Hand-Built Perfection from a Renowned Builder

The Nagasawa bicycle Special NJS is this weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week”  It’s not just a bike—it’s a masterpiece, forged from decades of tradition and precision. Hand-built by the legendary Yoshiaki Nagasawa, this steel track bike showcases an era where meticulous craftsmanship ruled the track. Its sleek Nagasawa frame, restored to perfection by master painter Joe Bell, embodies both elegance and raw power.

Enduring Legacy of Japanese Keirin Bike

Yet, it’s more than a relic. Every component, from the NJS Hatta Swan Super Deluxe headset to the Sugino 75 bottom bracket, speaks to the enduring legacy of Japanese Keirin racing. As you dive deeper into this custom-built bike, you’ll discover why the Nagasawa Special NJS continues to capture hearts long after its racing days are over.

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Yoshiaki Nagasawa: A Name Synonymous with Excellence

The Nagasawa bicycle stands as a testament to his skill and dedication. In fact, Nagasawa didn’t just build bikes—he sculpted them with the precision of a master artisan. His journey, however, began in Italy, where he learned from the legendary Ugo De Rosa. Upon returning to Japan, Nagasawa became the go-to Keirin frame builder for the nation’s top Keirin cyclists. Furthermore, each frame he created carried a unique touch, thereby making every bike a masterpiece of its own.

The NJS Certification: A Symbol of Quality

What sets the Nagasawa bicycle apart is more than just its creator’s reputation. It’s the coveted NJS certification that truly elevates this Keirin racing bike. In the world of Japanese Keirin racing, NJS isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s the gold standard. Only the finest precision cycling components and most precisely engineered designs earn this honor. The Nagasawa bicycle holds this prestigious certification, signifying that it was built not just for speed, but for unmatched reliability.

A Restoration Masterpiece: Joe Bell’s Signature Sky Blue Paint

In the early 2000s, the Nagasawa bicycle underwent a remarkable transformation. Thanks to the skilled hands of master painter Joe Bell, this vintage track bike was not just restored—it was revitalized. Bell, renowned for his precision and eye for detail, approached this restoration with the same dedication as Nagasawa himself. As a result, the Nagasawa Special now dazzles in a stunning sky blue, with sharp orange accents that give it a vibrant yet classic look. This color combination perfectly balances the classic bike aesthetics while adding a fresh twist.

Bringing New Life to a Vintage Classic

What makes Joe Bell’s work stand out is his commitment to perfection. Every step of the vintage bike restoration process was handled with care. First, the frame was carefully prepped and sanded, ensuring a flawless foundation. Then, layer by layer, Bell applied his signature paint, breathing new life into the Nagasawa frame. The sky blue and orange accents are not just colors; they are an artistic tribute to the bike’s heritage, bringing out its original character while giving it a modern edge.

Wheels and Drivetrain: Where Precision Meets Power

When it comes to wheels and drivetrain, every detail counts. On the Nagasawa bicycle, precision engineering and power go hand in hand. The NJS Suntour Superbe Pro hubs are a perfect example of this. These hubs are known for their smoothness and reliability. They spin with ease, allowing for efficient power transfer. The Nagasawa bicycle relies on this kind of Japanese craftsmanship.

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Top Notch Shimano DA Spindles

Pairing those hubs with Shimano Dura-Ace spindles takes performance up a notch. Shimano has a reputation for durability, and these spindles are no different. They provide the strength needed for a stable and reliable ride. On a Nagasawa bicycle, this combination means you can trust your bike to handle tough conditions.

Hand-Built Wheels with Unmatched Attention to Detail

The polished H+Son TB-14 rims add a touch of vintage elegance. These rims don’t just look good—they’re built for performance. They’re stiff yet responsive, giving the Nagasawa bicycle an edge when you need it. Whether you’re racing or cruising, these rims provide balance and control. This attention to detail is what separates classic bicycles from the rest.

DT Swiss Stainless Steel Spokes

DT Swiss stainless spokes are another essential part of the wheel build. They are known for their durability and strength. On a Nagasawa bicycle, they ensure that your wheels stay true over time. Performance isn’t sacrificed here; these spokes offer consistent tension and reliable handling. You can ride with confidence, knowing your wheels are built to last—one of the reasons bike collecting has embraced the Nagasawa brand.

The Power Behind the Pedal Stroke

The power behind every pedal stroke is where the Nagasawa bicycle truly shines. At the heart of it all is the NJS Suntour Superbe Pro 167.5mm crankset. It’s built to deliver smooth, consistent power with every rotation. The slightly shorter crank length offers a quicker, more responsive feel. This crankset is not just about efficiency—it’s about control. On the Nagasawa bicycle, it ensures that every ounce of energy you put in translates to speed on the road.

The Chainring and Balance

Paired with a 49-tooth chainring, this setup is all about balance. The chainring size is ideal for those who crave speed while maintaining a steady cadence. It allows you to accelerate quickly without sacrificing control. On a Nagasawa bicycle, the 49-tooth chainring complements the overall fixed gear bike setup, offering a smooth, direct connection between your legs and the road. The simplicity of the design only enhances its reliability.

The NJS Izumi Gold Chain

Let’s not forget the NJS Izumi Gold chain. It’s known for its strength and durability, making it a perfect match for the fixed gear culture of the Nagasawa bicycle. This chain runs seamlessly, reducing friction and maximizing efficiency. It holds tight to the drivetrain, giving you confidence in every pedal stroke. On a Nagasawa bicycle, the Izumi Gold chain keeps the ride smooth and secure, no matter the conditions.

