Re: [CR]Nishiki

(Example: Framebuilding:Technology)

From: "Takao Noda" <tanoda@d1.dion.ne.jp>
To: "Classic Bike List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <119.13418d0.28754507@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Nishiki
Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 02:39:57 +0900


Also in Japan Kawamura sold bikes with the name of Nishiki ( brocade ). Kawamura was in Kobe and not so big as Bridgestone ,Miyata, National, Fuji,or Maruishi but must have had some own factory. When I was a student , I met a girl who told us his father was running a bicycle company and that it was in crisis. Her family name was Kawamura and she was from Kobe. Unfortunately I was not interested in bicycles at all then.
    Among other Japanese brand names in the States,like Sekai ( world) , Katana( sword) , Takara ( treasure), Shogun( the top of samurai), I cannot help smiling to hear the name of Azuki ( red beans). Those days, azuki was called " red diamonds " because it was the main item for speculation at the future commodity market in Japan. It was possible Mr. Kawamura was gambling there !?
                          Takao Noda
                  Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan


----- Original Message -----
From: ABikie@aol.com
To: richardsachs@juno.com
Cc: CYCLETRUCK@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 1:20 PM
Subject: Re: [CR]Nishiki



> In a message dated 7/5/2001 12:11:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> richardsachs@juno.com writes:
>
> <<
> nishiki was a concocted brand name of
> Western States Imports.
> there was no 'nishiki' factory...
> similar to takara, shogun, maruishi (i think), centurion,
> and currently torelli, quatro assi, specialized, etc.
> that is: these are brands made up by importers,
> marketers, and the like.
> e-RICHIE
> http://www.richardsachs.com
> >>
> Almost, Rich, but you are forgiven, as it;s late here in the East.
>
> Nishiki was one of 4 brands marketed by West Coast Cycle (later Derby/Darby
> and before that BPDI - Bicycle Products Development Inc)
> The other brands were windsor (mexico), Azuki, and Cycle Pro (parts)
>
> Jim Hansing was a principle (brother to Bob of euro Asia)
>
> Leo and Howie Cohen were a part, Howie later to go to Kuwahara (ET movies
> fame) not to bve confused with Kawamura, the rather exclusive builder of
> Nishiki/Azuki.
> Later models were sourced by Merida, of Taiwan.
> Not much comparison, the Japanese bikes were better.
>
> Larry Black