Where to start looking for Italian/Japanese/Soviet Track frames?

Hello everyone, first post here.

I've been riding bikes my whole life and recently moved to a city so thought it was finally time to get into fixed gear. I've managed to build up a smooth riding conversion of an old Raleigh frameset but naturally have started to look into some old(are they even old or just classic style?) dedicated steel track frames.

The problem is I can't really find a decent resource for places to buy them and there's too many brands/frame-builders to get my head around. I've looked at the NJS-Export website and am a big fan of the NJS style but seen mixed reviews and warnings about import taxes and such.

Another thing, is it worth buying into the hype of old framesets? I'm a sucker for aesthetics so it's quite important to me but are there any decent alternatives within the UK? I've seen a few Brothers Cycles frames and Tokyo Fixed bikes that I assume are new but they don't have the charm that I'm after.

Excuse my ignorance on the matter, I've spent months and months drooling over pictures of dream bikes but seem to end up going in loops when I try and look into building one for myself...

Thanks

Welcome.

Depends what you want really.

I'd say it is worth buying into old steel, but then I like old steel as well as new steel.

Thanks for your replies guys...

This is the thing, I've seen so many amazing builds from various brands but haven't got to the point where I know the different traits that come with each.

I basically want a tight 54cm steely to thrash around on. Pretty vague I know but it's gonna be my first proper fixie build. Is it just gonna be a case of waiting for the right thing to come up on the classifieds?

There are loads of small njs frames on the market atm. East London Fixed group on Facebook also has decent throughput of good frames.

This is the thing, I've seen so many amazing builds from various brands but haven't got to the point where I know the different traits that come with each.

I'm sure you will soon. Just keep looking at them and reading about them. I personally don't have a clue, but as |³|MA3K says, NJS is a good place to start. I don't read many threads about bikes on here, but the NJS thread always has lovely-looking bikes in it:

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/251451/

(I'm sure you've seen it, just in case.)

If you're not sure you'd get the build right, it might be worth practising on something you can spoil first.

All njs are basically the same, just make sure the frame and bits fit.

Soviet frames have some non-standard parts which you can't get any more, namely a bottom bracket which is right-hand threaded on both sides and a headset with 26mm steerer, 30.4mm cups and 27mm crown race. It can be a faff if you're not prepared for that and don't have the original parts.

Surely for 'charm' English frames are the bargains around here... #justsayin

They aren't common though.

@welis
Just gonna say that NJS Export is very reliable. On top of the frame cost you have around £80 for postage plus £40-60 for import tax (as long as you ask them to mark down the value on the customs forms to around $150). It is expensive and is less of an option than buying off here but thought you may appreciate some clarity in that area.