If anyone here hasn't watched Keirin racing highlights (the original Japanese version, not the format adopted into the Olympics, etc.) they are awesome. Lots of tense, tight pack sprints and spectacular crashes.
No mention of how they became a thing in sf in the 70s and 80s? They were cheap and couriers bought them up. Why? The yakuza used to ship drugs to Chinatown in sf and one way was to use their contacts in the grey market gambling industry to ship retired kierin bikes with drugs shoved in the tubes. They’d get to Chinatown, be extracted and then sold for pennies because they had to clear import and none of the importers wanted bikes lying around so poor couriers bought them up
It was the '70s to early 80s dollar/yen exchange rate. The strong USD made NJS frames a bargain. Specialized manufactured in Japan before the exchange rates made them move production to Taiwan then China. Yakuza drug snuggling? hahahaha...
As an NJS rider for about 12 years now I thought I'd give this video a shot - and I really enjoyed it, spot on! - thanks for making it dude! (Hopefully this doesn't jack up the prices as they are still out of fashion here in the UK) Looks like you have a pretty solid crew in Taipei too! Nice - keep shredding!
I used to have an NJS frame, an Erba, and it was the best frame I've ever had. The geometry worked perfectly for me, and it had that perfect, springy feel that makes a good steel frame such a joy to ride. Unfortunately, it got destroyed when I got hit by a taxi in Korea, but I've never stopped wanting to get another, especially if I can find another Erba. Doing a full NJS build isn't for me, but the frames and a lot of the components are absolutely worth it IMO. Also, buying NJS stuff used is a great way to make the prices way more affordable. Buying on Yahoo Auctions from outside Japan can be tricky, but it's a great place to find the gear. This morning I was looking at NJS frames again and there were a lot of solid deals to be had.
The NJS certification also comes from the insurance that the part/frame provider will be able to keep making/delivering the same part over and over. There are also some NJS frame brands which lost their certification due to failure of components. So NJS stamped parts despite the cost are meant to be used in quite harsh conditions without failing (since contact is allowed between riders, crashes are pretty common in Japanese keirin )
@BeboSaab I am not saying these NJS stamped parts are better than anything else, I'was emphazising the fact they are supposed to be strong, long lasting and available over and over. Campanolo failed in the japanese keirin game because of what you talk about : protectionism. Though, their NJS stamped crank is known to be the less stiff of all the NJS cranks around (even worse than the Sugino 75 which is almost never used in keirin races)
You might recall one gruppo mfgr. could not cut the metallurgy mustard as it were for several decades before they were finally approved. Small wonder I've never used their crap......
Good info on NJS bikes, and wonderful b-roll from of my favorite cities. I went to grad school in Taiwan and actually saw a few of the guys I used to roll with chilling in the background!
NJS are beautiful bikes for sure, I know someone with 2 Samson frames. How about a bit more pictures or video of some new bikes you shot instead of re-used footage. I can never get enough of fixed gear bikes. Fun video as always.
Bought my first NJS frame, an Umezawa, this summer. I gotta say, it's the nicest bike I've ridden. Beautifully made, exquisite paint job, so smooth and comfy (compared to my last two aluminium track bikes). A real piece of functional art, I love riding it. One day I hope to have all NJS parts on it, but that will take time and money.
Personally, I love completely handmade lugged steel frames. They're one of the highest forms of industrial art, and you could say that there's some of the frame builder's soul accompanying you on each ride. When it comes to Keirin racing, the only thing I'd like to see if clipless pedals, however, I guess they insist on slotted cleats and old-style pedals with clips and straps because you'll come out of them faster and easier during a crash.
Timestamps, so you can watch this video like how you ride your bike: at your own pace. 1. What is NJS and Keirin racing? 1:11 2. What are NJS bikes/parts? 3:09 3. Why do fixed gear riders love NJS? 8:10
That was really interesting, Zach. I understand the liking for steel frames. I've had carbon, aluminum, as well as steel. I've just resurrected a 1980s Nikishi Landau, and it now has handlebar shifting. It's a really great ride, and fast too. I believe the frame is made from double-butted chromoly tubing.
