Japanese steel: Nakagawa, Raizin, Ocean...and a Scapin?

Hands down some of the best bikes on the forum, tasteful builds

Ouf, that ocean is rad!

Thanks guys. The Nakagawa rides beautifully on the road, I've missed having drop bars for commuting.

Will report back on how the Ocean rides after I've had a few more track sessions on it. The wheelbase and the BB drop is a few centimeters lower than I'm used too, but I doubt it'll change much!

Finished up a quick 2 hour session including: standing starts, flying 200, seated/standing sprints among regular laps.

And wow! I've been missing out on modernity. Ahead system, Octalink, oversize bars amongst slight fitting and geometry adjustments.. everything felt incredible. Highly recommended.

I've been in touch with the owner at Ocean Cycle Factory and he was able to give me a bit more information on the frame. May not matter to most, but I do enjoy nerding out a bit!

ST - True Temper Yamaguchi (!)
DT - Kaisei 8630 Mega
Rest - Kaisei 8630

Built by a Mr. Hashiguchi, who has made frames for Gunwell, Maeda and Exter Proton.

Hi, I had (and about to buy back a Kenevens TSX with the block decals. Did you manage to track any down, develop the artwork and source at any chance? Cheers

Unfortunately not. I did try all the main repro-decal outlets but was quoted a figure which is just too much for me.

I did not ask the man himself though, maybe that could be an option?

Thank you for your quick reply - That was my experience as well - I dropped Ken a note and will await a reply. Cheers

Thought I might update this thread (with horrible photos) as a new project is now on the go..

Finally finished this bike, albeit with the 'incorrect' components. It hangs on the wall for most of the year, and only comes down for the retro day at the local track.

Ridden 1/2 days a week on the track. The AliExpress Power saddle is doing well, however the AliExpress carbon rims may need to be replaced soon.

Daily commuter. Nice and reliable. Changed the chainring to a gaudy Blackspire due to the DA chainring being on its last legs.

The new project! Picked this up while I was studying in Japan. Going to be a slow burner unfortunately.

Awesome collection!

Quick update, finally sourced a slim ahead stem amongst other components.

Damn you've got some lovely bikes. What's the plan with the latest project?

man that nakagawa is perfect

Like your bikes, especially the ocean looks super clean

Speaking of looks:

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Thanks for the kind words guys. No Kevin (the cat) feature this time unfortunately.

Picked up some older Sram Rival components. I'm digging the silver lever arms, and the silver rear derailleur should go nicely with the Shimano CX50 front derailleur (top pull) I have coming in the mail.

Unfortunately there was not enough clearance for the crank arms. I'm trying to stay away from older cranks on this bike, so I might have to either get the hammer or the dremel out.

What seat post is that? Looks so good with the flite seat, on the last photo.

That's an Aliexpress special!

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1000003771100.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.56984c4dc7fHPZ

Thanks!

Raizin is coming along nicely. Is it a 26” frame?

It's getting there, deciding/sourcing wheels have been a bit of a drag though..

700c I believe!

Looking forward to seeing it built up.

personally, I demand more kevin

Quarantine projects are pumping on LFGSS!

Here is my quick update.

• Crimped the chain stays for chain ring clearance
  
• FD, BB, cranks and chain rings installed
  
• Gaudy Lizard Skins 'camo' tape wrapped
  
  

This is gonna be good

This needs a sram mtb rear mech for the perfect cable routing and clutch goodness. Sick frame!