1970 BRIDGESTONE TRACK BICYCLE

This weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week” is a 1970 Bridgestone Track Bicycle. This Japanese track bike was heavily influenced by track enthusiasts Covi Hazelwood of Two Wheeler Dealer and Trent Blackburn.

The wheels that were picked for this bike were a set of Suntour Superbe Pro/Sun Mistral track wheels from Blueprint Bikes of Dallas, TX. Furthermore, sticking with the same theme, the builder choose a Suntour Superbe Pro headset as well.

Eventually the project was destined for completion. Consequently, Blueprint Bikes posted a beautiful vintage Bridgestone track frame for sale. Additionally, the owner’s father had a Suntour Superbe Pro seatpost and crankset lying around which he let him use for the build.

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TOP COMPONENTS INCLUDED ON THIS BRIDGESTONE

Additionally, in terms of the build, there are other components worth mentioning. First, there’s the Nitto 100 NJS Stem, complemented by Nitto NJS B123 40cm track bars. Moving on to the drivetrain, it’s worth noting that it operates seamlessly. It’s equipped with a 48T Sugino Mighty Competition NJS chainring and a Shimano Dura Ace 15T NJS cog.

Furthermore, the Suntour Sprint track pedals, complete with MKS cages, spin quietly and efficiently. To round out the drivetrain, a smooth Sugino bottom bracket ensures optimal operation. Finally, to add that vintage touch, a Selle San Marco Laser saddle and a bit of cloth tape are included in the mix.

In short, sit back and enjoy this amazing build on one of the most iconic framesets to come out of Japan.

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The Mount Vision 8 Marin Bike

This weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week, the Mount Vision-8 Marin bike stands out as an impressive choice for enduro downhill enthusiasts. With its focus on the NAILD R3ACT 2 PLAY technology, it promises exceptional responsiveness across diverse terrains. Notably, the rear unit’s direct push capability and lightweight design. This makes it versatile for both uphill climbs and absorbing impacts during descents.

MARIN BIKE BALANCED FRAME GEOMETRY

Moreover, the balance in frame geometry between uphill and downhill riding makes it a versatile option. The specifics, such as the Boost standard and the 150mm travel for both front and rear, indicate a sturdy build capable of handling challenging terrains. Additionally, the inclusion of a seatpost dropper as standard adds to its convenience.

The involvement of Matt Jones and Morgane supervised the frame testing. This absolutely added credibility to its performance. Furthermore, the availability of easy-to-understand videos serves as a valuable resource for potential buyers.

MARIN BIKE SATIN CARBON GLOSS

The frame’s carbon construction also features a stylish SATIN CARBON/GLOSS RED-CHARCOAL FADE color scheme. Not to mention, the frame comes in a small and medium sizes. Additionally, the weight of 14.6kg is reasonable. Especially, considering its suitability for riders within the specified height ranges for the different sizes.

Overall, it appears to be a well-rounded bike, striking a balance between lightweight design, sturdy construction, and adaptability to varied terrains. The customizable sizes ensure a better fit for riders of different heights and preferences.

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This weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week” is a 3 speed Maruishi bicycle with drive shaft. This model uses a unique drive shaft system instead of a traditional chain and derailleur setup. This unique system transmits power from the pedals to the rear wheel. However, different models came with various speed options. For example, some have single-speed setups, while others offer multiple speeds like 3-speed or 7-speed configurations.

Maruishi Cycle Ltd. is a prestigious bicycle manufacturer perhaps best-known today for its vintage models. In fact, until late in the 20th century their model lineup also included penny farthings. To this day, Maruishi continues to make fine touring bikes in Japan.

Maruishi Bicycle Known For It’s Drive Shaft Systems

Drive shafts on bikes replace chains to transfer pedal power to the rear wheel. They use a solid shaft instead of a chain and derailleur. This setup aims to reduce maintenance and offer cleaner operation. Additionally, drive shaft systems provide smoother power transfer. However, they can make bikes heavier and more complex. While, they’re not as widespread as chain-driven bikes they do exist in specialized models.

This particular Maruishi model has a hub-powered front light which is connected directly to the dynamo hub. The dynamo hub is a device that generates electricity as the wheel spins. This type of light doesn’t rely on batteries but instead, it draws power from the dynamo as you pedal.

This provides a continuous source of light. Hub-powered lights are known for their reliability and constant illumination. For this reason, it makes them a popular choice for cyclists who regularly ride in low-light conditions. Furthermore, they’re efficient and eliminate the need for battery replacements, as long as the dynamo is functioning properly.

This Maruishi Had A Vintage Thumb Shifter

In the very early days of thumb shifters on bicycles, they were often basic and straightforward. They typically had a simple design, allowing riders to shift between a few gears using a thumb-operated lever. In fact, these early models focused on functionality rather than the multitude of gear options available in modern systems. Specifically, their primary goal was to offer basic gear changes for a more comfortable riding experience.

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