Value is a perceived thing. One can easily decide modern TIG welded frames are better because they don't have added weight of lugs and are just connected stronger. In fact lugs should allow connecting a bit thinner tubes as contact area is much (MUCH) bigger than in a weld. So it comes down to which value system we represent - for people buying $100 complete bike and riding it 5 times for 5 miles a year strong lightweight frame is simply unneeded expenditure. But then also sports level bikes (track, road, MTB) - with specific geometry, with no mount points at all - to be used as a daily bike may not be most appropriate and elegant solution. For some reason people love going extreme, one or other side!
It depends. If that 40 y.o. frame has landed on me for nearly free or has belonged to my dad or uncle AND is in great shape, without rusted-through stays, I'd use it for daily rides but nothing more. Buying same frame for $$$ or using it for racing or long trip - no way. Paying premium for a frame like Zach rides when Taiwan made 4130 frame is good and price allows even not to paint it? Huh?
@BeboSaab It depends on usage. I'd feel nervous, leaving fancy frame locked on street while I swim or work. Decent 4130 on other hand, is nice enough to ride and wouldn't break my heart if anything happens to it. You know, theft isn't only cr@p that happens to bikes in a city - damage from jerks, collisions, salty road grime etc. I realise bike is just a bike, though.
Mostly on point, but a few quick thoughts: While Kaisei tubing is common, it's not required and other tubes are used. My Nagasawa uses Tange tubing for example. I've seen a few that use Dedacciai and Columbus also. Technically 3Rensho is pronounced San Rensho, but that's more a language thing than anything else. I think they're kind of an amazing value tbh. Used frames in good condition are easily found for 500-1000. Obviously they're a lot more new, but any domestic handbuilt boutique frame is going to cost just as much, and unlike the NJS frames, there isn't a huge used market for them.
Plain yet elegant, pure beauty and class!!!! If NJS dies cycling dies. Track racing is like a ballet. If you’ve never seen one you could never understand! If you ever get a chance do not pass it up!!!!!
Glad I came across this video I pretty much used Japanese products on my life Honda Toyota etc etc just because they always last longer than everything else. I'm into old frames and bike styles I like vintage and retro compared to the newer stuff. I'll look for one of these frames the next time I'm out and components of course. I've always ridden steel except one time and it was a felt aluminum and although it was a great bike you definitely felt (LOL pun intended) every bump crack in the road at least more over compared to steel. Steel last longer been around longer I think looks sleeker especially the welding.
Just discovered your channel, really well explained video, thank you. Just getting into track cycling in the UK, I have a modern bike but currently building a vintage Merlin track bike, modified to take modern wheels, interesting to see how it is on the track compared to my modern bike......... One thing it will have is the element of 'cool' that is lost in the wind tunnel.
Really enjoyed this video. One question regarding your bike build: Why do you have two road bike brake handles but only one brake in front? I'm confused.
Interesting - I had no idea - The guy that bought my Sworks racer was a racer in Japan and he was moving to Cal with his new wife but could not bring his bike from Japan and now I understand why.
I’ve got a full NJS drivetrain on my Bianchi Super Pista. Love my bastard child but people take NJS way too seriously sometimes. I got a great deal on wheels and hubs and then later got a great deal on crankset with bottom bracket. Ended up accidentally being full NJS and people were up in arms that I’d dared to put these parts on an Italian frameset. Again. People were mad at the parts I put on MY FUCKING BIKE.
BeboSaab ‘3Rensho’ represents ‘Three Victories’. No, the ‘3’ isn’t written in kanji, but nor is the ‘Rensho’. ‘San Rensho’ is still how it would be said, in Japan and everywhere else...believe me, as a young bike shop grom in 1989 i was initially perplexed as to why everyone referred to them as ‘San Rensho’.
some vintage guitars are cool for sure. The problem these days is most mass produced guitars have some real garbage parts on them with garbage construction (including modern gibsons). The reality is, if you want a very well made guitar, made with good parts all around, you're going to pay $4000-5000 to one of those boutique type builders...and it WILL be better than any $1200 guitar upon closer inspection. That price point is what's driving people towards vintage. It's the same for cars. If you want a car with power, nice handling, good comfort in seating and ergonomics, QUIET inside withoout road noise...you're going to pay for it because NONE of those qualities come in a $30000 car any more. YOu don't even get a real spare tire without paying extra for it. Leica, roleiflex and film camera people can kiss my axx because there's no point talking to them about pros and cons vs modern digital.
