DONTZER DON FANGO

Introducing the second collaboration frame between DONTZER's NJS builder and BROTURES. Named FANGO, which means "mud," this adventure bike is designed to handle off-road conditions as well.

The FANGO is designed not only for city riding but also for off-road adventures, featuring a frame that accommodates wide tires necessary for rough terrain. All pipes are made from durable chromoly, ensuring the strength needed for trick riding.

Fully Equipped for Adventure!
While traditional track bikes typically only fit tires up to 28mm, the FANGO frame supports tires up to 35mm, making it perfect for both urban and off-road riding. This versatile bike allows you to enjoy tricks and a wide range of riding experiences.

The wide-profile frame built by a keirin builder might seem paradoxical, but it creates a unique bike capable of seamlessly transitioning from on-road to off-road riding. Designed for demanding braking, it features V-brake (cantilever brake) mounts while also accommodating caliper brakes.

In today's diverse riding scenarios, bikes need to adapt to various conditions. If you switch from your current track bike to the FANGO, you can reuse most of your existing parts. For those wanting to take it to the mountains or camping for trail riding, the V-brakes or cantilever brakes will be ideal. This compatibility adds to its appeal.

Chosen for its exceptional toughness and durability

To embody the bike's concept, the down tube, top tube, and head tube are made from TANGE's CHAMPION NO.3, commonly known as "HEAVY DUTY TUBE." This robust material, typically used for BMX and mountain bikes, is rarely seen in track bikes. Each frame is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring extreme strength and durability.

Using the heavy-duty CHAMPION NO.3 tubing for all sections would make the bike too stiff and difficult to ride. Therefore, the seat tube, which extends below the seat, is made from the lighter and more flexible NO.2 tubing used in the CLASSICO model. While the diameter difference is only 0.1mm, this innovative choice significantly improves pedaling comfort and reduces pressure on the rider's seat.

Distinctive Thickness Not Seen in Traditional Chromoly Frames

The FANGO stands out with its slightly thicker pipes, unlike the standard 25.4mm or 28.6mm diameters found in typical chromoly and NJS frames. The top tube is 34.9mm and the down tube is 38.1mm, giving the bike a unique and fresh look. While these dimensions may be hard to visualize, seeing the bike in person reveals a noticeably robust appearance, setting it apart from the slender chromoly frames most people are accustomed to.

In addition, the seat stays are made from KAISEI tubing, while the chain stays feature COLUMBUS tubing. The fork is also luxuriously crafted with COLUMBUS tubing. By selecting the most effective tubes for each section, handmade frames have a significant advantage and benefit. Such attention to detail is impossible in factory mass production.

A Geometry Miracle: Capable Off-Road Performance and Exceptional Acceleration

The FANGO is a powerhouse machine that combines crucial acceleration for city riding with the ability to handle off-road terrain. Typically, bikes meant for off-road use have longer wheelbases and more relaxed head and seat angles for stability. This geometry supports a stable ride.

Many might assume that the FANGO's comfort on city streets would be inferior to other track bikes. However, this bike defies expectations with its high bottom bracket height and aggressive seat angle, derived and adopted from track bikes. This daring geometry not only ensures stability but also provides exceptional acceleration, making the FANGO a miraculous frame.

What you'll notice when riding is that despite its solid feel due to using high-stiffness materials, the frame itself feels surprisingly light. It's characterized by a smooth acceleration.

Perfect for Bicycle Camping Trips

One intriguing feature of this frame is the rear dropout with threaded eyelets. This allows for the attachment of a rear rack, a feature not typically found in traditional NJS frames. This addition significantly expands the bike's potential as an adventure bike.

You can load up gear like a single tent, cot, chair, and table onto the rear rack, and attach a front rack for carrying clothing changes and food supplies. This setup makes overnight bicycle camping trips entirely feasible.

This season, it's highly recommended to engage in this type of adventure. Transforming your commute into an adventure turns travel itself into a source of enjoyment.

Feelings of the DONTZER Builder Behind the FANGO

Interestingly, the BROTURES × DONTZER collaboration originally involved Tom, also known as Okazaki-kun, who previously worked as a mechanic at TR Co., Ltd., which operates within BROTURES. That personal connection adds even more passion and dedication to the craftsmanship behind the FANGO.

He's rapidly growing as one of Japan's few handmade builders, meticulously welding each frame to perfection. TR is fully dedicated to frame production as a keirin builder, focusing on creating handmade vehicles specialized for speed. According to the builder, the FANGO is a frame that prioritizes strength and rigidity above all else. It represents a new challenge for TR, potentially marking a pioneering collaboration on a global scale.

Indeed, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this frame symbolizes the era of diversification. This six-pronged approach encapsulates the charm of the FANGO.

However, there are still many specifications and details packed into this frame that haven't been fully covered yet. For more insights, please check out the YouTube channel of Fujimoto, the chief mechanic at BROTURES.

A rare frame with a limited production of just 15 units, exclusively made to order. It serves as a daily commuter during the week and a vehicle for outdoor adventures away from the city on weekends. This single bike encompasses such luxurious versatility.