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Apparently the break set up is just there for the sake of the old bill
That first bike is beyond beautiful.
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Yeah I am feeling that orange bridgestone too - so PP what were you impressions of Japan? I have always wanted to go never had the opportunity.
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Yeah I am feeling that orange bridgestone too - so PP what were you impressions of Japan? I have always wanted to go never had the opportunity.
That was fluorescent orange, really nice.
You should go and travel around. Japan is great: nice bikes, good food, friendly people, totally safe, very calming place although tokyo is a bit mad, I love all the contrast between tradition and totally crazy hipster stuff.I go almost every year as my wife is Japanese but still really enjoy it there, especially traveling around to smaller places. It can be done on the cheap as well with a bit of research and if you stay away from those tempting NJS frames. -
That was fluorescent orange, really nice.
You should go and travel around. Japan is great: nice bikes, good food, friendly people, totally safe, very calming place although tokyo is a bit mad, I love all the contrast between tradition and totally crazy hipster stuff.I go almost every year as my wife is Japanese but still really enjoy it there, especially traveling around to smaller places. It can be done on the cheap as well with a bit of research and if you stay away from those tempting NJS frames.It sounds like a fascinating place.
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Is there any cool Samurai stuff that you can get to see?
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TSbuddha:
I've heard Kyoto is the place for that
, I'm a city freak, I love getting lost in big new places and spending hours like I do whenever I'm in London.
The coolest old (Edo) thing I saw was ***Kamakura: (old capital on the sea, just south of tokyo)
***here are some pics from my time there:
in order:
Meiji Jingu with opening of Sumo tournament blessings
the amazing subway system
Kamakura's street leading to the main temple
Lost in Tokyo
one of the 20 or so Kamakura amazing temples. this one had more statues of buddha than anything I've ever seen, and was stunning, a massive hill and an amazing view of the sea.
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It looks amazing - I heard that Japan is quite ugly because they have built on everything - what about the language how do you get about - it must be so confusing - I most confess to having a love affair with all things Japanese
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That was fluorescent orange, really nice.
You should go and travel around. Japan is great: nice bikes, good food, friendly people, totally safe, very calming place although tokyo is a bit mad, I love all the contrast between tradition and totally crazy hipster stuff.I go almost every year as my wife is Japanese but still really enjoy it there, especially traveling around to smaller places. It can be done on the cheap as well with a bit of research and if you stay away from those tempting NJS frames.There be some hot bikes! I'm going over to Nijon for two weeks in mid August (on my lonesome, unless someone here wants to travel together). Anyway PP, I'd love to have a chat with you before I go, it sounds like you'd know what hot and what/s not.
My Japanese friend at uni doesn't give me much info on what places are a must see, although I suppose it's different stroke......One guy I met said it's really hard to converse and travel as everything is in Japanese. I'd be grateful for some clarification on this kind of stuff; from you or anyone else on here that could help.
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It looks amazing - I heard that Japan is quite ugly because they have built on everything - what about the language how do you get about - it must be so confusing - I most confess to having a love affair with all things Japanese
me too.
umm, the first time I went I picked up enough to get by, the second time we had someone who could actually say a few words so I was lazy, I actually really enjoy not necessarily knowing whats going on- reminds me of visiting my family, and I pick up languages fast, the speaking part anyway!
Also the nightlife in tokyo is unreal!
I seriously suggest finding a nightclub where you're the only white people. Flirt with japanese girls by dancing like an idiot and teasing the BBoyers in the club. amazing fun, oh and find the owner, have him challenge you to a drinking contest with the band that were playing and end up having to save him from puking whilst passed out, and also having to stop the cab ride home, get out fail to puke, end up somewhere in tokyo with an hour to go till you have to leave to catch the flight home, wasted and strung out.
Then go to the airport drunk, subtly put your foot under your ridiculously heavy ski bag to get passed the weight limit on JAL, and then spend the flight feeling sorry for yourself and watching movies. don't forget airport shower in japan- or hire a room and catch 40 winks.
get home in england a considerable time later and wonder if the last 48hrs actually happened. -
Hy guys I`m currently living in Tokyo. Indeed the one of the most amazing and crazy places in the world.
And it will be honour to share some travelling tips with dedicated fixed gear community, it is a pleasure to pay my due cos I benefit so much from this forum by now.
So the first of all if you are going to the Tokyo get the proper bilingual street map, I found the best is Tokyo City Atlas bilingual guide 3rd. ed. , otherwise its really easy to get lost and waste you time just running about the tube station looking for the right exit ofcorse unless you got a personal Japanese "hostess" to escort you around.Be advised not much Japanese speaks English - it worth to learn some everyday expressions - it may helps you a lot,although Japanese quite kind and polite people. Lucky me I've got a japanese girlfriend, it made me easier to get used to the changes.
That's true Japanese bikes pretty weird thing - tons of NJS on the street, many of them absolutely unlocked - looks like nobody stealing the bikes in this country - seems people here still trust to each other ....
Plenty of exclusive parts, but don't' expect any bargains everything in the shops quite overpriced.Good point to check Yahoo auction ( so called japanese ebay ) for pretty NJS stuff but the bad point you cant' buy anything there unless you got an account with them.
Last week went to see Keirin race in Seibuen, guess it's not the best place to see Keirin but it was near the place where I stay.
Can't say I was disappointing but it was completely different from my expectations. Must admit Keirin is totally gambling place - main crowd( if you can call it a crowd - most of the seats were empty ) is a 50+ retired gentleman betting money, blaming racers for the broken hopes. If you desperate to see Kairin , better ask Tomity on this forum for the best place to go, he is definitely more competent in this question.If anybody got questions for some more tips, will be glad to help with info.
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I go to Tokyo in about 5 weeks. I've heard that it's a lot harder than you think to get a frame from places like Punch because of the language barrier. I'm prepared to pay a little bit for a NJS frame (samson, nagasawa, etc), but I'm worried i may have trouble because my Japanese is limited to yes, no, hello and thank you.
Any tips and best places to get a Japanese track frame in 54cm?
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Awesome, thanks.
He posts on www.fixed.org.au as well, so I may hit him up there.
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Some more NJS info http://3bancho.com/diary/20070604.html
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About
Just back from Japan
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@punkpixel
Thought I share some images.
Lots of super nice NJS frames around and quite a few italian frames. seen lots of Binachi. Lots of fancy anodized parts in the shops but mostly available here as well. NJS frames just marginally cheaper than here but just more available. Spotted some rather strange brake set ups, seems quite common to have a break on the back and none on the front - crazy. Always amazed to see those tiny locks. Check the 3Rensho, bigger lock but just locked to itself. Had a good time riding in Kyoto (although my rented bike was a bit rubbish). Quite scary to ride on the pavement in both directions. If you are allowed to ride on the road seems to be dependent on how 'professional' your bike is.