I've been wanting an undrilled, lugged (NJS) frame for some time now and have decided that it will most likely be a 3Rensho. Problem is, in my size (57-59cm) the price for a used frameset rivals that of buying something with a motor.

On the other hand, I can get a brand-new-hand-made frameset from Jorge at Sparton frames for $279 shipped. Unlike 3Rensho, there has been much controversy about the geometry, build quality, sizing, weight, etc. Sparton has recently opened a brick and mortar in SC, tho.

What to do, what to do???

Anyone have any info on the painting process of the Keirin frames, youknow, with all the different color detail? How do they get it so neat, like in the engraved letters of the seat stays??

sparton would be a huge step down from 3rensho, from what i hear (and see).

get the sparton man

To be fair, there are not very many steps ahead of or equal to 3Rensho IMO.

haha, is this even a question?

This thread can get ugly fast, so I hope this comment is posted before too much flaming ensues...

I am getting a Sparton myself. For the money it's a very nice frame and I was personally attracted to the lure of a frame built by hand in a small shop in Chile. For my purposes, I feel it is going to be a great bike once built and it suits me well. I would not however even think of comparing it to a 3Rensho any more than I would compare a Schwinn to a DeRosa. Like you, I would love to have an NJS frame, but the price is more than I am willing to pay at this time.

I don't know anything about the painting processes used on Keirin frames, but I am certain that a competent painter could emulate the look of some of the more exotic finishes. As for the engraving, that is best done using a flow pencil which is just applicator that transfers paint in smooth flowing lines. I've used this tool before and it is almost too easy to get good results provided the enamel is at the proper viscosity.

Anyway, if you do decide on the Sparton, I'd love to see your final build.

seriously! thread title =

Thanks for all of your responses. I know there is not really a comparison, given the history of 3Rensho. However, I guess what I'm asking is if the price of a 3Rensho frame really justify buying over an unknown brand, similarly hand crafted?

Granted, I don't have to see a 3Rensho in person to buy it, that's part of the power of the history.

But I spoke to Jorge from Sparton frames on the phone unfortunately the info available on these frames is too wishy-washy. Can't get a straight answer on geometry (I have see some in pics videos that look awesome, but some that look slack, plus the specs on their site looks like road geo).

I think the answer is just to get a Sparton frame. Set it up. Ride it. If it doesn't do it for me, eBay it & buy the San Rensho.

Pinarello

spartonframeusa.com

For instance, here is some pics of a 58cm frame built up for sale on ebay:

good luck selling a sparton on ebay (or finding a 59cm 3rensho)..
geo: https://www.thevarsityproject.org/geometry
not tarck enough i'm afraid

The Keirin frames have great details because they are made by master craftmen. I'm not sure we can say that the Sparton is similarly crafted. It may be, but there still isn't a lot of info.

The Aliens, however, are beginning to float their way into people's hands and they look good. Initial reports are positive. And these images from the powdercoater - there's no high-end detailing or anything, but the sparkle powdercoat looks great!

https://www.powdercoatstudio.com/alien/sparkle/

Have a Yamaguchi built for you. It won't be NjS, but it will ride better than any bike 99% of BF members need, or deserve.

how the EF can you be "deciding" between 3rensho and spartan LOL

Every time I glance past this thread title I think it says strapon.

you obviously don't care about quality (both construction and ride), just looks and image.
So just get the Sparton.

I LOVE MY WINDSOR HOUR!!!!

lol, is this guy serious?

If that statement=true then Y=3Rensho

Dontchathink?

I do. But I want that feeling my NJS Miyata frame gave me before I sold what I didn't realize I had.

um, pinarello, um ciocc, um colnago, um italian, um ------ land shark... ok, steelman
seven, cannondale, independent..... rensho.... ok.... spartan.... nice but no.......

well, you're not gonna get it from a sparton. aren't they hi-ten? or 4130 at BEST?

on bf now-- to the right--- 300plus italian framesets on sale now......looks like good stuff... whadya think... spend the money? sell the suv?

pix of this NJS miyata?

You're comparing one of the best lines of lightweight handmade steel bikes ever made, period, to some piece of **** hi-ten steel budget brand. That doesn't make any sense. The 3rensho is a bike that is worth as much as you are willing to pay for it. If you buy it and take care of it, it could last you your whole life. You may never want to replace it. A large part of the price of a 3rensho, however, comes with the name, even if they do ride better than any other comparable frame (this is hypothetical. I don't really know, having never ridden one myself).

The Sparton is some mass-produced budget frame that nobody knows anything about, even now, months after first hearing of it. Also, the seat binder bolt on that blue Sparton looks like someone took the seat lug off of a 1978 Schwinn Varsity and glued it onto a "track" frame.