Cockpit and Control: Perfecting the Ride Experience

When it comes to cockpit control, every piece plays a crucial role in the overall ride experience. The NJS Nitto Draft stainless steel track handlebars are a standout feature on the Nagasawa bicycle. These bars offer the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the design gives you the control you need for tight maneuvers. On a Nagasawa bicycle, these bars provide that aggressive, forward-leaning position that elite track cycling riders crave.

Nitto Precision for the Ultimate Handling

The shape of the drop bars is designed for speed and control. Whether you’re sprinting or carving through a corner, the Nitto Draft bars keep you locked in. The Nagasawa bicycle pairs perfectly with these NJS certified parts, giving riders the confidence to push the limits. The grip feels natural, and the responsiveness is instant.

The NJS Stem

Alongside the drop bars, the NJS Nitto track stem brings it all together. This stem is all about stability and precision. It’s crafted to handle the intense forces of track racing heritage, yet it feels lightweight. The Nagasawa bicycle relies on this sturdy connection between the handlebars and the frame, ensuring that every movement is met with a quick and precise response.

Saddle and Seat post: Comfort Meets Functionality

The Selle San Marco Laser saddle on the Nagasawa bicycle is a perfect example of how comfort meets style. Wrapped in black dimpled leather, it’s designed not only to look good but to perform. The dimpled surface provides just the right amount of grip, keeping you steady without sacrificing comfort. On a Nagasawa bicycle, this saddle feels like it was made for long rides, offering support where it’s needed most.

The Finishing Touches for a Comfortable Ride

Paired with this saddle is the NJS Nitto Jaguar seatpost. This piece isn’t just about function—it’s about form. The polished finish complements the classic bike aesthetics of the Nagasawa bicycle, giving it a clean, streamlined appearance. But beyond aesthetics, the Nitto Jaguar seatpost ensures that the saddle stays firmly in place, even under the most intense conditions.

Conclusion: A Vintage Icon for the Ages

In the world of cycling, few bikes capture the essence of craftsmanship in cycling like the Nagasawa bicycle. It stands as a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship, built by a master with a deep respect for the sport. Each component, from the NJS Suntour Superbe Pro crankset to the Nitto Draft drop bars, is chosen with care. Moreover, the Nagasawa bicycle doesn’t just ride well—it embodies the art of cycling.

Its NJS certification sets it apart as a truly elite machine. Moreover, every element of the Nagasawa bicycle reflects the tradition and discipline of Keirin culture. In addition, the attention to detail is unmatched, ensuring that this bike performs as well as it looks. As a result, it stands as a true vintage cycling icon.

If you enjoyed learning about this week’s featured bicycle, don’t miss out on some cycling information you can use and enjoy! Visit our website at pacelinebikes.com Plus, check out our YouTube channel, Bicycle Restoration Man, for detailed restoration videos and showcases of our finished projects. Subscribe and join our community of bike enthusiasts!

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A 1988 titanium Panasonic bicycle from the PICS system is this weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week”. The 1988
Introduced in 1988, the Panasonic PICS system represented a significant leap forward in cycling technology. Constructed from aerospace-grade titanium, the frame was celebrated for its lightweight strength and durability.

Panasonic Corporation, founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita, initially focused on electronics and consumer appliances. The company expanded its portfolio over the decades, venturing into various industries including automotive components, batteries, industrial solutions and bicycles.

Panasonic Bicycle 1987 PICS: Custom Bicycles Revolution

Consequently, in 1987, Panasonic introduced their PICS (Panasonic Individual Custom System), offering customers the opportunity to create their own high-quality custom Panasonic bicycle. The bikes were tailored to their specifications within a remarkably short timeframe of two to six weeks. Interestingly, The bike shops were equipped with a VHS tape player to showcase a factory tour video explaining the customization process.

The first step had customers choosing their preferred bike style, either road, MTB or TT bike.  Additionally they had the option to choose what material their Panasonic bicycle was made from such as, steel or titanium tubing. A variety of sizes were available, ensuring a precise fit for both mountain and road bikes, enhancing the semi-customization experience.

Panasonic Bicycle Customization: Shimano Components and Stylish Paint Schemes

The customization extended to component choices, with two tiers of Shimano mountain bike equipment and options like Shimano 105, 600, Sante’, or Dura-Ace groups for road bikes.  Furthermore, a comprehensive glossy brochure displayed numerous paint styles. This featured  single, dual, and tri-color schemes, alongside various stripes, panels, and fades.

In fact, bike shops displayed about a thousand different paint combinations using sample frame tubes painted with vibrant options. Each PICS bicycle allowed for personalization with up to 12 characters of laser-etched name on the handlebar stem or silkscreened onto the top tube.

Panasonic Bicycle PICS: High-Tech Ordering and Swift Delivery

After finalizing all selections, the shop used its new Panasonic facsimile machine to fax the order form to Japan, showcasing the cutting-edge technology of the time. Following a brief waiting period, customers received their custom-designed bike via Federal Express. Consequently, this completed the seamless and personalized Panasonic bicycle PICS experience.

Unfortunately, the 1988 Panasonic bicycle PICS Titanium is no longer in production However, its impact on cycling technology remains significant. As a result, the craftsmanship and innovation typified in the PICS continue to inspire both cyclists and manufacturers.

To this day, cycling enthusiasts cherish and preserve these vintage models. Panasonic’s legacy in the cycling world endures.  A time when pioneering materials and meticulous design transformed the way we ride

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