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Japanese Road Bikes

Nishiki Bicycle Spotlight: The Italian-Crafted Cervino

THE NISHIKI CERVINO

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track bicycle

NJS Bike Perfection: The Level Track Racer Unveiled

The Level Track NJS Bike

SPECIAL THANKS TO Jürgen Gertze FOR THE IMAGES AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE.

This week’s Bicycle of the Week is a true gem for track bike enthusiasts: the Level NJS bike. With top-tier Japanese craftsmanship, this NJS-certified bike shines in the world of keirin racing. As we dive into the details, you’ll see why this Level track bike is so highly regarded. From its sleek design to its race-ready performance, it’s built to dominate at the highest levels. Let’s explore what makes this high-performance track bike a must-have for both collectors and racers!

njs bike frame and fork

To start, the frame and fork of this NJS bike come from the hands of the renowned Shiko Matsuda, a master in building handmade track bikes. His meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this bike. Moreover, this Level bike has seen action in keirin racing, further boosting its authenticity and prestige.

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NJS STAMP

The NJS certification on the frame and fork guarantees it meets the strict standards for professional velodrome racing. In short, this bike perfectly blends Japanese steel bike tradition with modern performance, making it a standout in the track cycling world.

Sugino 165mm Crankset with 48T Chainring for NJS Bike

Next, the NJS bike features a Sugino 165mm crankset, a trusted name in racing components. Furthermore, the Sugino Messenger Chainring with 48 teeth ensures smooth, powerful pedaling. This combination is ideal for riders looking to maximize speed and efficiency on the track. It’s a setup designed for durability and built to endure the intensity of competitive cycling.

njs bike chain and cog

Shimano Dura Ace Cog and KMC Chain: A Perfect Match for an NJS Bike

In addition, the Shimano Dura Ace 15T cog delivers precise power transfer, making it a top choice for an NJS-approved bike. The KMC K1 wide chain complements the cog by providing smooth and reliable performance. Together, they form a drivetrain that’s both durable and efficient. These components handle the rigorous demands of keirin-specific components, ensuring your fixed gear bike is always track-ready.

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Miche Pistard Hubs: Italian Precision for Your NJS Bike

Moreover, the Miche Pistard hubs, made in Italy, bring precision and smoothness to this NJS bike. Built for high-speed racing, these NJS-approved hubs are renowned for their durability. Furthermore, their reliability ensures that every ride is as smooth as possible. These hubs are an excellent match for a professional track bike, giving you a competitive edge in velodrome racing.

3ttt MOD Competizione Handlebars: Control for Your NJS Bike

Additionally, the 3ttt MOD Competizione handlebars offer precise control and comfort, making them a perfect fit for an aerodynamic track bike. Designed for competitive racing, these handlebars provide a solid grip and improved handling on the track. Their lightweight bike frame enhances performance without sacrificing strength. These handlebars round out the racing geometry, allowing for superior control during high-speed racing.

viscount njs bike saddle

Viscount Aero Saddle: Comfort for Your NJS Bike

The Viscount Aero saddle, made in Japan, delivers comfort specifically for the intense demands of Japanese keirin races. Known for its sleek design and support, this saddle ensures a comfortable yet responsive ride during high-speed sprints.

NJS BIKE FRAMESET

Its lightweight design enhances the bike’s overall performance without adding unnecessary bulk. This Japanese-made saddle strikes the perfect balance between comfort and speed, making it a great choice for the track.