OLuv to own an NJS fixie-just cause I can and maybe "because" the Aussie dollar is .62 cents to the U.S.D., it would make for a super expensive Fixie to ride on our rough-as-guts roads!
Reliability with NJS components on a daily ridden bike? I prefer really well sealed modern bottom brackets and headsets. One longer ride in the rain and this old school stuff is becoming gritty. Even with NJS stamp the bearings will be busted if you don't clean and regrease them immediately.
Nice, good info. I've seen some moderately priced used frames online, but yeah for the dream build your gonna have to wait a couple of years for your order. I have not seen you make a video specifically on bottom brackets. There is a lot of sizes and specifications and also why do some say to use retaining compound? no grease?
I now get it... NJS aren't the best parts (loose ball bearings) by a long shot, but they have a solid tradition that the fixed-gear world coveted because of that Japanese culture swagger!
They need to update a bit the tech for the sport. The pedals vs the clipless for example. Tradition is fun, but when you have nobody cycling with those parts. you are not helping your sport.
If anyone here hasn't watched Keirin racing highlights (the original Japanese version, not the format adopted into the Olympics, etc.) they are awesome. Lots of tense, tight pack sprints and spectacular crashes.
If only the olympics keirin are the same as the japanese ones...
No mention of how they became a thing in sf in the 70s and 80s? They were cheap and couriers bought them up. Why? The yakuza used to ship drugs to Chinatown in sf and one way was to use their contacts in the grey market gambling industry to ship retired kierin bikes with drugs shoved in the tubes. They’d get to Chinatown, be extracted and then sold for pennies because they had to clear import and none of the importers wanted bikes lying around so poor couriers bought them up
Awesome I didn’t know that very interesting
wow, how did you find out about that?
so cool
It was the '70s to early 80s dollar/yen exchange rate. The strong USD made NJS frames a bargain. Specialized manufactured in Japan before the exchange rates made them move production to Taiwan then China. Yakuza drug snuggling? hahahaha...
Ducati Paso that’s some of it
As an NJS rider for about 12 years now I thought I'd give this video a shot - and I really enjoyed it, spot on! - thanks for making it dude! (Hopefully this doesn't jack up the prices as they are still out of fashion here in the UK)
Looks like you have a pretty solid crew in Taipei too! Nice - keep shredding!
I used to have an NJS frame, an Erba, and it was the best frame I've ever had. The geometry worked perfectly for me, and it had that perfect, springy feel that makes a good steel frame such a joy to ride. Unfortunately, it got destroyed when I got hit by a taxi in Korea, but I've never stopped wanting to get another, especially if I can find another Erba. Doing a full NJS build isn't for me, but the frames and a lot of the components are absolutely worth it IMO.
Also, buying NJS stuff used is a great way to make the prices way more affordable. Buying on Yahoo Auctions from outside Japan can be tricky, but it's a great place to find the gear. This morning I was looking at NJS frames again and there were a lot of solid deals to be had.
The NJS certification also comes from the insurance that the part/frame provider will be able to keep making/delivering the same part over and over. There are also some NJS frame brands which lost their certification due to failure of components. So NJS stamped parts despite the cost are meant to be used in quite harsh conditions without failing (since contact is allowed between riders, crashes are pretty common in Japanese keirin )
@BeboSaab I am not saying these NJS stamped parts are better than anything else, I'was emphazising the fact they are supposed to be strong, long lasting and available over and over. Campanolo failed in the japanese keirin game because of what you talk about : protectionism. Though, their NJS stamped crank is known to be the less stiff of all the NJS cranks around (even worse than the Sugino 75 which is almost never used in keirin races)
@BeboSaab You're the specialist!
@BeboSaab Your hate for NJS parts is phenomenal!
You might recall one gruppo mfgr. could not cut the metallurgy mustard as it were for several decades before they were finally approved. Small wonder I've never used their crap......
