Old Breadbutt

ok, so a friend of a friend is in japan and is going to grab a frame for me, I just got an email and need to respond ASAP. there are two used frames in my size available, one is an Ohtaki and one is a Vivalo.
Other than the fact that both frames are NJS, I don't know anything about either of these frambuilders, I've seen Vivalos on frambank but thats the extent of my knowledge.

does anyone have anything to tell me that might help me decide?

before replying
sorry, but there is no way for me to get a picture of either frame, or to ask any detailed questions. pretty much, all I know is that one is yellow, one is red, one is Ohtaki, one is Vivalo, both are my size and a perfect price for me (I don't even know which is red and which is yellow).

I really apreciate any help, and please, PLEASE wait till I get some info before derailing, I won't have a chance to get a frame this nice that I can afford for a long time. thanks!

hyperRevue

Buying a frame without seeing it or knowing any specifics about its condition seems sketchy.

Buying a high-end, NJS frame without knowing anything about it or the framebuilder seems pointless.

(was this the sort of derailing you were worried about?)

Old Breadbutt

KINDA WHY I STARTED THIS THREAD.

anyway, it's my size and the price is awesome. if I can't ride it, I can def sell it for more than I'm paying, but I can't afford to buy both.

oh I don't know, someone making the first post in the thread with absolutely no helpful information.

xthugmurderx

VIVALO!!! but they'll both do the job...

DoshKel

Rushed decisions are really bad. Some work out, but I have had **** luck with them. I know nothing about either build, but just make sure you are completely sure that you are doing the right thing.

hyperRevue

Sort of missed my point, but whatever.

Old Breadbutt

can someone actually read the post before replying? JESUS, all I asked is if anyone knew anything about either framebuilder. thats all I need. period. I don't want anyones opinion on how to spend money.

Old Breadbutt

+1
THANK YOU. I would REALLY appreciate some explanation as to why you prefer Vivalo, but THANK YOU for at least answering my question.

sers

i'd be hesitant to lay down cash for either without knowing how beat up they are.

that said, if i absolutely had to make a decision, i'd probably go for the vivalo since i think that it's a larger studio than ohtaki

xthugmurderx

anytime...i don't know anything about the man, but i've ridden two of them, and they are SO DOPE!! I'd buy one in a heartbeat, if I had that kind of cash...i should start having children and selling them...that would work.

-jason

DoshKel

Its not like me not saying anything will make the replies go faster. Hyper and I are just giving advice. Don't wanna take it? Don't take it. But don't act like an ass.

hyperRevue

Don't even bother, Doshkel.

xthugmurderx

just be aware that they'll both have 110mm spaced dropouts and those can be hard to find if you don't want to just respace a forumula hub (hopefully you'll get components worthy of the frame).

Old Breadbutt

what point was that?
I know the frame is my size, and if it for whatever reason doesn't fit, I know I can resell it for a profit. if you know something about either framebuilder, please enlighten me, if you want to expand with some advice on frame buying, thats fine, but I didn't ask for that.

DoshKel

Yea true.

Old Breadbutt

THANK YOU, that's a second for Vivalo. and with some reason as to why.
I hear what people are saying about not knowing much about the frames, but I trust the person picking them up enough to take the chance and that's all there is to it.

freebird

So your friend couldn't tell you what color the frames were, let alone whether or not they were crashed/tweaked in any way (the reason NJS frames end up in the boneyard. Doesn't mean they're not rideable, but those guys don't just give frames away for no reason.)
People here are trying to help you man. Seems like you're gonna splash out either way, but buying things, sight unseen, thru a rep who maybe doesn't know what to look for might not be such a good idea.

Oh **** it..
Vivalo, dog! That shti's the bomb! Or whatever.

Old Breadbutt

wow. thread derailed with only two helpful posts.
thanks.

freebird

You're welcome.

cassette

flip a coin. they'll both be fine. vivalos just pop up more. it's not like one is a chrome pista and the other is a merckx.

el twe

Zzzzzzzzzing!

dmg

The one Vivalo I've seen is a thing of beauty. Of course, I've never seen an Ohtaki....

absntr

I'll actually be getting an Ohtaki in with a shipment. Here's a photo if you're curious as to what they look like (Ohtaki frames are from Shinagawa, Tokyo):

dmg

The obvious choice is to get them both and sell whichever one you don't want on eBay for five times what was paid for it.

Old Breadbutt

absntr, thanks, actually saw some pics on the other forum. gonna go with the Ohtaki!!