Eimei or Makino?
 

I am going to get a keirin frame and, these two brands are my favorites. SO which should I pick? Argue for which ever you like more or whatever. Thank you for helping an indecisive person out.

the one that fits.

QFT

I am assuming that both frames fit, and neither frame has rust, dents, nor significant paint damage.

If this is not the case, always buy the frame in better condition, regardless of label prestige. A dented Nagasawa is not worth the same as a pristine Bridgestone. Similarly, with regard to fit, the Panasonic that fits you is infinitely better for you than the Samson that is two sizes too small.

Of course, if they are equal in the above respects, the Eimei vs. Makino debate comes down to pure aesthetics. Makino has a more famous name, but is a bigger manufacturer. Eimei is a much smaller shop.

Do you want the frame that everyone knows, but more people have? Or the frame that gives you exclusivity at the price of a little anonimity?

How did you pick those two brands to be your favorites? They seem like pretty disparate choices.

My friend has an Eimei that's my size. It's absolutely gorgeous to look at and a delight to ride. The fork looks like you can carry 2 katanas in it. I think the paint job is amazing, get one!

Actually I am looking at 2 bikes, they are the favorites of what I have seen, one is a Eimei and one is a Makino. (I am personally a fan of eimei and giro) But the Makino is WAY cheaper than the eimei, but the eimei is brand new. So its a decision between 200 dollars(as a college kid that can fed me for a month), and the bike I actually want.

u won't notice the difference in either ..... so i say pista!

p.s makino imho

///MAKINOOOOOOO!

dude is a world famous builder. it's like owning a san rensho that you can feel safe about riding on the street because your frame isn't a historical relic, yet!

I personally don't like Makinos so much. not sure why. if you have the cash and like the paint job I'd take the new Eimei.

Eimei. Keirin frames are retired for a number of reasons, but the number one reason is that it was involved in a crash. Now, chances are good that there was no real damage, but getting bashed at 40mph on a concrete track can't be good for a frame. 200 dollars is certainly worth not having to worry if some of the brazings got cracked in an impact.

Makino probably impresses your friends more, but, like you said, the Eimei is the one you actually want. When will you have the opportunity to buy a new one again?

...oh, you'll be racing this bike, right? ;)

Yeah, because racing lugged vintage steel for anything other than style points is totally advantageous over a modern frame option that isn't NJS approved.

No, but racing a new (not vintage, just old-tech) lugged-steel frame whose geometry is specifically designed for track racing might have an advantage or two over a modern frame whose geometry is less racing-oriented and more geared toward the barrspinzing arrospok-and-riser crowd.