Re: [CR]Campagnolo Keirin NJS parts specs

(Example: Production Builders:Pogliaghi)

In-Reply-To: <20070209161527.442.qmail@web50403.mail.yahoo.com>
References: <20070209161527.442.qmail@web50403.mail.yahoo.com>
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Campagnolo Keirin NJS parts specs
Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 16:37:31 -0800
To: CR RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>


Tom Dalton wrote:
> (snip) So, does this mean that Campy made these groups only with
> ISO threads on the HS, BB, pedal, and crankarm? This would be very
> similar to simply providing an English threaded BB and HS, and the
> other parts as normal. Or does this mean that the groups were
> actually JIS? This would mean changing the pitch on the entire hub
> axleset, and the hub lockring. This could also require making
> 30.0mm HS cups and 27.0mm crown races. Could this possibly have
> been done? As I understand it, the NJS approval is a pretty strict
> matter.

I think this is exactly what it means... Campagnolo NJS track parts were each stamped with "NJS" logo as required by Nihon Jitensha Shinkokai (the Japanese Bicycling Association, or NJS), and were JIS threading... it couldn't be NJS any other way.

From Wikipedia, "the free encyclopedia," on "NJS": "As a unique result of the parimutuel gambling that surrounds Keirin racing in Japan, a strict system of standards was developed for bicycles and repair tools. There are currently 50 velodromes in operation that hold races where annually over 20 million people attend and place bets amounting to over ¥1.5 trillion. Since so much

money is at stake, Nihon Jitensha Shinkokai (the Japanese Bicycling Association, or NJS) requires that all Keirin racers in Japan ride and use equipment that meets their standards. All riders use very similar bicycles, so that no rider will have any advantage or disadvantage based on equipment. In addition, all riders must pass strict licensing requirements.

All bicycles and equipment must be built within strict guidelines set

by the NJS, by a certified builder using NJS approved materials. The products are then stamped by NJS and only equipment bearing this stamp may be used. However, it should be noted that the NJS standard is to ensure that no rider will have any advantage or disadvantage based on equipment, and does not necessarily relate to quality or standard of manufacture; e.g. 36 spoke wheels are allowed but not 32,

and frames must be built by a very limited number of approved builders.

Because of its popularity in Japan, NJS approved equipment often sells for triple the price of comparable equipment. NJS equipment can, for the most part, be obtained more cheaply outside of Japan. NJS equipment can usually be obtained for a better price in places like the US, Germany, France, or Italy, where advanced technologies such as carbon fiber are more popular and more commonly used in racing than the steel required of Keirin. However, NJS frames are still much more expensive than their advanced-material counterparts.

NJS approved equipment are not required for keirin races outside of Japan."

Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, CA USA
http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, t-shirts & timelines)