Bike Check: Tomo’s Nagasawa
Bike shows are great, working with brands is cool, and I’m usually out there taking an unhealthy amount of photos with my digital camera. I'm having to group builds together, or I know I’ll never manage to publish them all within the timeframe I set for myself. SSS is more complex than ever.
But there’s something deeply satisfying about going back to basics. One film camera, one friend with an amazing track bike, 10 frames shot like film is free and developed three months later, and a good conversation. Damn, it’s good to be back!
Today we’re taking a look at a bike Tomo built as a street commuter, which was pretty straightforward and nimble to ride. He started with a pretty classic build to then spice things up a bit. Because yes! In my eyes, there are very few things cooler than taking an authentic Japanese track frame and throwing a bunch of modern track parts from all around the world to make it a true street weapon.
Starting with the most obvious change, Tomo swapped the original fork for a BLB straight one. He told me that moving from 35 to 45 mm of rake helped eliminate toe overlap, making the frame much easier to ride around the city.
That fork swap seems to have set the tone for the rest of the build, because Tomo didn’t stop there. An ahead fork also called for a new headset, and the natural choice was a silver Chris King 1-inch model.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Nagasawa NJS
Chainring and Cog 49T Dura Ace, 18t EA Silver Medal
Crank Custom Anodized Dura Ace
Seatpost and Saddle
American Classic post, Selle Italia SLR
Stem and Handlebar
ITM stem with De Rosa Road Drops
Wheels
Zipp 30 laced to Paul Hubs
The De Rosa-stamped Nitto drop bars feel totally fitting here, especially once you know Nagasawa learned to build bikes in Italy at the De Rosa workshop. The seatpost is an American classic, underscoring the strong U.S. influence throughout the build. Just look at the MASH pedals, stickers, and spacers, along with the PAUL hubs laced to the always handsome Zipp 30 rims.
This is right up my alley. If you know me or have read any of the bike checks I write, you know that anything involving a steel frame, an obscure mix of parts, cotton bar tape, and perfectly judged sticker placement is exactly my kind of thing. It honestly makes me want to build another NJS bike, and maybe it should do the same for you. Time to get back on the hunt… I think we’re going full Japanese mode again.
No matter what, my heart belongs to street track bikes like this one.
🎞: Kodak Color Plus 200
📷: Leica M6
📍: Saitama
