Following on from these two threads.
www.retrobike.co.uk
www.retrobike.co.uk
So, we don't see so many Japanese made bikes or frames on here but what would your holy grail be? It could be a small 1-man-and-his-dog manufacturer that makes 50 frames a year, or a bigger company like Panasonic, Fuji or Bridgestone (though the latter was multinational, their frames were made in Japan).
For me, Zunow or 3Rensho. I didn't see these makers until the early 2000's when i got online (56k modem in them days), but they always had an appeal. A great attention to detail and some amazing painting.
What's your Holy Grail among British frame builders?
Probably Bill Philbrook for me. How about you?
www.retrobike.co.uk
What is your Holy Grail among French frame builders?
Mine would have to be SMG (Jean Frelat) from the late 70's to late 80's. He built frames mostly using the bronze fillet-brazing technique. They were organic in my opinion, like avant-garde sculptures. Frelat - always a patriotic man who snubbed Reynolds and Columbus tubing (though he did build...
www.retrobike.co.uk
So, we don't see so many Japanese made bikes or frames on here but what would your holy grail be? It could be a small 1-man-and-his-dog manufacturer that makes 50 frames a year, or a bigger company like Panasonic, Fuji or Bridgestone (though the latter was multinational, their frames were made in Japan).
For me, Zunow or 3Rensho. I didn't see these makers until the early 2000's when i got online (56k modem in them days), but they always had an appeal. A great attention to detail and some amazing painting.
