Don Gillies wrote:
Here's a topic you don't often hear on the CR List. What are the most collectable Japanese Bike-boom bikes ?? Is there a Japanese bike that holds the same place in Japanese history as a Colnago or MASI ??
I have a SEKAI 4000 that is near and dear to my heart, but I have heard that it's an american creation - like Lotus - and so it probably doesn't qualify to be king of the keirin track. ############# Don - I think this has to be broken down into two different questions, related to your formulation.
Your second question, "Is there a Japanese bike that holds the same place in Japanese history as a Colnago or MASI ??"
gets list answers of the Japanese greats, like 3Rensho and Zunow.
Your first question, " What are the most collectable Japanese Bike-boom bikes ??"
is one that I'd suggest translating as, "What are the really neat Japanese bike-boom bikes that don't get no respect so they have great value at low cost?"
To me, that would include many of the Bridgestones, the pioneering Fuji Newest and Finest, and some flat-out US-invented "brands". I have a stunningly handsome dark brown Univega with Dura-Ace AX that I got from Mark Poore. Tasteful graphics, very clean lugs, and I just gotta slap wheels on it and ride it. I'm sure that we have folks equally excited about some Lotus models, etc. Truth is, there was some nice craftsmanship in rather humble dress.
harvey sachs
mcLean va