Originally Posted by
carleton
Hahahahaha!
There are even Keirin racers in Japan don't want Keirin bikes. They only ride them because they have to.
If your objective is to either:
A) Have a lighter bike
B) Have a stiffer bike
C) Win races aside from Keirins in Japan
Then a non-NJS bike might be for you!
As far as NJS goes, I can't see why anyone would want to pay so much for inferior technology and geometry.
Mongoose441, I challenge you to ride a full NJS bike then ride a comparably priced modern bike (clipless pedals and all) and get back to us. I race with guys that can literally afford any bike they want to race and none of them have NJS bikes.
technology i see, but i don't follow on an inferior njs geometry. as far as i know geometry isn't njs regulated.
the frames are good quality, and i'm pretty sure there's plenty of racers out there still using dura ace track hubs. maybe not at the most elite levels, but a low flange dura ace loose ball hub is old tech, but pretty solid.
people still race on square taper. outboard bearings are superior, but they don't seem real prevalent in the track market yet compared to square taper.
I don't race on track, don't plan to really, but if i were i don't think i'd be looking at steel bikes, njs or not. i'd be on CF or titanium probably. I support your argument that njs bikes are supremely overrated, but i mean if you can grab a vivalo or samson for $400 that's a solid deal atmo