Classic & Vintage - If you're ever in Tokyo

I'm usually lurking in the track forum, but I thought some of you might like to know there's a couple of shops in Tokyo that carry vintage parts.

I visited one today in Ryoguku (where they do the sumo) - here's some photos:

http://tvvas.blogspot.com/2007/04/ishikawa-cycle-sports.html#links

The other place worth checking out is Cycles Yokoo" http://www.cycles-yokoo.co.jp/cycles.html

The Yokoo guy has an amazing amount of old stuff for sale - as well as complete bikes - both Japanese and European. He's friendly too.

Thank you oldsprinter!

I especially liked the photo of the massive chainring for motopacing. Tolfan mentioned a huge chainring he was going to install on one of his bikes, he obviously picked it up from this shop :D .

Also, that white bike is so visually appealing. Amazing how the owner went to so much trouble to even match the lock.

Nice blog, by the way...

East Hill

Hi dear people,

Anybody know a proper shop in Nagoya ?

Thank you

Melvin

I wish I'd have visited a cool bike shop while I was there. Maybe next time.

I wish I'd have visited a cool bike shop while I was there. Maybe next time.

me too.. i didn't have much time and never found any.. next time i will be prepared with a list

sprinter, is it possible you weren't being polite enough or something ? aren't there weird formats for politely/formally interacting with strangers in japanese ?

me too.. i didn't have much time and never found any.. next time i will be prepared with a list

sprinter, is it possible you weren't being polite enough or something ? aren't there weird formats for politely/formally interacting with strangers in japanese ?

Yes, looking back on my encounter I forgot a few basic rules. I didn't have to be super formal, but as he was older I shouldn't have been trying to impress him, I should instead have been asking questions and looking super interested (in Japan it's known as the "so desu ne" or "is that so" routine). My problem is my language ability is so-so - therefore, asking "Wow, that's a brilliant motorpace chainring, what was it used for" is a bit beyond my ability.

But at the end of the day, he was an old man in a very working class area of Tokyo who had work to do. Reverse the situation and send a Japanese guy who speaks poor English into Bob Jackson cycles and you'd probably get the same result.

When I was over there, I figured there was no way shops would have bikes in my size. Especially because when I was walking down crowded sidewalks, I could see for blocks over everyone else's head. It was one of the weirder experiences in my life.

Great thread - thanks.