NJS Bikes Explained

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Hand-made by expert Japanese craftsman, NJS bikes are some of my favorite bikes ever produced. Fixed gear riders today still highly value and use NJS parts for their reliability and unrivaled finish even when higher performing gear is available. But what makes NJS bikes and components so special? Why are they so expensive? What does NJS even stand for? This is NJS bikes explained.

Timestamps:
1. What is NJS and Keirin racing? 1:11
2. What are NJS bikes/parts? 3:09
3. Why do fixed gear riders love NJS? 8:10



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[ZachGallardo]

Timestamps, so you can watch this video like how you ride your bike: at your own pace.

1. What is NJS and Keirin racing? 1:11
2. What are NJS bikes/parts? 3:09
3. Why do fixed gear riders love NJS? 8:10

[chrislukes]

If anyone here hasn't watched Keirin racing highlights (the original Japanese version, not the format adopted into the Olympics, etc.) they are awesome. Lots of tense, tight pack sprints and spectacular crashes.

[MVBriscoVolante]

No mention of how they became a thing in sf in the 70s and 80s? They were cheap and couriers bought them up. Why? The yakuza used to ship drugs to Chinatown in sf and one way was to use their contacts in the grey market gambling industry to ship retired kierin bikes with drugs shoved in the tubes. They’d get to Chinatown, be extracted and then sold for pennies because they had to clear import and none of the importers wanted bikes lying around so poor couriers bought them up

[stingerstv]

hi, Zach
greeting fram Sam
happy to see my Panasonic njs trackbike in the video.
cheers

[leeminho.]

This is the Art of Fixed Gear, Thanks Zach for Explaining This To Us!

[david_r_munson]

I used to have an NJS frame, an Erba, and it was the best frame I've ever had. The geometry worked perfectly for me, and it had that perfect, springy feel that makes a good steel frame such a joy to ride. Unfortunately, it got destroyed when I got hit by a taxi in Korea, but I've never stopped wanting to get another, especially if I can find another Erba. Doing a full NJS build isn't for me, but the frames and a lot of the components are absolutely worth it IMO.

Also, buying NJS stuff used is a great way to make the prices way more affordable. Buying on Yahoo Auctions from outside Japan can be tricky, but it's a great place to find the gear. This morning I was looking at NJS frames again and there were a lot of solid deals to be had.

[johnmcclain]

A rather interesting story on some special bikes, thanks for the history and show of quality workmanship.

[drtoothpaste]

NJS are beautiful bikes for sure, I know someone with 2 Samson frames. How about a bit more pictures or video of some new bikes you shot instead of re-used footage. I can never get enough of fixed gear bikes. Fun video as always.

[onewheelisbetterthan]

Bro you have taught me so much about fixed gear bikes in the last few weeks....thank you for your videos

[digs]

As an NJS rider for about 12 years now I thought I'd give this video a shot - and I really enjoyed it, spot on! - thanks for making it dude! (Hopefully this doesn't jack up the prices as they are still out of fashion here in the UK)
Looks like you have a pretty solid crew in Taipei too! Nice - keep shredding!

[raiseyou]

Good info on NJS bikes, and wonderful b-roll from of my favorite cities. I went to grad school in Taiwan and actually saw a few of the guys I used to roll with chilling in the background!

[knarf_on_a_bike]

Bought my first NJS frame, an Umezawa, this summer. I gotta say, it's the nicest bike I've ridden. Beautifully made, exquisite paint job, so smooth and comfy (compared to my last two aluminium track bikes). A real piece of functional art, I love riding it. One day I hope to have all NJS parts on it, but that will take time and money.

[psgsnr]

The NJS certification also comes from the insurance that the part/frame provider will be able to keep making/delivering the same part over and over. There are also some NJS frame brands which lost their certification due to failure of components. So NJS stamped parts despite the cost are meant to be used in quite harsh conditions without failing (since contact is allowed between riders, crashes are pretty common in Japanese keirin )

[noice]

Personally, I love completely handmade lugged steel frames. They're one of the highest forms of industrial art, and you could say that there's some of the frame builder's soul accompanying you on each ride. When it comes to Keirin racing, the only thing I'd like to see if clipless pedals, however, I guess they insist on slotted cleats and old-style pedals with clips and straps because you'll come out of them faster and easier during a crash.

[airjackson]

My Bridgestone NJS is an absolute joy to ride. They really are something special.

[scottknapp]

Love all your videos, but this one is your best. Great mix of scholarship and fun. Taipei 101 in the background is also a nice touch.

[richardharris]

That was really interesting, Zach. I understand the liking for steel frames. I've had carbon, aluminum, as well as steel. I've just resurrected a 1980s Nikishi Landau, and it now has handlebar shifting. It's a really great ride, and fast too. I believe the frame is made from double-butted chromoly tubing.

[pennryan]

Awww good summary at the end, just as I was dismissing them you brought it back to the basic pitch of fixed

[winterwilliams]

Mostly on point, but a few quick thoughts:

While Kaisei tubing is common, it's not required and other tubes are used. My Nagasawa uses Tange tubing for example. I've seen a few that use Dedacciai and Columbus also.
Technically 3Rensho is pronounced San Rensho, but that's more a language thing than anything else.
I think they're kind of an amazing value tbh. Used frames in good condition are easily found for 500-1000. Obviously they're a lot more new, but any domestic handbuilt boutique frame is going to cost just as much, and unlike the NJS frames, there isn't a huge used market for them.

[Marcus]

Nice, First time in 7 years I felt like upgrading my Kona Paddy wagon, havent looked at another bike since .