Edge_Walker

Basically I just got the job of my dreams and have enough income to create the track bike of my dreams. This is a frame I am considering. The geometry is perfect for me. Should I snag it?

https://njs-keirin.blogspot.com/2010/...d-sparkle.html

Or maybe go custom?

BoozyMcliverRot

1400 for a used frame? I would go custom.

xavier853

that website always has some sweet stuff.

Personally, it seems a bit steep for a frame, but after all they have been raced, they are official, and very nice.

I have been considering buying some of their used components like cranksets, chainrings, stems.

I don't really have a problem with used stuff as long as there aren't any hugh scratches or any cracks

yummygooey

The 110 rear spacing might give you troubles. $1480 is steep... does it include shipping?

If you've got the money, buy whatever is going to make you happy. It's your bike!

I've been drooling over the light green Anchor for awhile now...

longjohns

Samsons are great frames! I'd go with kinfolk if you want that NJS style and full custom. But I would definitely get a perfect condition Samson if I had the chance.

Leukybear 

Pfffft forget samson, get a nagasawa. That's the BMW/ benz brand of all NJS bikes.

91MF

dont waste your money. pay your mom back.

yummygooey

Derp?

ponyyyyyyy

sorry if I'm hijacking this thread a little bit, although I'll say that chrome drive side chain stay is quite a sexy design, but back to my question: if NJS is a standardization to diminish equipment advantage, how do NJS used frames still have hierarchy? Or is it all personal preference.

Scrodzilla

This.

Leukybear 

Errr no. google is your friend bro.

I Have a Bike

I'd go custom

Live Wire 

It depends, is your dream bike an emerald Samson? It is a beautiful frame, but is there anything you'd change about it? Size? Tubing? Color? If there is, go custom.
I know, I know, more than a little biased here

yummygooey

I seriously have no idea what you're talking about.

Leukybear 

Like I said google is your friend buddy.

sulr

If money is no object, why not just go custom?

That is a really beautiful frame though.

Oh how it difficult it must be to have money

Edge_Walker

I've been involved with track racing my whole life and have dreamed of a NJS frame for a while. Anyone got any custom builders in mind? I thought about Yamaguchi, however I don't know many other custom builders either.

Edge_Walker

I don't want a benz, I want a Porsche

carleton

You must mean Vintage Porsche.

You can get a standard or custom sized Tiemeyer (among *many* other builders) for that kind of money...painted a custom color of your choosing.

No offense, but NJS bikes aren't hot anymore. I know this is a personal thing, but maybe get something modern?

Edge_Walker

Of course vintage Porsche... First car was a '84 928 I am really open to anything, you are correct that the NJS is a personal thing (my father lived in Japan in the early 80's and loved racing/watching Keirin... I'm starting to think about maybe a custom S3 build?

carleton

As far as road bikes go, I'd suggest buying a complete bike then tweaking the things that need tweaking, like the saddle, bars, maybe adding race wheels. Plus, you can sell the leftovers.

Building a road bike from the frame up is VERY expensive and not worth it when you can get the same stuff on a complete build for a whole lot less.

"Custom" isn't always better. The off-the-shelf offerings aren't bad.

I raced with a guy once that wanted a custom Tiemeyer. He contacted Mr. Tiemeyer and they got to talking. My buddy gave his personal dimensions and the dimensions of his current bike and Tiemeyer said that he was actually suited for a standard Large frame and that a custom bike would just cost more time and money and come out to the same dimensions. Saved my buddy a couple of hundred bucks and several weeks of wait time.

A hot bike is a hot bike, whether it's custom or not. Most elites and pros (road, track, mtb, CX, etc...) don't ride custom. Some do, but most don't.

yummygooey

You should give me a LMGTFY link or something. I can't read your interwebz mind.

vladuz976

Samson frames start from 170,000 yen for the most basic frames. That's over $2000.
While I think $1480 is too expensive for that frame, custom built Samson is not really an option, as Harada-san won't build for non pro-riders.
If you can afford it and it's your dream, why not?
But the 110mm will be a pain. Just wait a week or so, that website updates about twice a month, he'll get more stuff in stock.
Otherwise, if you speak Japanese call up Dreamworks Cycle in Shibuya, Tokyo. He always has used stuff for better prices.
Sexonsuperpista also in Shibuya has a bunch of used Samsons hanging in his shop, just went there the other day.
Or try njssupermarket.com in Osaka, they also have a good collection of used frames.

arp415

https://njs-keirin.blogspot.com/2011/...ge-chrome.html