Competitive Cyclist Sale

Japanese Road Bike: A Takahashi Masterpiece

The Master Builder’s Touch

The Japanese road bike, a Takahashi, is this weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week”. When examining this Takahashi from Sannow Sport, we see the hallmarks of traditional Japanese frame building methodology. Hand-crafted by Nagatoshi Takahashi in his Tokyo suburban workshop, the frame demonstrates precision construction techniques common to Japanese builders of this era.

The frame’s primary features include Nervex “Fancy” Professional lugs, which were among the most respected lugs available during this period. Furthermore, the lightweight tube set features particularly thin seat and chain stays, characteristic of performance-oriented frames.

The Campagnolo dropouts provide secure wheel mounting and proper alignment for gear indexing, while offering the adjustability needed for precise wheel positioning.

Technical Overview

The frame geometry combines a 54cm center-to-center top tube with a 56cm center-to-center seat tube. This configuration typically provides a more upright riding position compared to racing geometries of the same era.

The restoration utilized Monarch Orange Metallic paint, applied after proper frame preparation and priming. The build notably features Shimano’s Crane rear derailleur, a historically significant component that preceded and influenced the development of the later Dura-Ace series.

The Crane derailleur represents an important transition period in Japanese component manufacturing, as it helped establish Shimano’s reputation for precise shifting mechanisms before they launched their flagship Dura-Ace line.

The wheelset combines new old stock Suntour Superb Pro hubs with 36-hole clincher rims, likely Mavic, though the specific model remains unconfirmed. The wheelset combines new old stock Suntour Superb Pro hubs with 36-hole clincher rims.

Component Analysis

The Nitto bar and stem combination adds period-correct cockpit controls, manufactured to Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) specifications. The 28mm Continental tires provide increased comfort and traction compared to period-correct tire sizes, which typically ranged from 19-23mm.

This tire upgrade demonstrates how vintage frames can adapt to modern riding preferences while maintaining their classical attributes. The 36-spoke wheel build represents a traditional approach to wheel construction, providing durability and serviceability through equal spoke tension distribution.

Construction Details

The frame’s construction exhibits several notable technical features. The Nervex Professional lugs required precise preparation and fitting, as these lugs demanded careful filing and shaping to achieve clean lines and proper structural integrity.

The thin-wall tubing, while providing weight advantages, required skilled brazing technique to prevent overheating and potential damage during construction. The Campagnolo dropouts integration demonstrates proper spacing and alignment necessary for reliable gear operation and wheel security.

Technical Preservation

This restoration preserves the frame’s key structural elements while upgrading specific components for modern usage. The original frame specifications remain unaltered, maintaining the builder’s intended handling characteristics. The preservation process involved careful paint removal, frame alignment verification, and surface preparation before applying the new finish. Modern sealing techniques protect the frame’s internal surfaces while maintaining period-correct external aesthetics.

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