Hello all, this is my first post and I thought I would showcase my track bike. This is a handmade steel frame built purely for the Japanese keirin circuit. Actually I was told that this was a spare training bicycle built for a racer, that's all I really know for the history of the frame. I picked this up from an American expat in Japan in 2016.
From my understanding, the builder Masahiko Makino previously built frames for 3Rensho (3 pronounced as san meaning Three Victories,) a brand which no longer produces new frames. This is built with the infamous Kaisei 8630R tubing as many keirin frames are.
I would love to have this bike built up with all NJS components. If a part is stamped with NJS it simply means it's meets the standards for keirin racing in Japan this is so no riders have an equipment advantage. Funnily enough, outside of Japan it's status is different (possibly considered as quality?) and jokes are often made about prices being higher due to hipster tax. Naturally having every part stamped with NJS comes at a steep cost and is not practical so this is how I had the bike built:
Makino NJS Frame & Forks 56x56 ctc
Hatta Swan Super Deluxe NJS headset
Nitto B123 AA NJS Bars 38cm
110mm Unknown Stem
32h DA hubs laced to Mavic Reflex Tubular Rims, Vittoria Corse Evo CX tubs, DT Swiss spokes
16T DA NJS Sprocket and Lockring
Sugino 75 NJS BB
Sugino 75 NJS Cranks 172.5mm + 51T Chainring
Izumi Super Toughness NJS Chain
Sugino Seat Binder Bolt
Chain Tugs
Speedplay Zero Pedals
Zipp Service Course SL Seatpost 27.2mm
Selle SMP Composit Saddle
Stem and bar interface, track bicycles tend to have a very clean look.
S75 components definitely have a timeless look in my opinion and silver definitely complements the blue paint with subtle sparkles.
From my experience all Dura Ace components, road and track, are made to an incredibly high standard. On tubulars, these hubs roll like butter and provide an unmatched feel. Combine that with a steel frame on the track and it's definitely a winner.
Despite all the modern advances in technology, there's no surprise that custom steel is still a popular choice with such attention to detail.
Omamori. Bonus points if anyone can read it, I can't...
Not looking too bad for it's age.
The possibility for victory is unlimited