Bike Check: Stefan’s 3Rensho “Modeulo Katana”
It always puts a smile on my face when I see that some of the new generation riders just “get it.” I’ve watched Stefan evolve from a complete beginner to where he is now in just a couple of years, and I really appreciate his kind of profile. He’s passionate, digging through the internet to figure out what’s actually worth buying for some unique ride experience, going through hundreds, if not thousands, of obscure forum posts, Reddit debates, auction archives, and more. And one of the bikes Stefan decided to put his money into is this classic yet timeless 3Rensho “Modulo Katana TR” (Track Record). The very sought-after variant of some 3Rensho frames, featuring these “Aero” lugs.
Believe it or not, Stefan is only 17, and it’s through a long process of buying, fixing, and selling bikes that he was able to, quote: “Beg this man who used it as a training frame all the way back in the 80s to sell it to me. And it took four long months before he finally accepted.” 3Rensho is already considered top tier among NJS frames anyone can own, but having one in a size 56 with the “Modeulo” lugs is something that sits very high on many riders’ wish lists. Stefan also told me he still wanted to ride this track bike despite its rarity, which is why he decided to build it into an easy-to-ride, street-worthy fixed gear, exactly the kind of bike we all like to see here.
It’s a classic build, like the ones I love to feature on SSS. Though, it feels like that’s getting harder and harder, as going to bike shows and working with brands is slowly shifting my focus toward more extreme builds with wild price tags.
But this! This is pure culture at its core. It’s where it all started for me, and for so many others. Take a classic Japanese Keirin track bike, add some riser bars and a rack, and make it your most prized teenage possession, because it’s all you’ll have left after spending your last pennies to own that kind of frameset.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
3Rensho “Modeulo Katana”
Chainring and Cog 46T Mighty Competition, 17t EA Gold Medal
Crank Campagnolo super Record Pista
Seatpost and Saddle
Nitto NJS steatpost, Flite Titanium transalp
Stem and Handlebar
Nitto Technomic, Sim Works Little Nick
Wheels
Araya CPL 385 laced to Suntour Superb Pro hubs
But back to the bike check. Starting with the obvious: this Cetma front rack, partially held in place with some convenient Minoura rack adapters, providing a quick-release system rather than the clunky original Cetma brackets. If you’ve ever owned one, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
The cockpit is a tried-and-true classic, with this SimWorks Little Nick handlebar, tied up nicely with red anodized bar ends. A red dot on this white frame, a small but well-thought-out detail, and a nice nod to Japanese aesthetics.
The rest of the bike is also a collection of classics, with, of course, a front Vittoria Corsa tire and a rear Randonneur, a Selle Italia Flite Transalp saddle, and an Italian–Japanese mixed drivetrain: Campagnolo cranks, a Mighty Competition chainring, and an Euro-Asia Imports cog.
Riders taking crazy pieces of history out onto the streets is still one of my favorite aspects of this culture. And here, it’s done with a Japanese track bike, but chances are you’ve got a local builder who’s made their own mark on fixed gear frames over the years too. Local is good, and sometimes, local is pretty rad. You just need to dig for it.
It’s just… Right.
🎞: Kodak Color Plus 200
📷: Leica M6
📍: Tokyo
