Re: [CR] Ebay outing: 1987 KOF Japanese Keirin 56cm frame, forks, hs & b.b.

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

From: "John Barron" <john@velostuf.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:11:37 -0500
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Ebay outing: 1987 KOF Japanese Keirin 56cm frame, forks, hs & b.b.


I am confused by this auction. On one hand the frame/fork is referred to as a Keirin frame, and on the other hand the auction states that it was designed as a kilo TT frame.

Note- I AM NOT A KEIRIN EXPERT! However, I do know what a Keirin race is, and I know what a 1000 meter time trial is, and I know that there is nothing in common with these events, other than that they both happen on a track.

If someone were to ask me if I thought a sloping top tube was permitted on a Keirin frame, I'd respond, "Duh, of course not".

One of two things is happening here: 1) I am wrong or, 2) This auction describes a frame which is impossible (and doesn't exist)

Someone who knows more PLEASE speak up!

John Barron Minneapolis MN USA

Mark Agree wrote-

Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:53:11 EDT From: FujiFish1@aol.com Subject: [CR] Ebay outing: 1987 KOF Japanese Keirin 56cm frame, forks, hs & b.b. To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Message-ID: <29ccf.370ed837.39074927@aol.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Certainly too humble to "out" his own auction, I'd like to point out that CR List member Tim Potter has posted a great keeper of the flame, 1987 Keirin (track specific) frame set on Ebay. Don't be fooled by his low numbered feedback, as Tim is top notch, and has been in the bike business for a long time ... he just doesn't sell a lot on Ebay.

For accreditation, Tim's father in-law, now long retired, remains one of the most successful Japanese Keirin racers in history, whose son and Tim's brother in-law is still a professional racer, if I'm not mistaken. Through these connections, Tim has brought into the United States, some fantastic NJS approved racing frames. These bikes are the REAL deal ... and now this one is for sale.

The builder's name on the bike is Maeda, apparently a former racer himself, but this has nothing to do with the Suntour-Maeda giant we all know. Frame size is 56cm center to top of seat lug, which is perfect for a lot of people on this list (bit too large for my short legs). It's a sloping top tube model, designed for the Kilo TT, and I have to say ... a beautiful frameset to behold. Understated, as is the tradition, but crisp and clean, top to bottom. Flat top fork crown, minimalist lugs, reinforced gussets at the bridges, sharp light-medium blue paint, etc. In addition to the full allotment of 12 Ebay photos, be sure to find the link to even more pics ... for all the glorious details. I saw this set in person last year at the Americane' Vintage Track & Road Bike Festival at Bloomer Park Velodrome, and it is sweet.

TinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/2dshkqm

Or go to Ebay item number: 220595837947

Ciao,
Mark Agree
Southfield, Michigan, USA