressive touring frames from the 80s that I've seen to date.

BertoBerg 

I was afraid someone was going to say that. Lets hope that random Topekan shows up soon!

VRJAKE 

There may be hope in PNW or NCAL. Had one pass through a couple years back. Very nice, think frames were constructed by Cherubim in Japan. Note, 700c x 28c max tire size on this one.

BertoBerg 

I want this exactly but in a bigger size! Thanks for digging around.

Catnap 

I was sold an Echelon road frame that had been repainted as a Toei, which is how I became aware of the brand. Never seen another Echelon come up for sale before or since. I'd say "just get a Cherubim" but finding one in the size you want will be as big a challenge as finding an Echelon, so... good luck!

BertoBerg 

Yes, you did. You sold it to me! It’s already lived two lives and I love it.

Kilroy1988 

^ That is a brilliant bicycle, in both iterations. What puts you in the market for another one with that ace already up your sleeve? If they're so rare you should be sharing the love!

-Gregory

BertoBerg 

Ach, maybe you’re right! Thank you for the compliments though.

VRJAKE 

There were two models, the Odyssey, the sport touring rig, and a road racing model called Spectra, Ishiwata 19 tubing. This Toei looker looks to be the Spectra model.

BertoBerg 

You are correct. It’s a Spectra.

Catnap 

Oh btw I have since seen Cherubims that are identical to the Echelon Spectra. I think I’ve got photos of one of them.

BertoBerg 

I would love to see them!

bibliobob

Back in 2008 or so, I picked up a Echelon demo/prototype from someone who was friends with the person that started DIN imports in CA. He believed that it was built by Cherubim. Toei is probably the next best guess. I received the email below from someone else that had one:

"I just came across your post on BF while searching for some info on Yoshi and Hitoshi Konno and wanted
to confirm some info for you. I used to work for DIN Cycle Supply from '82-'85. Somewhere around '83
or so, DIN brought in the Echelon framesets. There were two models, the Odyssey (which you have),
and a racing model whose name escapes me because I removed all the decals. Anyway, the touring model
was made w/ Ishiwata 022 tubing and the racing model was made w/ Ishiwata 019 (which is ~the equiv of
Reynolds 531/Columbus SL as far as I can tell). As a rep, I thought some of the neater features of the frames
were the excellent brazing and lugwork. Even though the lugs weren't filed, you'd be hardpressed to find
any gaps in the joints. The racing frame had a chromed (all the frames were chrome under the paint, which
some people don't like) aero fork with a very unusual aero crown I've never seen on any other bikes."

​​​​​

BertoBerg 

This is great info. Thank you!

After buying my Echelon I emailed pictures of the frame to Cherubim and asked if they thought that they made it. This is their response:

“Dear Josh

Hello, this is Keigo at CHERUBIM by Konno cycle Works

Yes, this frame is definitely built by CHERUBIM in Late 70s.
It Just has so many details and hand touches we use to work.

So please keep enjoying our products.

Best Regards
Keigo”

bibliobob

I just found this in an old email exchange with another list member, which is similar to your reply:

"I've looked at your bike and I'm absolutely sure that it was built by
> us.
> I'm not sure how many of these are built, but Cherubim's former chief
> builder Hitoshi Konno
> built the several models for Echelon for the couple of years.
> Your bike have luge sets and fork crown of our own, so there is no
> doubt about it.
> Keigo Hirota""

BertoBerg 

I managed to find this super low-res image of an Echelon pamphlet or ad on someone’s Flickr. I can’t make out much unfortunately.

EDIT: I took a crack at deciphering the first three paragraphs.

“Echelon frames have been designed with the aid of new developments in computer technology and handcrafted by experienced frame builders. Each frame size is individually designed to achieve the best possible ride characteristics. Every frame component is selected for both style and function.

The Spectra is built to provide…for the serious competitive cyclist. This racing frame is responsive in…and has the strength and resilience for road racing. The attractive design of the Echelon Spectra provides the features and style the American racer desires.

Manufactured and distributed by DIN Cycle Supply. Call our toll free number…”




Link to the original photo:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bensondoc/7346604012

TenGrainBread 

Do you specifically want an Echelon or would a Cherubim satisfy you? If so, worth checking out Yahoo Japan Auctions via a mediator site like Jauce. There are usually a few vintage and newer Cherubim frames on there, although usually in smaller sizes.

BertoBerg 

A Cherubim would be great! I’ve poked around on the auction sites but have had a hard time finding anything in my size.

There is only one North American distributor for Cherubim. I reached out to them about an R-2 frame but their mark up is very high( $1k over the Cherubim price).

TenGrainBread 

I feel you. It was hard enough for me to find mine on there at 54cm, let alone 59-60. Took a couple months of waiting/looking and search optimization using Google translate kanji.

obrentharris 

At least three of us on this forum worked at that shop @nlerner, @gugie
My tenure was long before this bike was sold there.
Brent

gugie 

Wha, wha, what? When? RC or PA?

obrentharris 

RC for me, in the first year after the boys moved out of Mom's garage.
Brent

gugie 

Oof, heard stories about that. Indeed, before my time. You went to Sequoia HS then?

Catnap 

Tangentially-related but Fuji used identical forks as the Echelon bikes for a season or two. I have one of these forks in my stash; it was painted in Fuji livery but I had it stripped and freshly chromed two years ago. The crown is the distinctive part and one of the coolest-ever designs, in my opinion. I recall reading somewhere that it was specific to Cherubims, but given the Fuji connection, that doesn’t seem to be true.