A hidden treasure trove of vintage cycling gear has been unearthed, leaving enthusiasts in awe. When Euro-Asia Imports closed its doors last summer, a single buyer stumbled upon a collection that would forever change the cycling world. This is the story of an extraordinary find, a tale of hidden gems and the legacy of a legendary distributor.
Vince Hanoski, the third-generation owner of Ben's Cycle, found himself in a nondescript warehouse in La Crescenta, California, on a sunny August day. He had purchased a large batch of bike parts sight unseen from a closing business, but this was no ordinary liquidation. Euro-Asia Imports, a wholesale distributor with a legendary reputation for exotic and vintage parts, had amassed a collection that dwarfed any previous deal.
The warehouse was filled with stacks of components, frames, and accessories, and Hanoski and his crew had to pack up and ship home quickly. The collection included vintage gear like Campagnolo Nuovo Record, exotic track framesets, MKS pedals, and touring equipment. But it was the volume and variety that left them flabbergasted.
Among the treasures, an early find stood out: Campagnolo's legendary C-Record Delta brakes. These brakes, with their distinctive triangular design, were so rare that new old stock (NOS) complete brakesets in original packaging sold for over $1,000. This discovery was a sign that Euro-Asia's inventory was indeed worth its legendary status.
Euro-Asia Imports, despite being smaller than well-known operations like BTI and J&B, had a mystique that set it apart. It was a business that attracted enthusiasts and collectors alike, with its unique and rare offerings. As Kyle Kelley, a veteran of the industry, noted, Euro-Asia's reputation grew with the track bike boom, and its collection became a hidden treasure for those who discovered its heritage.
This story highlights the allure of vintage cycling gear and the legacy of distributors like Euro-Asia Imports. It leaves us with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore the hidden gems that await discovery in the world of cycling.
