NJS (Nihon Jitensha Shinkokai*). It is the name of the standard for bicycles and components made in Japan and used for Keirin. Only bikes and parts that have received NJS certification are available in Keirin velodromes. In recent years, the term has come refer to bicycles used for Keirin competitions. NJS has been the foundation of much fixed-gear culture, and also makin a significant impact on the street scene.
*Nihon = Japan, Jitensha = Bicycle, Shinkokai = Association for the promotion
In this blog, I'd like to talk about our carefully selected NJS customized bike.
First, have you ever seen Keirin? It is a state-controlled gambling bike race that originated in Japan, and its name is also used for one of the track races held by the UCI. The key difference between Keirin by the UCI and Japanese Keirin is "Bicycles". As seen in the above youtube I attached, international competitions feature cutting-edge bikes that showcase the latest technology, while Japanese Keirin strictly uses steel bicycles (carbon bikes are allowed in Keirin women's category). These steel Keirin bikes are NJS that captivate so many fixed gear enthusiasts.
NJS frames are handmade by skilled craftsmen, tailored to each Keirin rider's physique. Therefore, NJS bikes used for street riding or commuting are typically second-hand. We carefully select NJS frames from used markets.
When the frame arrive, we conduct a thorough inspection with the utmost care. Since used frames can have hidden issues, we meticulously check each one, ensuring that only the finest selections make it to our shop. Even though these frames are second-hand, we believe they should be in the best possible condition when they reach our customers, so we perform detailed pre-maintenance on every frame before it's sold.
Cleaning and greasing - an essential process when dealing with a used frame. You might find severe rust or heavy dirt buildup if you open up the headset. That's why it's important to check these area thoroughly. By properly cleaning, greasing, and reinstalling the components, you can keep the bike in good condition.
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A well-known handmade bike builder from Japan. In recent years, SAMSON no longer produce NJS frames, so the value of their used NJS frames is excepted to rise. For NJS enthusiasts, it is no exaggeration to say that this is a frame they will want to ride at least once in their life.
This build's concept is "Street Keirin Style."
Some might say that those two styles cannot coexist, or that using NJS-certified parts designed for Keirin is overkill for using on the streets. However, I think that if these high-quality components are trusted to support pro racers in actual competitions, they can also definitely meet the demands of riders who seek pure speed on the streets. I'm going to showcase a customized setup that blends the authentic Keirin aesthetic with just the right amount of street essence.
In professional Keirin, only track handle are used. Sometimes, I saw riders on the street imitating that look by using track handle. When it comes to slim-style NJS frames, I think this is the only handlebar that really works besides the track handle.
NITTO RB-001 Bullhorn $43.00 USD
Bullhorn bars suit aggressive riding style. In the iconic film Premium Rush, the main character, Wilee, rode a slim chromoly frame with the bullhorn bar as a messenger. By the way, I used to install RB-001 on my own NJS. So this time, I chose it again - a bar full of good memories.
As a subtle accent, I put NITTO's gold end caps. The stem is also NJS-certified - NITTO NP2. Outfitting the cockpit with trusted NITTO components is the optimal choice without a doubt when building up a n NJS frame.
selle ITALIA FLITE 1990 NJS embroidery
Most of the saddles actually used in Keirin are extremely stiff. It is necessary to transfer the rider's power efficiently without any loss - but for every cycling, it might not be comfortable. The saddle I chose this time has a classic design that matches vintage frames beautifully, and it's also NJS-certified.
SHIMANO DURA-ACE FC-7710 $464.00 USD
When it comes to the drivetrain, the heart of the bike, there is no room for compromise. I feel like there is always an ongoing debate: Sugino 75 or Dura-Ace? To be honest, I'll explain why later, my preference is Dura-ace.
MKS SYLVAN TRACK NEXT $60.00 USD
MKS TOE CLIP STEEL DEEP TWIN $18.00 USD
MKS FIT-α Sports 2 Buckle $75.00 USD
For the pedal setup, I kept it unified with MKS components. That's just common sense - nothing more needs to be said. The reason why I chose the FIT α Sports rather than FIT α Spirits is because it's more toughness. This durability is important for hard riding on the streets, like skidding.
H PLUS SON TB-14 "THE BOX" × SHIMANO DURA-ACE TRACK HUB HB-7600
The Dura-ace hubs are necessary when building this kind of customized bikes. SHIMANO also offers a wide range of NJS-certified parts, like cogs and lockrings, which makes it easy to create a cohesive look for the bottom line of bikes - that's one of the reason I really like Dura-ace. One unique feature of Dura-ace hubs is that can be disassembled, cleaned, and re-greased. Even if you get a NJS frame with 110 rear end, it's possible to simply swap the axle and use the same wheels, making frame changes much more convenient.
The TB-14 has a classic look that brings the bike's appearance closer to that of the NJS tack bikes ridden by professional Keirin racers. While NJS-certified rims are made for tubular tires, I can say they should be inconvenient for riders who go through tires quickly. That is why I chose clincher rims for today's build.
There is no single "correct" answer to build a bike.
That's exactly why it's important to start with a clear concept at the core of your build. When each part is chosen for a solid reason, the bike as a whole truly shines. Since NJS frames are often sold as frameset only, it's a perfect opportunity to experience the full process of building a bike from the ground up, and we would like to be part of that journey.
If you're interested, feel free to share your concept - what kind of bike you want to build - through our order form. We'll be more than happy to help bring that vision to life.
Tatsu