Badass Fork on this 3Rensho/Makino

image via 8pilgrim8

Awesome Keirin Posters

For Sale over at NJS Export

Korean Keirin

The keirin race is kind of an obscure track event. Not obscure in the traditional sense, but obscure in that, until recently, it was not very common outside of Japan. In fact, it would not even be an Olympic event had the Japanese Keirin Association not bribed the UCI $3 million to have it included.

Keirin racing is strictly regulated in Japan, a lot of state revenue is made off gambling on races. Frames and parts must be approved by NJS, a governing body which sets standards for equipment so that no rider has an unfair equipment advantage over another. When someone mentions keirin, I think of Japan and NJS bikes & parts because used keirin frames are popular here in the US.

To my surprise, I recently learned of a similar keirin racing organization in South Korea when I stumbled across a blogspot selling used Korean keirin frames. I'd seen these frames on eBay occasionaly in the past but didn't think much of them, just thought they were plain Korean track frames.


The blogspot has some sweet frames, but its hard to tell what exactly they are. This Corex for example is made of Columbus Keirin tubing and built with Nagasawa parts.

But its not really clear if they're made by Nagasawa, or if they're made by someone else building with Nagasawa parts, does Nagasawa even sell their frame parts?

This Cello Kalavinka looks pretty sweet.


This particular one has been repainted and had Kalavinka decals applied. You wouldn't know the difference if they didn't say it was a Cello. Is it a Cello or is it a Kalavinka? Does anyone know?

Even more confusing: Cello 3Rensho Now I really don't get it.



Can someone explain this builder-branding system to me?

More Campy NJS

In addition to having their C-record track group approved by NJS, it seems that Campagnolos frame parts, too can be found on some older NJS frames.

This Ohtaki, for instance, has Campagnolo fork and rear ends.


After further looking, I spotted this Uno on NJS export.


I'm not quite sure why the ends look different, maybe the builders shaped them differently. Either way, either of these frames would look super pimp with Campy/Cinelli NJS parts.

Bummer

milanofixed

Pictures from the Vivalo Factory

lets pisuto

Fantome Fixed

We all know about NJS export as a resource for importing crashed out, candy colored frames made out of obsolete tubing. But what if you wanted a crashed out, chromed out European track frame? Check out Fantome Fixed. They run a similar operation to NJS Export, they go around to several velodromes, buy up old (mostly French) bikes and sell them off their blog. Heres a few gems.
MBK Pursuit

Cesbron Pursuit

ASPTT DIJON

Gitane

They're pretty affordable compared to an NJS frame but the quality is dubious in comparison as these are pretty obscure builders using older tubesets. I'd watch out for the hard to replace French threaded bottom brackets and headsets too. They also have a decent selection of vintage parts to go along with their frames if you're serious about building up a vintage French bike.

hella purps samson

midget size.