This is the Art of Fixed Gear, Thanks Zach for Explaining This To Us!
hi, Zach
greeting fram Sam
happy to see my Panasonic njs trackbike in the video.
cheers
A rather interesting story on some special bikes, thanks for the history and show of quality workmanship.
Good info on NJS bikes, and wonderful b-roll from of my favorite cities. I went to grad school in Taiwan and actually saw a few of the guys I used to roll with chilling in the background!
Bro you have taught me so much about fixed gear bikes in the last few weeks....thank you for your videos
NJS are beautiful bikes for sure, I know someone with 2 Samson frames. How about a bit more pictures or video of some new bikes you shot instead of re-used footage. I can never get enough of fixed gear bikes. Fun video as always.
Bought my first NJS frame, an Umezawa, this summer. I gotta say, it's the nicest bike I've ridden. Beautifully made, exquisite paint job, so smooth and comfy (compared to my last two aluminium track bikes). A real piece of functional art, I love riding it. One day I hope to have all NJS parts on it, but that will take time and money.
Personally, I love completely handmade lugged steel frames. They're one of the highest forms of industrial art, and you could say that there's some of the frame builder's soul accompanying you on each ride. When it comes to Keirin racing, the only thing I'd like to see if clipless pedals, however, I guess they insist on slotted cleats and old-style pedals with clips and straps because you'll come out of them faster and easier during a crash.
Nice, First time in 7 years I felt like upgrading my Kona Paddy wagon, havent looked at another bike since .
Love all your videos, but this one is your best. Great mix of scholarship and fun. Taipei 101 in the background is also a nice touch.
Timestamps, so you can watch this video like how you ride your bike: at your own pace.
1. What is NJS and Keirin racing? 1:11
2. What are NJS bikes/parts? 3:09
3. Why do fixed gear riders love NJS? 8:10
That was really interesting, Zach. I understand the liking for steel frames. I've had carbon, aluminum, as well as steel. I've just resurrected a 1980s Nikishi Landau, and it now has handlebar shifting. It's a really great ride, and fast too. I believe the frame is made from double-butted chromoly tubing.
My Bridgestone NJS is an absolute joy to ride. They really are something special.
Value is a perceived thing. One can easily decide modern TIG welded frames are better because they don't have added weight of lugs and are just connected stronger. In fact lugs should allow connecting a bit thinner tubes as contact area is much (MUCH) bigger than in a weld. So it comes down to which value system we represent - for people buying $100 complete bike and riding it 5 times for 5 miles a year strong lightweight frame is simply unneeded expenditure. But then also sports level bikes (track, road, MTB) - with specific geometry, with no mount points at all - to be used as a daily bike may not be most appropriate and elegant solution. For some reason people love going extreme, one or other side!
It depends. If that 40 y.o. frame has landed on me for nearly free or has belonged to my dad or uncle AND is in great shape, without rusted-through stays, I'd use it for daily rides but nothing more. Buying same frame for $$$ or using it for racing or long trip - no way.
Paying premium for a frame like Zach rides when Taiwan made 4130 frame is good and price allows even not to paint it? Huh?
@BeboSaab It depends on usage. I'd feel nervous, leaving fancy frame locked on street while I swim or work. Decent 4130 on other hand, is nice enough to ride and wouldn't break my heart if anything happens to it. You know, theft isn't only cr@p that happens to bikes in a city - damage from jerks, collisions, salty road grime etc. I realise bike is just a bike, though.
Mostly on point, but a few quick thoughts:
While Kaisei tubing is common, it's not required and other tubes are used. My Nagasawa uses Tange tubing for example. I've seen a few that use Dedacciai and Columbus also.
Technically 3Rensho is pronounced San Rensho, but that's more a language thing than anything else.
I think they're kind of an amazing value tbh. Used frames in good condition are easily found for 500-1000. Obviously they're a lot more new, but any domestic handbuilt boutique frame is going to cost just as much, and unlike the NJS frames, there isn't a huge used market for them.
Awww good summary at the end, just as I was dismissing them you brought it back to the basic pitch of fixed
Always learn something interesting on your show. Thnx.
I SMELL A NEW HOBBY!
So looking forward to this Video, Zach!
