This weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week” is a Zunow Z1. When it comes to finding the best Japanese bike, the Zunow Z1 stands out as a true masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, you can’t help but admire the look and craftmanship of this beautiful bicycle. all thanks to the cutting-edge design and craftsmanship of the Zunow Z1.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes the Zunow Z1 the best Japanese bike on the market, exploring its features, performance, and the sheer joy it brings to every ride. So, hop on and let’s take a closer look at this incredible machine!

The Origins of Zunow: Crafting the Best Japanese Bike

The story of Zunow began in mid-20th century Japan. In 1965, Mr. Takeru Kageyama, a passionate cyclist and skilled craftsman, founded Zunow Cycles in Uozu, Toyama Prefecture. Driven by his love for cycling and dedication to quality, Kageyama aimed to create bicycles with top-notch performance, comfort, and exceptional aesthetics. Thus, Zunow emerged as a name synonymous with the best Japanese bike, blending quality and beauty seamlessly.

Furthermore, what sets the Zunow Z1 apart is its exquisite paint job and meticulous craftsmanship. Each frame is hand-painted, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate designs that truly make it a work of art. The attention to detail is impeccable, with smooth welds and a flawless finish that highlights the bike’s elegance.

Additionally, the craftsmanship extends beyond aesthetics; the frame is built for durability and performance, ensuring a ride that is both smooth and responsive. Consequently, the Zunow Z1 isn’t just a bike; it’s a testament to the dedication and skill that define the best Japanese bike.

The Iconic Campagnolo C-Record Brake: A Design Inspired by the Greek Delta

Though their Italian creators never called them the Delta brake, the name stuck due to their resemblance to the Greek letter Delta (Δ). Officially known as the Campagnolo C-Record brake, they were introduced in 1984 and featured in every Campagnolo catalogue from 1985 to 1992. Crafted from aluminum and steel, these brakes were a visual delight, with a faceplate proudly displaying the Campagnolo logo.

At a staggering £300, they were incredibly expensive for the time, surpassing even the cost of Super Record and often seen on professional tour bikes. Over the next eight years, Campagnolo continuously improved these brakes, evolving the three-pivot parallelogram design to a five-pivot configuration.

They also released a version for a lower groupset, known as the Croce d’Aune. This commitment to innovation and quality is what makes Campagnolo a key player in the world of the best Japanese bike components.

Timeless Elegance: The Perfect Crankset for the Best Japanese Bike

This beautiful crankset, or chainwheel set, boasts clean and classic lines with a stunning satin silver anodized finish. However, it’s worth noting that, over time, the anodizing can wear off due to shoe rub. Despite this minor drawback, its timeless design makes it a perfect fit for the best Japanese bike, adding both elegance and performance.

Evolution of Excellence: The Super Record Rear Derailleur

The Super Record groupset featured various versions of the rear derailleur until the late 1980s.  It was eventually replaced by the C-Record. Additionally, a special Campagnolo 50th anniversary edition of this derailleur was released. The second version of the Super Record derailleur, launched in 1978, is easily recognizable by its printed black Campagnolo branding.

This iteration included several design enhancements. For instance, a new cage design improved shifting on larger rear cogs, accommodating up to a 28-tooth cog. Moreover, a redesigned top pivot allowed the derailleur to swing further forward, providing more chain wrap on the smaller cogs. These advancements make it an ideal choice for the best Japanese bike, ensuring superior performance and reliability.

The Legendary Selle Italia Turbo Saddle: A Perfect Match for the Best Japanese Bike

This Zunow bike has the legendary Selle Italia Turbo saddle. When it was first released, it made waves as the first fully anatomic saddle. Expertly designed by Selle Italia, the Turbo rapidly gained fame after its introduction in 1980, thanks to its exceptional comfort.

Moreover, this saddle is handcrafted in Italy, ensuring top-notch quality and attention to detail. Furthermore, the Turbo is available in two classic colors: black and white. With its innovative design and superior comfort, the Turbo saddle is an ideal choice for the best Japanese bike. It offers both style and performance.

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This week, we spotlight the Zunow Hummingbird Dura Ace as our “Japanese Bicycle of the Week.” Indeed, Zunow is celebrated for its superb craftsmanship and unique designs. Also, these bicycles carry a rich history in Japanese cycling culture. Furthermore, they excel in blending art with functionality, earning high regard in the cycling community.

The journey of Zunow started in Japan during the mid-20th century. Specifically, in 1965, Takeru Kageyama, a passionate cyclist and skilled craftsman, launched the brand in Uozu, Toyama Prefecture. Therefore, driven by his love for cycling and commitment to quality, Takeru aimed to produce bicycles of exceptional character.

Notably, the Hummingbird has been beautifully refurbished, featuring Shimano’s Dura Ace 7402 8sp groupset. In addition, it includes a Dura Ace stem and seatpost, with the brand new headset by Tange. Also, the rims have been expertly rebuilt by FIR.

The Zunow Hummingbird Dura Ace represents a pinnacle in cycling performance and innovation. Similarly, it combines sleek design with quality, ensuring speed, agility, and strength.

Zunow Racing Success and Recognition

Regarding Zunow’s racing success, the brand quickly earned acclaim for its superior ride quality and performance. Particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, their frames were in high demand among professional and amateur cyclists. Consequently, they gained significant success in road racing.  Notably, well known Japanese cyclists like Keizo Shimizu and Koichi Nakano rode Zunow bicycles to victory, showing their quality and bringing notoriety to the brand’s fame.

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