I'm trading for a Bridgestone frame tomorrow - here's a crap pic https://i.imgur.com/9fR6R.jpg (unfortunately the best I have)

Everything seems to check out, it's hard to see the decals because it's white on yellow but they're all there (along with the B cutout on the seatstay ends and the fork). No tubing sticker but I'm guessing Tange.

Anyway, my only trepidation comes from the fact that the NJS symbol is partially filled in with paint, I can see the outside circle and the first bit of where it curves up but not the actual letters.

Now, we can sit and argue about whether NJS actually means anything or if they're just overvalued hipstermagnets until the cows come home but, for now, let's just assume that I'm expecting to get an NJS frame out of this deal and will be sad if it turns out otherwise.

So, what are the chances it's something else? Does Bridgestone make non NJS track frames? Is there any other symbol that looks like a circle that might be stamped on a track BB? The serial is visible so can I look it up with that?

Thanks!

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...oducts_id=4922

They make frames that are not NJS. I don't know whats up with your frame though.

as far as i know, there should be a code on the bb shell along with the njs stamp. If you can't see either, then it's probably a kerin designed frame to be used on the road for training.

There is definitely a code or serial number stamped on the BB, so I guess that's a good sign.

From what you've described, i'm skeptical that it's njs. It wouldnt make sense for them to allow a glob of paint to conceal the stamp. Since it's stamped onto the bb shell itself, you can always (carefully) remove the paint to see.

Could be a sloppy repaint.

That's what I'm worried about. Do you know any other way I could check (before I do the trade) that doesn't damage the frame? I wish I took a picture of the BB... but basically I saw this much of the logo (the whole circle and the beginning of the "J"): https://imgur.com/3TOb7

Update: Asked the guy to send me a pic of the BB, unfortunately he didn't seem to have a camera but rather a potato - so this is what I got (was super dark so I lightened it as best as I could): https://i.imgur.com/HiqaH.jpg

You can make out the code/serial number and (maybe, sort of) the outline of the NJS stamp on the top left (it's more pronounced in real life). The paint is dirty but pristine - no chips anywhere which could suggest a repaint except the decals on the headtube, seat stay, and downtube seem legit.

How common are non stamped Kirin practice frames?

I might be wrong but the njs stamp should be on the right next to the bridgestone logo.

Thanks! Will bring those pictures with me tomorrow for comparison.

Another question - if it turns out to be something else how much value would you say it knocks off the frame?

I've seen them go as low as $400. (EDIT: quick ebay search: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/NJS-KEIRIN-Br...-/130759009720, I guess $300). But the whole njs thing is overinflated anyways, so it could easily be worth much more on ebay.

I've heard (dont quote this) that frames made by njs certified builders, not intended for the japanese circuit, don't get the njs stamp. So new frames shipped outside japan wouldnt be stamped.

Thanks again, that's exactly the information I need to know. For now I'm going to bring those pics for comparison and am operating under the assumption that if the stamp is in the correct place it's worth $500-$600 and if it's not it's worth around $400 (it is in better condition than the ebay one you sent, at least).

Hmmmm. Looks like the stamp can be on the left or right side: https://imgur.com/RhaLl