So i'm looking twords getting my first keirin frame and i'm trying to get a feel for the price range i'm in for. I realise certain brands catch more attention than others, and size plays a big part in it. I ride a 58 though and based off of looking round keirin culture for awhile seems as if they're the most expensive.. 2x fold even, than their smaller counter parts. What am i getting into buying a keirin frame in the U.S.? because as of now it looks like for a 58-range frame im going to endup dropping pretty close to a grand just for the frame.

What do you guys think?
thanks.

yep. the big sizes tend to be harder to find and thus their prices get jacked way up. at the price some of those keirin culture frames go for you are better off getting a custom from kalavinka or otherwise.

Alright, well let me ask you this then, i'm traveling to japan this summer, hypothetically if i could come back with several near mint keirin frames the 56-59 range, for about 400 each would it be worth my while to ship it back and resell them in the us?

A grand will get you a new custom frame from a ton of different builders, with your specs, paint choice, tubing choice, etc.

You can even have a custom frame made with the lugs that some keirin frames have, similar geometry, etc.

I'd go that route if I were ever considering dropping a g on a used frame.

forget about it.

it will take you a year (if not forever) to find several near mint keirin frames in the 56-59 range for about 400 each.

Keirin is .01% of Japan.

go to Japan, have fun & experience any and everything.

Hokkaido - look into visiting there.

potus is 100% correct. If you go to japan for just a frame, damn...you will miss so much. I am always amazed at the history in most of the other nations of the world.

and how some foreigners/visitors ignore it when they are there.

i got my keirin for $350.... granted, it's 53cm, made in the 80's, and came without a BB.

but the damn things got an NJS stamp! instant resale profit!

I got my panasonic for 350.

your panasonic looks pretty identical to my bridgestone.

but the question was, is it newer or built in the 80's? champ no. 2 tubing?

if going to Hokaido in winter be prepared! Nice place.

S/F,
CEYA!

Ceya - you know me (165 of old, just a name change)

I would go there only for the HOTSPRINGS in the winter. Snow monkeys and all!

been there , done that but without the monkeys.

Change it back, that is an order!

S/F,
CEYA!

Not for the waist deep dry powder? The fresh uni, king crabs and giant amaebi? Curry butter ramen? Genghis Khan yakiniku?

i'd say all that + HOTSPRINGS.

well, this baka gaijin only knows the Hotsprings and monkeys...as of now.

I do have plans to get there sometime in the next few years (Hokkaido, that is)

add in lotsa of fine microbrews! IMHO, hokkaido has the best microbrews in japan!

also, the waist-deep powder will be lacking, if they are travelling in the summer.

if you want to have a maximal experience, i'd contact the japanese shop of your choice in advance, visit the builders in person, get measured, go travelling, and then come home with one custom built frame

Ah no, i wasn't assuming i would find some when i got there, i guess it didn't come through but i've already found several near mint keirin's around 56-59 (and many smaller) for bout 400-500 each.

And i'm not going i'm not going to japan solely for a frame hah, plane tickets alone are close to 2 grande i could have bought a beautiful custom bike with that. I'm going to visit my friend who is also into bikes. So fixed gear tokyo here i come.