You wouldn't know a good bike if it bit you in the ass.

The Sparton has track ends and an undrilled fork.

/thread

Syntax error. Inappropriate use of the assignment operator.

if you == "OMG LUGZ! TRACK ENDZZ!"
then buy Sparton

So what? It's made of steel of unknown origin in factories located who knows where. It weighs a ****ing ton (yes, this matters a bit) and IS NOT COMPARABLE TO A ****ING 3RENSHO. No ****ing way.

Anybody can put track ends onto a frame instead of dropouts. Likewise, anyone can simply not drill the fork. That seatpost binder bolt turns me off to the frame, aesthetically and functionally. Those are kludgy and awkward to use, and the fact that the designer would use those instead of a more functional, aesthetically pleasing and lighter bolt tells me that he is not a terribly detail-oriented person, or else has not kept up on where bicycle building has gone in the last 20 years. Sure, this is just a seatpost binder bolt, but the fact that it is designed that way would lead me to suspect that corners have been cut or that close attention has not been paid to other details on the bike. That's enough to make me not trust the build and design quality of the Sparton frames. Maybe I'm just missing out by not being down, but I don't think so.

If you disagree with me and think the Sparton frames are just fine, or even that they're great, fine. Think what you want. No need to speculate ignorantly on my knowledge of bicycles.

I think he was being sarcastic, deadfork

although I could be wrong

I'll agree that the binder bolt on the Sparton on page 1 does look clumsy, but it's a $5-$8 fix for a more modern hex-slotted bolt. If my Sparton comes with that binder, it will be the first thing I change. However, I think the overall build of that bike looks good. If you look at the close-up shots of the frame, the detail is there. The lugs, while not fancy look well done and the brake bridge and chainstay bridges art very artfully done when a builder could just as easily miter and braze in a couple pieces of straight tubing instead.

I think we all read into the OPs post as he is comparing the Sparton to a 3Rensho. In my opinion the Sparton is no worse than anything similar in its price range. I am getting mine with the expectation of what it is. I'll post pics as soon as I get it and have it built up.

OP...get something cheap for now and save your money for the 3Rensho.

Fillet mignon or spam from the can? Help?

This thing screams quality. Just look at that awesome binder bolt on the seatpost. ******.

I just love when folks talk about something like they have first-hand experience about something when all they are doing is regurgitating what they read or heard.

Here is my thinking: It sounds/looks as if the people bringing in the Sparton frames may be tweaking their product after receiving feedback from buyers/retailers (I'm hoping), the price has certainly risen. I might get one & be blown away (doubtful).

No pics of the Miyata (I'm not even sure the internet was around back then). Anyway, I loved that frame but with the growing hatred of inhaling box truck fumes all day long, needing money to get my first apartment, and growing tired of messengering, I sold it on the spot to a guy who asked, "hey, you selling that?" I walked off the rest of my runs & quit.

Now I basically have everything I could hope for & more, and could totally be content with my current bike. Just 1 problem-the frame has too many holes in it.

I bet the frameset came/comes without the seat binder bolt & the seller just slapped that one on. I think I'm going down to King Kog tomorrow to handle one of these frames. They have one in 50cm & one in 54cm.

That's wut you git fur bringin' a dang bike-cycle to a gun fight..

This is what I'm looking at for about $800 shipped

nice dents. yeah i'd say that's an $800 dent.

why would you pay $800 for a dented to **** 3rensho? do you have money to burn?

You suck at bike decisions. You should split the difference moneywise, and get a Steamroller. It's good quality and it'll last you forever.

Or whatever. Buy the gaspipe ****pile or the overpriced dented up frame that probably rides nice but looks like a ****pile.

What do you guys ride?

bomber pro.

yes, it's NJS; yes, it's undrilled; no, it's not lugged but, rather, fillet brazed.

it cost me $400 in like new condition. it was only raced for a few months when i got it. came with a dura ace headset and a hatta bottom bracket.

*note to bigbris1: on the internets, everyone else rides a better bike than you, and they all paid next to nothing for them.

Nice, what size? How much does it weigh?

meknows, shhh.

**** that dent

if you're going to shell out $800 for a dented frame, you might as well add another $3-400 and get a brand new one. a custom Yamaguchi frame starts at around $1100, is undented, and he used to build for 3Rensho before he emigrated to the US. 3Renshos are nice frames, but folks act like they're *******s from god and they're really no better than any other frame from that era. hell, 3Rensho wasn't even a one man shop in the 80's, f'crissake.


(i'mma put some 3Rensho decals on my Alien, once i get it painted)

800 can almost buy that NEW panasonic from deathhare in your size EN JAY ESSS

Cinelli pista or SE draft?

Paying $800 for a dented beat to **** frame makes no sense. Especially when you can get a new custom NJS Panasonic for not much more.

this sums up the thread pretty well. Honestly this is a pretty ridiculous thread. If the OP is seriously considering a sparton versus an $800 dented rensho then he should really just chill and ride. Get yourself a steamroller or something similar. The steamroller with last you forever if you want or you can upgrade to a highly coveted NJS frame in a couple years when you finally figure things out.