Re: [CR]Nagasawa

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

From: Jerry & Liz Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
To: "Brandon Ives" <monkeylad@mac.com>, "Richard M Sachs" <richardsachs@juno.com>
References: <5685417.1047067736701.JavaMail.monkeylad@mac.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Nagasawa
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 10:11:26 -0600
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

I wouldn't badmouth even the mass-produced Japanese bikes. In my opinion the frame workmanship of the 70's Fuji Newest, Finest and Ace models was as good as and maybe more consistent than a Peugeot PX-10 or a Raleigh International or Pro. The Dura Ace or SunTour/Sugino equipment was of comparable quality to the Campy or Simplex stuff on the European bikes except that the Japanese derailleurs shifted much better. The Japanese didn't do a lot of true custom-made frames, but the truth is most European frames were mass-produced also and the mass-produced Japanese bikes compared pretty well to these. The Japanese bikes lacked the European mystic for US buyers, but they established the excellent value of Japanese components which would soon drive most European component makers out of business.

Regards,

Jerry Moos
Houston, TX


----- Original Message -----
From: Brandon Ives
To: Richard M Sachs
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2003 2:08 PM
Subject: Re: [CR]Nagasawa



> On Friday, March 07, 2003, at 11:50AM, Richard M Sachs <richardsachs@juno.com> wrote:
> >considering longevity, history, quality, race pedigree,
> >class, or any CR list related qualifications, i think
> >Nagasawa frames rank the best of the best. in ANY
> >era.
>
> Here, here. . .
> I think it's a pity that many collectors dismiss Japanese bikes out of hand. Sure many of the inexpensive mass-produced bikes were made in Japan, but cheap labor doesn't mean it's cheap quality. The Japanese have a cycling history just as old and rich as most of Europe. They also have a history of quality craftsmanship that rivals most of the rest of the world. When the Japanese do it right, they do it RIGHT. Of course if people don't want Japanese bikes that's fine since it keeps the prices reasonable for the few of us that do like them.
> enjoy,
> Brandon"monkeyman"Ives
> SB, CA