Bike Check: David Grylls‘s Double Trouble
We are back with more bikes from Shuhary, and the man himself, Letuce-San. Today, we're examining not one but two 3Rensho, both owned and ridden by David Grylls. If you're unfamiliar with Sir Grylls, allow me to provide some context.
David is an American cyclist who won three US titles in 1978-79. Then, competed at the 1979 and 1983 Pan American Games, claiming gold in the individual and team pursuit events. Additionally, he reached the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, primarily targeting the 4000m team pursuit event. His team secured the silver medal that day, with the Australians finishing first. Following his Olympic career, he made appearances in the Japanese Keirin circuit, predominantly riding on 3rensho frames. With all that, I think it's safe to say that David is well-versed in cycling matters.
The reason why David's name resonates among track frame collectors today stems from the unique frames crafted for him by Mr Yoshi Konno, also known as “Mr 3rensho”.
Starting with the most funky of the bunch, this bike boasts a unique TT geometry, drop seat stays, and additional reinforcement between the rear bridge and the top of the seat tube.
It may appear that way, but I don’t believe there is a single continuously round tube on this frame. Every part has been reinforced, aerodynamically optimized, and meticulously redesigned. Some of my favorite details include the teardrop down tube, the small gusset between the top and seat tube, the aero top tube, and this very thin, very tight lugless fork.
Of course, the rest of the bike itself is nothing less than pure eye candy with these custom Araya World Champion rims that I had not known existed until now. A Dura-Ace 7400 aero seatpost, some golden Nitto pursuit bullhorns, and of course the entire Dura-Ace 10-speed drive train.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Custom made 3Rensho
Chainring and Cog DuraAce 48T, 13T Cog '(10 Pitch)
Crank
DuraAce 10 Pitch
Seatpost and Saddle
Duraace 7400, Cinelli Unicanitor
Stem and Handlebar
Cinelli 1A, Nitto Bulhorn
Wheels Araya World Champion laced to DuraAce 10 Pitch Hubs
Tires Tubular Gatorskins
Let's now move on to my personal favorite of the two. Very similar to the previous one, this custom 3Rensho Super Record has a more traditional geometry and fewer "features." I was fortunate enough to actually ride this one... And let me tell you, I wanted it really bad after just a quick spin.
Geometry: Perfect.
Smoothness: Unbeatable.
Aggressiveness: Magically balanced.
There is something truly special that clicks in your brain when you understand why some frame builders are called geniuses. Made out of Ishiwata tubing, this lugless Japanese masterpiece features aero tubing, some head tube gussets, and somehow, a mirrored head badge.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Custom made 3Rensho
Chainring and Cog DuraAce 48T, 13T Cog '(10 Pitch)
Crank
Modded Duraace AX
Seatpost and Saddle
DuraAce AX 7200, Cinelli Unicanitor
Stem and Handlebar
DuraAce AX, Nitto B115
Wheels Araya World Champion Titanium laced to DuraAce 10 Pitch Hubs
For the drive train, we're dealing with a similar Dura-Ace 10-speed system, but on a modified AX crankset to match the AX seat-post and stem. Another favorite detail of mine is the Tange Aero Levin headset, which you don't see too often.
So you get it, these are beautiful bikes, and I’m not going to bother you with more details about the parts list. Something that struck me while riding this bike (and it’s important to note that this is a subjective point of view that is 100% biased due to my emotional response to having the opportunity to ride such a bike), is the fact that some frame builders out there were true amazing in their understanding of tubing, geometry, force distributions, and other concepts that are beyond my level of comprehension. Riding this bike felt like being on something that was perfectly balanced, effortless to ride, yet incredibly fast and comfortable all at once. Truly a work of art.
Double - trouble - purple
🎞: Kodak Gold
📷: Nikon F100
📍: Okinawa
