raygunner

The first round of Keirin frames on Reload's site seem to go pretty fast.

They have some cool, yet expensive, frames on their site but they've seem to been there for awhile.

What's up with their waiting list?

They said it was "very long". But really, how long could it be?

How many people in the United States want, and would ACTUALLY PURCHASE $500+ Japanese track frame?

Are they getting anymore soon?

Who's got the skinny?

ink1373

i've always thought those frames were a bit overpriced. with ebay and some patience you can get a much better deal.

48x16

They sell most of the bikes they get in. There is a growing market for keirin frames in the U.S. It's a fetish item and a lot of people like the idea of building a 100% NJS bike.

raygunner

I understand. It's super cool. I'd like to do this too.

But how many people are actually doing this.

You can only sell so many $500 frames. Alot of people WANT the frames, but how many can actually PURCHASE them.

I can do both, lust & purchase, which why I'm curious on whats' up. I wouldn't mind plunkin' down some cash. They just don't have one in my size and to my liking...

Judah

E-framebank, cheaper and better selection.

Plus, the way they box their bikes is super-cool.

48x16

People who spend $150-$200 on a man purse would probably spend $500 on a frame.

raygunner

Dude, I dunno about you but people who pack stuff well are good people in my book. Seriously.

Judah

Oh yeah, and the beauty was that they used a minimal amount of material. It was like, the box, two small specially cut pieces of styrofoam, some bubble-wrap, two cardboard braces, and the two dropout-holders. That was it. Japanese efficiency at it's best.

SamHouston

They get nice frames and do it right. They're expensive to import, real expensive actually. It's a fetish item that if you want it the price is good. It's also a growing thing in North America, keirin will soon be a standard event at any track and folks want to do it right.

hisoft

Yeah Judah, I agree. When I got my box from e-framebank, it was solid with no 'clanking' or loose parts inside. I opened the box and was surprised to see that there was a lot of empty space inside but the bike was being suspended by cleverly placed styrofoam blocks and it didn't budge during its overseas journey. They wrap all the tubes in bubblewrap (the top, down, chainstays, seatstays, fork etc) so nothing will get scratched. The frame was in better shape than it looked on the website.

You will get a better deal off of e-framebank because the frames are usually in better condition and they throw in both the headset and the bottom bracket for free. I believe reload only gives you the headset. Plus when you buy through e-framebank you'd be supporting the young up-and-coming Japanese keirin racers of tomorrow.

raygunner

I dunno. I'm not looking for a Bridgestone...

hisoft

I had my e-framebank frame shipped to me from Japan for about $75. Not bad at all.

teadoggg

i though these cats weren't shipping to US anymore. if they are, i'm gettin' one!

hisoft

They temporarily suspended overseas sales...They're going to start again when they get a better stock of frames in their warehouse. But if you have someone you know in Japan right now, he/she could order it for you and in turn ship it to you over here in the states. That's what I did.

teadoggg

cool. thanks!

so who here is in Japan and wants to befriend me?

eddiebrannan

can someone explain to me how e-framebank works?

hisoft

You go on the e-framebank website and you pick out the frame you want. Then you are asked to fill out a form with your information (name, address, etc.). Then e-framebank sends you a bank account number where you will be depositing your payment into. You send your payment through the Japanese postal system (sort of like a money order) since it's the cheapest and most secure way of sending money. After they confirm that your payment was received, they send out the frame. For me this whole process took about a week...From ordering the frame to receiving it.

Hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask me if you have any other questions.