Got an NJS Gan Well Pro imported to Oz a number of years ago.I only look and admire it
Plain yet elegant, pure beauty and class!!!! If NJS dies cycling dies. Track racing is like a ballet. If you’ve never seen one you could never understand! If you ever get a chance do not pass it up!!!!!
I just love NJS bikes. The first time I saw one, I just knew I have to get one
Very informative Zach, thank you!
Glad I came across this video I pretty much used Japanese products on my life Honda Toyota etc etc just because they always last longer than everything else. I'm into old frames and bike styles I like vintage and retro compared to the newer stuff. I'll look for one of these frames the next time I'm out and components of course. I've always ridden steel except one time and it was a felt aluminum and although it was a great bike you definitely felt (LOL pun intended) every bump crack in the road at least more over compared to steel. Steel last longer been around longer I think looks sleeker especially the welding.
Thank you for this video. Wish you the best💗
OMG I WANT THAT GREEN GOLD LUGGED BEAUTY AND THE PURPLE ONE :)
Just discovered your channel, really well explained video, thank you.
Just getting into track cycling in the UK, I have a modern bike but currently building a vintage Merlin track bike, modified to take modern wheels, interesting to see how it is on the track compared to my modern bike......... One thing it will have is the element of 'cool' that is lost in the wind tunnel.
fantastically explained - THANKS !!
Bridgestone = Ishibashi 石橋 ( stone ＋ bridge) just sayin' ^^
I ride a 1970s Sekine, made in japan, 45 years old and just beautiful
Really enjoyed this video. One question regarding your bike build: Why do you have two road bike brake handles but only one brake in front? I'm confused.
Max Hillebrand just to have a better grip in the handles.
The brake hoods not only give you another positive but it’s also great for climbing and getting your weight over your front wheel.
They’re the prime lens of bikes.
Interesting - I had no idea - The guy that bought my Sworks racer was a racer in Japan and he was moving to Cal with his new wife but could not bring his bike from Japan and now I understand why.
FYI keirin in Japan is a part of national gambling, that's why NJS is extremely strict when it comes to quality.
Great information! Now I want to ride a fixed gear bike
Amazing video! Is there a documentary about this I could watch? I'd love to know more and hear some stories :)
Francois pervis supersonique...also bbc Chris hoy recently
Thanks for the info. I'm gonna check my 3 Rensho
I’ve got a full NJS drivetrain on my Bianchi Super Pista. Love my bastard child but people take NJS way too seriously sometimes. I got a great deal on wheels and hubs and then later got a great deal on crankset with bottom bracket. Ended up accidentally being full NJS and people were up in arms that I’d dared to put these parts on an Italian frameset. Again. People were mad at the parts I put on MY FUCKING BIKE.
Never knew what NJS meant. Now i do and i need all of it
What are those mudguards on your bike? I've been looking for something light weight
Do a Review on the SELLE ANATOMICA SADDLE.
It’s been raining here in my part of LA county so I haven’t ridden in over a week 😩
BeboSaab hacienda heights, I picked up a shift at work Wednesday so didn’t get a chance 😔
Same, still ride tho
Westernridazz?
I just did almost 50 miles through Ballona, Venice, Santa Monica, and Hollywood on my NJS bike. The rain is the best to ride LA.
Belt...belt....belt is calling!
Cool vid...'3Rensho' is actually said as 'San Rensho', 'San' being Japanese for the number 3.
He knows lol but thanks for clarifying
Then why not say it! lol
BeboSaab ‘3Rensho’ represents ‘Three Victories’. No, the ‘3’ isn’t written in kanji, but nor is the ‘Rensho’. ‘San Rensho’ is still how it would be said, in Japan and everywhere else...believe me, as a young bike shop grom in 1989 i was initially perplexed as to why everyone referred to them as ‘San Rensho’.
BeboSaab choose away
有り難う
Do NJS parts fit normal bikes? (pedals for example)
Yes
What's the name of that bike stand that just holds the rear axle?
Thoroughly enjoyed your explanation of NJS bikes and the background history - well done
I have seen those races in Tokyo is crazy
How many people ride NJS bikes outside of Japan?
Is it like the JDM of bicycles?
