3Rensho or Sparton?
09-10-08 | 01:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
One skid from blown knees
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 913
Likes: 7
From: New York City
3Rensho or Sparton?
I've been wanting an undrilled, lugged (NJS) frame for some time now and have decided that it will most likely be a 3Rensho. Problem is, in my size (57-59cm) the price for a used frameset rivals that of buying something with a motor.
On the other hand, I can get a brand-new-hand-made frameset from Jorge at Sparton frames for $279 shipped. Unlike 3Rensho, there has been much controversy about the geometry, build quality, sizing, weight, etc. Sparton has recently opened a brick and mortar in SC, tho.
What to do, what to do???
Anyone have any info on the painting process of the Keirin frames, youknow, with all the different color detail? How do they get it so neat, like in the engraved letters of the seat stays??
On the other hand, I can get a brand-new-hand-made frameset from Jorge at Sparton frames for $279 shipped. Unlike 3Rensho, there has been much controversy about the geometry, build quality, sizing, weight, etc. Sparton has recently opened a brick and mortar in SC, tho.
What to do, what to do???
Anyone have any info on the painting process of the Keirin frames, youknow, with all the different color detail? How do they get it so neat, like in the engraved letters of the seat stays??
09-10-08 | 01:59 PM
#6
Team Sohoku
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,003
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From: Not where I want to be.
Bikes: BMC, Cannondale, '87 Nishiki Modulus, 3Rensho Keirin
This thread can get ugly fast, so I hope this comment is posted before too much flaming ensues...
I am getting a Sparton myself. For the money it's a very nice frame and I was personally attracted to the lure of a frame built by hand in a small shop in Chile. For my purposes, I feel it is going to be a great bike once built and it suits me well. I would not however even think of comparing it to a 3Rensho any more than I would compare a Schwinn to a DeRosa. Like you, I would love to have an NJS frame, but the price is more than I am willing to pay at this time.
I don't know anything about the painting processes used on Keirin frames, but I am certain that a competent painter could emulate the look of some of the more exotic finishes. As for the engraving, that is best done using a flow pencil which is just applicator that transfers paint in smooth flowing lines. I've used this tool before and it is almost too easy to get good results provided the enamel is at the proper viscosity.
Anyway, if you do decide on the Sparton, I'd love to see your final build.
I am getting a Sparton myself. For the money it's a very nice frame and I was personally attracted to the lure of a frame built by hand in a small shop in Chile. For my purposes, I feel it is going to be a great bike once built and it suits me well. I would not however even think of comparing it to a 3Rensho any more than I would compare a Schwinn to a DeRosa. Like you, I would love to have an NJS frame, but the price is more than I am willing to pay at this time.
I don't know anything about the painting processes used on Keirin frames, but I am certain that a competent painter could emulate the look of some of the more exotic finishes. As for the engraving, that is best done using a flow pencil which is just applicator that transfers paint in smooth flowing lines. I've used this tool before and it is almost too easy to get good results provided the enamel is at the proper viscosity.
Anyway, if you do decide on the Sparton, I'd love to see your final build.
09-10-08 | 02:26 PM
#8
Thread Starter
One skid from blown knees
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 913
Likes: 7
From: New York City
Thanks for all of your responses. I know there is not really a comparison, given the history of 3Rensho. However, I guess what I'm asking is if the price of a 3Rensho frame really justify buying over an unknown brand, similarly hand crafted?
Granted, I don't have to see a 3Rensho in person to buy it, that's part of the power of the history.
But I spoke to Jorge from Sparton frames on the phone unfortunately the info available on these frames is too wishy-washy. Can't get a straight answer on geometry (I have see some in pics videos that look awesome, but some that look slack, plus the specs on their site looks like road geo).
I think the answer is just to get a Sparton frame. Set it up. Ride it. If it doesn't do it for me, eBay it & buy the San Rensho.
Granted, I don't have to see a 3Rensho in person to buy it, that's part of the power of the history.
But I spoke to Jorge from Sparton frames on the phone unfortunately the info available on these frames is too wishy-washy. Can't get a straight answer on geometry (I have see some in pics videos that look awesome, but some that look slack, plus the specs on their site looks like road geo).
I think the answer is just to get a Sparton frame. Set it up. Ride it. If it doesn't do it for me, eBay it & buy the San Rensho.
09-10-08 | 02:27 PM
#10
Thread Starter
One skid from blown knees
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 913
Likes: 7
From: New York City
I looked at Sparton frames and they seem pretty nice but not at all or even close to 3Rensho. I would much rather have a 3Rensho, but they are pricey. So i'd say for the price go for the Sparton, make sure you show us pics of it and the build.
Is ebay the only place to look at/get Sparton frames?
Is ebay the only place to look at/get Sparton frames?
09-10-08 | 02:34 PM
#12
yo yo yo yo yo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,518
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From: delaware
good luck selling a sparton on ebay (or finding a 59cm 3rensho)..
geo: https://www.thevarsityproject.org/geometry
not tarck enough i'm afraid
geo: https://www.thevarsityproject.org/geometry
not tarck enough i'm afraid
09-10-08 | 02:35 PM
#13
shiz bichiz
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 225
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The Keirin frames have great details because they are made by master craftmen. I'm not sure we can say that the Sparton is similarly crafted. It may be, but there still isn't a lot of info.
The Aliens, however, are beginning to float their way into people's hands and they look good. Initial reports are positive. And these images from the powdercoater - there's no high-end detailing or anything, but the sparkle powdercoat looks great!
https://www.powdercoatstudio.com/alien/sparkle/
The Aliens, however, are beginning to float their way into people's hands and they look good. Initial reports are positive. And these images from the powdercoater - there's no high-end detailing or anything, but the sparkle powdercoat looks great!
https://www.powdercoatstudio.com/alien/sparkle/
09-10-08 | 02:55 PM
#19
Thread Starter
One skid from blown knees
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 913
Likes: 7
From: New York City
09-10-08 | 02:56 PM
#20
Thread Starter
One skid from blown knees
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 913
Likes: 7
From: New York City
09-10-08 | 02:59 PM
#22
say, by the way...
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 3
From: VE, Italy
Bikes: 2 wheels...
09-10-08 | 03:38 PM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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You're comparing one of the best lines of lightweight handmade steel bikes ever made, period, to some piece of **** hi-ten steel budget brand. That doesn't make any sense. The 3rensho is a bike that is worth as much as you are willing to pay for it. If you buy it and take care of it, it could last you your whole life. You may never want to replace it. A large part of the price of a 3rensho, however, comes with the name, even if they do ride better than any other comparable frame (this is hypothetical. I don't really know, having never ridden one myself).
The Sparton is some mass-produced budget frame that nobody knows anything about, even now, months after first hearing of it. Also, the seat binder bolt on that blue Sparton looks like someone took the seat lug off of a 1978 Schwinn Varsity and glued it onto a "track" frame.
The Sparton is some mass-produced budget frame that nobody knows anything about, even now, months after first hearing of it. Also, the seat binder bolt on that blue Sparton looks like someone took the seat lug off of a 1978 Schwinn Varsity and glued it onto a "track" frame.