Kuwahara Hirame Fixed Gear Build

Hey guys - I've just bought a Kuwahara Hirame frame to replace my rather uninteresting powder coated Ribble. I'm going to try and replace my old parts with Japanese parts as and when I find them.

Japanese, early 80's, 012 ishiwata tubing, 58cm, fantastic headtube badge and original paint looking lovely!

Any suggestions, comments and criticism welcome!

Thanks, Jonathan

Just won some new old stock Nitto B123 Track bars on eBay, I'm thinking lots of polished alloy / chrome on this frame!

The frame looks nice and in good condition, but the hi-tension steel and stamped drop-outs are usually a sign for a lower class (heavy) frame.
I wouldn't get overexcited with a proper road bike build and expensive parts.
Check if the clearances are for 27" wheels. If yes, 700c wheels with nice fat (32-35) gum wall tires and hammered mudguards would fill in the gaps and Shimano Arabesque or 105 Golden Arrow would be a nice look. Good luck!

Thanks bud! Yes this certainly won't be an expensive build, I'd say under £200 to get it riding and then change out some parts after that to refine it. I'm more interested in the subject matter, I've only seen a few of these frames online.

The ishiwata tubing isn't too heavy and to be honest, being a larger rider (rugby player) the extra strength might be beneficial!

it might be a low-end frame but it sure looks nice :)

Thanks! I also found a better image of the headtube badge online, showing the cute little Hirame (Flounder) fish :)

GUTTED,

Frame arrived and it's too small, seller made a mistake in the listing and it's only a 56cm.

Getting a refund, looking for a 58-60cm steel track frame now.

Shortest build thread ever?

Bummer mate!

Just bumped into this tread. I happen to have a rather nice Woodrup track frame size 58cm I am contemplating to sell. It's not getting built up and I now need the funds for another project.

PM me if you're interested!

PM coming!