That's what I'm talking about 😎👌
Really interesting! 👍
Basically NJS is similar to ISO here in the states. I don't know of any ISO bike companies. Reply if you do.
They are ART
what is the water bottle holder brand??? 0:05
So, basically hiptsers, much like Leica shooters and vintage guitar players, etc. Cool.
some vintage guitars are cool for sure. The problem these days is most mass produced guitars have some real garbage parts on them with garbage construction (including modern gibsons). The reality is, if you want a very well made guitar, made with good parts all around, you're going to pay $4000-5000 to one of those boutique type builders...and it WILL be better than any $1200 guitar upon closer inspection. That price point is what's driving people towards vintage. It's the same for cars. If you want a car with power, nice handling, good comfort in seating and ergonomics, QUIET inside withoout road noise...you're going to pay for it because NONE of those qualities come in a $30000 car any more. YOu don't even get a real spare tire without paying extra for it. Leica, roleiflex and film camera people can kiss my axx because there's no point talking to them about pros and cons vs modern digital.
and the screws? If you would replace every steel screw to an alluminium one then you can safe a lot
great video
OLuv to own an NJS fixie-just cause I can and maybe "because" the Aussie dollar is .62 cents to the U.S.D., it would make for a super expensive Fixie to ride on our rough-as-guts roads!
Great vid.
Hey Zach, interesting Video! BTW: you pronounce campgnolo like cahmpanyolo :)
Reliability with NJS components on a daily ridden bike? I prefer really well sealed modern bottom brackets and headsets. One longer ride in the rain and this old school stuff is becoming gritty. Even with NJS stamp the bearings will be busted if you don't clean and regrease them immediately.
Does a Nishiki bike from the 80's be considered NJS? Thank's! Never mind I've just noticed every part must be stamped.
Nishiki is an American company
Nice, good info. I've seen some moderately priced used frames online, but yeah for the dream build your gonna have to wait a couple of years for your order.
I have not seen you make a video specifically on bottom brackets. There is a lot of sizes and specifications and also why do some say to use retaining compound? no grease?
6:05 what kind of bullhorn does this man in white T have?
Thanks, excellent
Bro.. can you check out Manx T.T. bike.... make in brimingham England 1950.....very unique
Interesting,ty
Impressive.
Just curious why are you in Taipei?
Where do all the freaking NJS frames go after they've been raced?
www.njs-export.com/collections/frames
They go to surplus shops. I got mine from a surplus shop for 30$
How much do they weigh?
Why was this filmed in Taiwán. Thx
What is that building behind you?
Taipei 101
I now get it... NJS aren't the best parts (loose ball bearings) by a long shot, but they have a solid tradition that the fixed-gear world coveted because of that Japanese culture swagger!
Wrong.
Then, what is it please?@@death2pc
Make a bikecheck for steamroller plss
I hate NASCAR but that looks like NASCAR with bikes and i would sooooooo watch that
They need to update a bit the tech for the sport.
The pedals vs the clipless for example.
Tradition is fun, but when you have nobody cycling with those parts. you are not helping your sport.
Zach,
3 Rensho is pronounced San Rensho. Just to let you know.
Aloha, Sammy D
Excuisite video bro, big ups!👏👏👏
It was great to listen to you talk about the NHS bikes, they are great & I wish I could afford one, they do the job but better!!!!
NHS BIKES! Thats golden aahahah
Someone accidentally paired keirin and hockey)
NHK bike
Steel is real bro.
SAN Rensho! 3 is san in Japanese
Harrison Overpass
Do a video on coronavirus protective gear for bike riders?
Soap, hand sanitizer, and try not to touch your face. Do that or wear a chem suit. There is no bike gear that blocks the coronavirus.
Ride fast enough so virus can't reach you. And don't ever stop to not allow someone pass the thing to you.
It’s Sooooo Japanese
Great video
Braxton Wells
Landen Brooks
Adolph Prairie
Anderson Lodge
Thiel Expressway
Cruickshank Branch
Parker Plains
Hintz Inlet
I don't get shitting on the performance mindset and lauding NJS components when you can get something that performs better, FOR CHEAPER.
Absolutley nothing performs better than NJS stuff. Period !
Smitham Highway
Welch Mount