MarkusForest

Hello all.

There seems to be very little on here (or the entire internet) about Kabuki Track bikes. In the interest of expanding our group knowledge, here is mine i just picked up. I will update this as time allows. All images found here Flickr

Please do post anything you may know about Kabuki Track Bikes.

Feel free to tag a Bridgestone/Kabuki expert member.

This bike is in completely original shape (with the addition of a modern brake lever and fresh brake pads).

Catnap 

As far as I know, Kabuki was a sub-brand of Bridgestone. However I haven't seen that particular headbadge before. Normally they look more like this:

MarkusForest

Ya, I was able to determine the Bridgestone connection. I have seen the 1975 track bike comparision PDF floating around. I cant find any decent pictures of other Kabuki Track bikes. Seem to be rare.

Yep, seen that head badge around also. Have not seen mine around.

bikemig 

This is a very cool bike.

Sixty Fiver

I had a scruffier version of this very bike... the filet brazed models were much nicer than the lugged models and they are a hella nice ride.

MarkusForest

Did it have the green head badge as pictured? Recognize any of the group?

RaleighSport

Wow that has to be the most gorgeous Kabuki I can recall seeing! All I know about Kabuki is it's relationship to bridgestone. I wish you much luck in your search for knowledge.

Sixty Fiver

I have some regret selling the one I had but it did go to a friend who absolutely adores it and says it is his favourite bike... and a few of his other rides say Colnago on them.

Sixty Fiver

Same frame, same head badge, decals were worn off... it was raced here at the track and then retired.

If you decide to part with it let me know... my friend collects track bicycles and this would blow his mind.

MarkusForest

ok, good to know about the head badge. And no, sorry, going to keep this one.

Sixty Fiver

If you want a track bike to ride on the street the Kabuki is pretty awesome... they are a little weightier than some but they are a pure sprint bike and as such were designed for folks who would be twisting up the big gears and the ride and handling is really stable.

MarkusForest

Any other comments?

noglider 

Really nice track bike! The fork rake seems like a lot for a track bike, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

MikeTé

!!!!!!!!!!

Henry III

Those are really small fillets on that frame. I almost thought they were TIG welded but judging on the age you never see any TIG welded frames from the 70's. Very cool bike.

repechage

My guides it is 45mm. The tracks in Japan are often big and not super steeply banked, so from the national view, probably typical for the time.
My guess this was a direct domestic market machine that got exported, possibly the reason for the alternate head badge.

thunderworks

The headbadge has the initials CI on it. In the mid 1970's there were a few bikes marketed with the name "C Itoh". They were connected somehow to Bridgestone. I wonder if the CI on the headbadge is a reference to CToh?

MarkusForest

Wow, thank you all for the responses. Learning a bit more every time. Here is one more pictures, last one I promise.

Grand Bois

That's the first decent bike I've seen with the Kabuki name on it.

Giacomo 1 

So I have to ask - do you racer at the local velodrome or is she a strictly a street bike?

Looks like a real fast track racer....

MarkusForest

I have only owned it for about a year. It is only a coffee getter, and I have not put more than 10km on it. I hope to take it to the velodrome in Montreal next summer a few times as I have never been.

Thumpic

I really like the swoopy handle bars! Will they be taped?

Giacomo 1 

Although I've seen it done, normally you wouldn't tape track bars, except on the drops, because there really only meant to be ridden from the drops when on the track. There also not very comfortable to hold on the flat or the "hoods". The swoopy shape of track bars have a function besides beauty, there meant to keep your wrists from hitting the upper part of the bar when in the sprint.

They actually make bar end grips for them.

MarkusForest

I can attest to the top part of the bars being the most uncomfortable riding position. Casual riding is painful after about 20 mins. Wrists are facing outwards. It is actually more comfortable riding on the drops.

Also, bar tape if/when I take it out for a serious velodrome ride, otherwise, i love the clean shiny look.

modelmartin

I have a Kabuki Submariner Stainless tubed bike with the same headbadge. I believe that badge predates the red badge. There are also Kabuki badges with Korea marked on them. Itoh was an exporter in Japan. They are still around but sell copiers now instead of bikes. All C. Itoh and Kabuki bikes were made by Bridgestone, I believe. They had a full range of bikes from all steel 35 pound 10 speeds to some pretty high end 21 pound steel road bikes. They even made unicycles and stationary excercise bikes too, all with Kabuki markings. I have a few catalogs showing off all of their many models. Itoh and their predecesser Skyway even made Sting Ray style bikes. I have no idea why I am fascinated by these bikes. I have 5 Kabuki/Itoh bikes right now and am always looking for more of their interesting models like the Hilltopper which was a 15 speed touring bike and the Diamond Formula which was the 21 pound road bike. I wouldn't mind an Itoh Sting Ray either!