How do you guys feel about the export blog sites for NJS frames? I came across a few sites and theres some really nice frames I want to grab. Anyone have any experiences/comments with them? My eyes are leaning towards this site. How does everything work out with payment and such. Whats the wait time for them?

https://njs-keirin.blogspot.com/

I'm looking to purchase this gorgeous Samson but the price is a bit iffy and steep. $1080

https://njs-keirin.blogspot.com/ is good I've heard. Gabe (the owner) has had good service according to members of this forum. Keep in mind that you will also have to pay the rather expensive shipping from Japan to USA.

Shipping from japan is around 80 bucks.
You will pay for the frame with Paypal.

i had a good experience with gabe at njs-keirin blogspot. like deathhare said you deal with payment through paypal. shipping is pretty fast...around 4 days once shipped.

I'd be skeptical putting 1000 bucks through paypal. They're scandilus.

People have paid me $1000+ dozens of times through Paypal.
Never had a problem.

spending a grand on a scratched and dented up keirin frame is kinda stupid. at least get one of those new panasonic frames that deathhare sells.

+1 And you can get it customized.

+1,000,000

The Samson frame is very nice especially with the gold flakes.

deathhare: Is there some extra paint options I could choose like add flakes and whatnot.

Just the colors on the site. So...no flakes available.

get the orange metallic with white panasonic logos and your name in japanese also in white -- that would hot.

How is the red metallic on the Panasonic frames? Mostly looking for red frames

I've dealt with Gabe on many occasions. No complaints. I recommend him.

I've never bought a frame though, but he always packs things up pretty well.

deathhare can also sell you a frame without the POS sticker, something yellow jersey claims isn't possible

truth

With the people who had experiences with Gabe know if he is willing to negotiate prices? The process page says: "1. Tell us where you are, and what you want, and how you would like to pay."

deathhare: No offense to your great service with the Panasonic frames but they are a bit plain for my taste. I'm sure that if I had seen a white frame with gold decals in person I would be all over it in a heartbeat.

Also how soon does Gabe reply to emails? I haven't received any responses yet

Just curious Darwin401K...Why do you want/need an Keirin/NJS bike? Street Cred?

Like my father, I have always appreciated Japanese engineering. Their products always seem to have top notch quality and built to last.

Why do people go for Hasselblad's instead of their cheaper competition 1/3 priced Bronica? Both cameras do the same job. Assuming we are talking about the MF type. (Of course we can always factor in the Carl Ziess glass compared to Seiko-Zenzanon glass)

Good point. However, usually those who buy Hasselblad's are: A) Pro photogs who need a top of the line camera or B) Just have a butt load of expendable dough to drop on a camera to make them look like a pro.

No offense, but you seem like an option B kinda fella.

I am C) IT student with a not-so steady job who happens to have a damned credit card, spending $ on top quality goods so I won't end up wanting to upgrade later on. "Buy nice or buy twice." Credit cards are bad news but I spend wisely on whatever I can afford to pay each month.

Another point is resale value. I choose to have top quality equipment when I can afford it. If I ever have to sell for some reason, better it be a few bucks rather then a few pennies.

It's really all about preference. Some people are NJS/Campy fanatics; some can ride conversions and say "this is fine for my needs."

End rant, its just silly to get into conflicts on forums

buying used, dented, scratched up, and absolutely inflated frames just because they're japanese is hardly "top quality" value purchasing.

if you're concerned with quality, buy a new frame -- not one that's been beaten to hell by pro racers.

its a shame that you just dont get it. youll never get to experience the exclusive awesomeness that others absolutely cannot nearly imitate let alone replicate.

have you been smoking drugs lately?

are you ok?