Originally Posted by
bykemike
Someone tell me about these keirin frames, I see them all over ebay at fairly low prices. They appear they are not set up for brakes so single speed may be an issue. It also appears they can run a decent size tire so they may make a good road bike.
Are these limited to fixed gears and track use only?
I had a NJS Peloton—filet brazed, gorgeous. Many of the cheaper KEIRIN (NJS approved) frames on eBay have the ubiquitous top tube dent from racing. They are fantastic to ride as a Single speed or fixie but the rear hub spacing is the narrow 120 mm, there is no rear derailleur hangar and often the frame/fork is not drilled for brakes...so not much good for a geared road application. Plus, the frame is made of softer steel (race safety requirement of NJS?) so a good pothole can crumple the down tube (...speaking from experience...)