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?

NJS Ridiculousness

Used keirin frames can sell for top dollar on eBay and the internet at large. At least if they're in good condition, that is no rust, no dings, no dents, no stripped threads, no bent forks, the frame is aligned, decent paint, etc. NJS Export prices a "near mint" frame at around $1800

and a fucked up frame for about $300.


So I was dismayed when I saw this super fucked up Nagasawa on eBay with a current bid of $540. The head tube looks like its about to fall off and the top tube looks like someone took an axe to it.


The sellers description:
here is your chance to win a used classic NJS stamped keirin nagasawa track frame, it's been used on Japanese track race in the 80s-90s. everything still in good conditions. just a slightly toptube dent it can be covered with top tube protector. run smooth and fast.

*original hatta headset, fork and bb are included.

size:
seattube: 54cm
toptube: 55cm
downtube: 60cm
drop out: 120

Condition:
few there and here paint chips, a track race toptube dent. over all in good condition

Sketchy, but the seller calls himself "bootlegs" and has pretty bad feedback. You just have to feel bad for the idiot who is bidding that thing up.