Additional Components of the NJS Bike

Let’s also break down the rest of the premium components on this handcrafted bicycle:

  • Headset: Tange Seiki Levin NJS – Made in Japan, this headset provides smooth and reliable steering. Its NJS certification ensures top-level performance.
  • Rims: Mavic Open Elite – Crafted in France, these rims are lightweight and durable, offering excellent stability on the track.
  • Stem: BLB -58° – Designed in the UK, this stem adds an aggressive angle for improved aerodynamic control.
  • Seat Post Clamp: Nitto Stem – Made in Japan, this clamp provides a secure fit for the saddle, ensuring stability during races with keirin-approved frames.NJS BIKE PEDALS
  • Pedals: MKS Pedals with MKS NJS Toe Clips – Manufactured in Japan, these pedals feature non-NJS MKS pedals but include NJS-approved toe clips for optimal grip.
  • Tyres: Michelin Dynamic Sport 25 – Produced in France, these tires offer exceptional traction and high-speed performance, perfect for Japanese keirin racing.

Each component reflects the bike’s precision engineering and rich Japanese racing heritage, making this Level NJS bike a true masterpiece for both riders and collectors.

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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Categories
Japanese Road Bikes

Level Cycle’s City Liner C1: Sleek, Smooth, and Stylish

Level Cycles’s City Liner C1

Level City Liner C1

Level Cycle’s City Liner C1, this week’s ‘Bicycle of the Week,’ is the perfect blend of modern function and timeless style. It was Designed with expert Japanese bicycle craftsmanship. This stylish city bicycle not only offers a smooth ride and comfortable ride but also boasts a sleek bicycle design that turns heads.

Performance and Comfort with the Level City Liner C1

The City Liner C1 consistently delivers both performanceJapanese Steel classic bicycle design from Japan and comfort with every pedal stroke. Its sporty performance makes it an ideal fitness gear bike and a top choice for bike commuting in urban environments.

Level City Liner comfortable ride

The Beginnings of Level Cycle in 1951

Level Cycle’s story begins in 1951, when Toyoo Matsuda founded “Matsuda Shokai” in Nippori-cho, Arakawa-ku. Originally established as a bicycle parts wholesaler, the company quickly made a name for itself in the industry.

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Level City Liner gauge

Mazda Bicycle Factory: Expanding into New Opportunities

By 1959, the business had grown, leading to a name change—Mazda Bicycle Factory Co., Ltd. Through these early years, the company worked diligently to supply high-quality parts to the Japanese bicycle market. Soon, they began exploring new opportunities, setting the stage for an exciting future in custom-built bicycles.

Level custom made frames

Level’s Shift to Custom-Made Bicycles in 1975

In 1975, Toyoo’s son, Yoshiyuki Matsuda, took the company in a new direction by starting custom-made bicycles. This shift marked a major milestone for Level. They began focusing on creating unique, tailored rides for their customers.

Level City Liner craftsmanship

Level Cycle’s Innovation in Racing Frames and CAD Technology

Not long after, in 1980, the company expanded its expertise into racing frames. This earned them a coveted registration from the Japan Bicycle Promotion Association (NJS). As time passed, Level continued to innovate, becoming the first in the bicycle industry to implement CAD systems for bicycle frame construction.

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Arakawa Meistera Award
Matsuda Shigeyuki

Level’s Awards and Recognition for Craftsmanship

Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Level gained widespread recognition for its craftsmanship, winning numerous awards at prestigious handmade bicycle exhibitions. Their commitment to quality earned them the “Arakawa Meister” award in 2000, and in 2003, Matsuda Shigeyuki received the “Tokyo Meister” Award for Best Engineer.

City Liner C1 stem

The Sleek and Versatile Design of the Level City Liner C-1

The Level City Liner C-1 is a sleek and versatile city bike, designed with a combination of smooth curves and sharp lines. This gives the bike a sporty, lightweight frame that provides a comfortable yet dynamic ride.

Level’s High-Quality Frame and Vintage-Inspired Design

The Level Cycle frame is made from high-quality chrome molybdenum steel, offering excellent durability. Available in three frame size options—S, M, and L—it ensures a great fit for different body types while maintaining modern functionality with a vintage-inspired design.

Level Cycles practicality

Practicality and Style with the Level City Liner C1

Additionally, the City Liner is not just about riding performance; it’s also about practicality. The frame includes a standard attachment for Rixen & Kaul bags, making it ideal for urban commuting and weekend adventures.

