Bike Check: Melo’s Makino
There is a saying that states that most of the fixed-gear culture is based on the messenger culture, in which the OGs created something that has been replicated thousands of times but has rarely been equaled. A part of me believes that, while others may strongly think that the fixed-gear culture is now broad enough to be its own thing. This being said, we’ll always be linked to the messenger scene and how they placed track bikes on the streets; the “true origins” per se. “Courier bikes” always had a certain aesthetic that many tried to emulate over the years, however, people almost rarely came close to the true “function over form” fashion.
So today, we’re taking a look at Melo’s work-stallion and how mixing Japanese and American parts is probably the best thing you can do to any bike.
With a Makino as a base, you can’t really go wrong, but this one has a few good details to it. Aero fork and seat-stays aside, this particular frame has an aero down tube, and a full set of 3rensho lugs. Fancy! As for the big “Charlie” across the down tube instead of the classic “Makino”, it can be two different things. Melo heard that Charlie was the nickname of the keirin racer who ordered and rode this particular frame. But “Charlie” is also the phonetic-ish way to pronounce bicycle in Japanese (ちゃり). So in the end we don’t really know, but a bit of mystery has never been a bad thing.
Next up are the wheels. The mismatched wheels business is always something that I loved and combining a Zipp 30 with TB14 laced to a Suntour Superb hub is an odd mix but for some reason … It works! Black spokes on one side, silver on the other. Low spoke count vs high to handle those mad skids. It’s a true fixed-gear thing! Mixing the useful and a mild flex because we know how good these three logos look when they spin. A special mention for that rear rim that has never seen a brake pad, even if Melo is rocking two brakes, (Japanese law obliges). Truly a symbol of Japanese courier pride.
For the drivetrain, we’re running the best Japanese gear with: Suntour cranks, a DuraAce chainring and a seventeen teeth Euro-Asia Cog. As for the pedals, you might know that I’m a big fan of the cages setup, and this combo is just too good to not talk about. Even if Kashimax are not my all-time favorite straps, you need to admit that they look damn good with the golden NJS logo on the side and paired with these Suntour Superb pedals.
Everything about this bike is so OG, and that CETMA 5-rails rack is a perfect example of that. I was a complete fan of that piece when I was younger and, unfortunately, couldn’t ever afford one. To this day, I cannot forgive myself for not having gotten one when I had the money and the opportunity, but this one and the TCB rack were the true classics if you had to carry stuff on your bike. As for the cockpit, Melo is rocking a classic Salsa stem with a Simworks “little Nick” bar and a pair of Dia-Compe levers linked to these obnoxiously long brake cables. You gotta show that you have some if they see you riding fixed.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Makino “Charlie” Special
Chainring and Cog DuraAce 48t, EuroAsia 17t
Crank Suntour Superb Pro 165mm
Seatpost and Saddle
Nitto x Tee19 Seatpost,
Flite perforated
Stem and Handlebar
Tacos stem, Simworks Little Nick
Wheels Zipp 30 Front, Suntour Superbe Pro hub laced to TB14 gunmetal
Tires Continental Gatorskin 25c
More little details that make all the difference, like that Nitto seatpost that was a collaboration with Tee 19, this perforated Flite, or even the Suntour Superbe Track headset highlighting the little nuances between a classic and … a limited classic.
It’s possible that lots of you readers are not into these kinds of bikes, and I understand that. But for me, it takes my mind back to my roots when I was in admiration of the messenger culture, taking advice from them about the best gear ratio or what tires will last the longest.
It is also (for me) the perfect way to build a bike. Starting with a cool base and random parts to slowly upgrade/sidegrade. The final feeling is so much more rewarding than having all your parts on a table and creating your dream build from day one. Work for it, earn it, enjoy it!
Remember… Good things take time.
🎞: Kodak ColorPlus 200
📷: Nikon F100
