One word, Benjamin: brand management (OK, that's actually two words...).
Nagasawa framesets are very, very nice. I have one, a 2001, but I am also curious that a complete bike of this vintage is selling for this much dough. I have been watching that auction for some time, and was a bit surprised to see the price so high, so early in the auction. There has also been at least one scam auction ripoff of it already, so it definitely has a lot of folks' attention! Also, recall his legendary Keirin 'palmares' in his home country, and remember that he isn't getting any younger, is probably close to retirement, has some medical issues, and has that long waiting list.
Consider also RS and his current products - he is the absolute master at (steel framebuilding) brand management, and he learned much from (and believes that he has surpassed, in some ways) Nagasawa-san.
Burnishing and polishing your brand image is where it's at in that niche, though. Every word that Richard speaks is measured, and calculated to do just that, in his case. He is always in Marketing-speak, every waking moment. It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it....
Ato de,
Greg Parker Ann Arbor, Michigan
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:09:04 -0700 From: "Charles Andrews" <chasds@mindspring.com> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: [CR] ebay outing: nagasawa
I looked at this longingly, as it's my exact track-size and, in its way, very attractive.
However, I have a little trouble with the price. Not a lot, but a little. I suppose, given Nagasawa's current waiting list, the price is probably reasonable. But, really, when you look closely at it, this is very much a plug 'n' play frame. Cast lugs, not much hand-work. All very nice, but, somehow, not much character there, even though the lugs are likely unique to Nagasawa. While this is anything but a mass-produced item, it has the strange flavor of one, you know?
I've seen a few of these in person, and they are very tidy...even so...somehow..
I'm sure it rides great, and you could win on it, and that's really the most important thing. Although it seems unlikely this particular bike will ever get on a track with a keirin pacer.
Richard Sachs has a couple of hand-worked Nagasawas with hand-filed lugs (pressed? Cast? dunno) that are absolutely stunning. Like old De Rosas, with whom Nagasawa apprenticed, right? Only nicer than any De Rosa you ever saw. Too bad he doesn't make those anymore. although maybe he makes them for selected customers.
Charles Andrews
Los Angeles