C1 Shimano 3 speed hub

Level City Liner C1: A High-Performance Commuter Bike

With a lightweight frame, internal 3-speed Shimano Inter 3 transmission, and available in metallic blue or gunmetallic, the City Liner C-1 is a true all-around performer. It’s the ultimate commuter bike for those who value both form and function in their cycling gear.

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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Categories
Japanese Road Bikes

Shogun Bicycle: Discover a Classic Ride

Shogun Bicycle: Discover a Classic Ride

Ninja Shogun bicycle
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE OWNER TIM FOR SHARING THESE IMAGES FOR OUR BICYCLE OF THE WEEK

1987 SHOGUN NINJA

A Shogun bicycle is this week’s Japanese Bicycle of theJapanese Steel classic bicycle design from Japan Week, featuring the 1987 Shogun Ninja! A timeless ride, the Shogun bicycle has earned its place in vintage bicycle history. First introduced by Marui Ltd., the Shogun Ninja became a favorite among riders for its reliable performance and solid bicycle craftsmanship. Its enduring appeal makes it a standout among classic road bikes and other collectible bikes from Japanese bike brands.

SHOGUN’S HISTORY

The history of the Shogun dates back to 1977 when it made its debut in the USA. Marui Ltd., founded by Rio Marui, was known for its close ties with Shimano and initially focused on Japan’s market but shifted to a global approach as demand grew.

shogun bottom bracket

The brand was manufactured by several sources, including Merida bikes and Yamaguchi bikes, and later acquired by Kent International in 2004. Today, Shogun bicycles are cherished by bicycle collectors and fans of retro cycling gear.

shogun Tange 2 frame set

TANGE 2 FRAME SET

The 1987 Shogun bicycle features a strong yet lightweight steel frame made from Tange tubing. This chromoly frame offers excellent durability for long-distance cycling. Additionally, the double-butted tubing ensures a smooth ride without extra weight.

shogun bicycle frame set

As a result, the bicycle combines performance with comfort, making it ideal for both touring bicycles and retro cycling fans. Moreover, Tange’s high-quality steel adds to its long-lasting appeal, making the Shogun bicycle a top choice for vintage bike enthusiasts.

Shogun bicycle shimano 600 EX components

SHIMANO EX COMPONENTS

The 1987 Shogun bicycle comes equipped with Shimano’s 600 EX components, which are known for their precision and high-performance components. These parts, originally supplied by Shimano to Merida bikes, offer a reliable performance for riders. Additionally, the smooth shifting enhances the overall riding experience, which makes the Shogun bicycle a well-rounded option for cycling enthusiasts. Moreover, Shimano 600 EX components add a level of performance that appeals to those who appreciate vintage bicycles and custom bike builds.

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shogun araya rims

ARAYA RIMS

The 1987 Shogun features Araya SS40 light alloy rims, which are both durable and lightweight. These 700c wheels with 32/32 holes provide excellent strength while keeping the bike’s weight down, making it ideal for long-distance cycling.

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Additionally, the light alloy ensures smoother rides and better handling, something bicycle collectors and retro cycling fans value in rare bicycles like this. Araya rims are highly regarded for their reliability and performance, further enhancing the appeal of the Shogun bicycle.

shogun bicycle seat stays

UNIQUE SEAT STAYS

The 1987 Shogun bicycle features unusual seat stays that attach directly to the top tube instead of the seat tube lug. This unique bicycle geometry not only adds visual appeal but also improves the bike’s overall durability and comfort. Additionally, the seat stays’ positioning enhances the bike’s stability, creating a sleek, modern look that appeals to those interested in bicycle design innovation. This distinct feature helps the Shogun bicycle stand out among other classic road bikes and collectible bikes.

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.comPlus, 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!

We earn from qualified Amazon purchases with NO cost to you. ANY item that you need or were going to purchased anyway through any of our links, helps support this site. Thank you for your support!