The Village Velodrome Appreciation Society

A blog about jitensha and jogging

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Level frames now at Tokyo Hands!

Mr Shiko Matsuda is the president of the Keirin Framebuilder's Association. His father began building frames in 1951, and Matsuda began in 1975, getting accreditation from 日本自転車振興会 (Nihon Jitensha Shinkōkai or the Japan Bicycle Promotion Association) in 1980.

Someone very clued up at Tokyo Hands (not a bike shop - it's termed a "Lifestyle Store" and stocks hobby and household goods) has decided to stock Matsuda's "Level" frames. They're not cheap at ¥168,000, but the quality is unbeatable.






In addition to the frames you can build up a fixed gear bike from scratch at Tokyu Hands. They sell Australian "Velocity" rims...



...and hubs, cranks, bars, stems and seatposts








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5 Comments:

At 11:23 pm, Blogger Craig Mod said...

Ginza Hands has been carrying a limited edition (?) single speed Level build since it opened.

I've stopped by the Level shop and had a good long chat with Matsuda-san -- really serious, really dedicated guy. And no 8 month waiting period like Kalavinka.

 
At 3:11 pm, Blogger GKK said...

I went to Ginza Hands the day it opened, and while there was no Level on display, there was Level signage and a video playing - so I thought something might be in the pipeline.

A few posts back you can see the Level Matsuda-san made for a friend of mine in the UK. He took just 2 months and a few weeks.

 
At 4:19 pm, Blogger Unknown said...

Hi,

can I ask if Tokyu Hands is a good place to get bike stuff (fenders, racks & etc....and also the new Alfine hub) and if the prices at Tokyu Hands is reasonable? I will be in Tokyo for a holiday with wife & kids.

regards,

poland from singapore

 
At 2:24 pm, Blogger GKK said...

Tokyu Hands is cheap, and good for basic parts, but the selection is small. Like a very small bike shop.

The best general shops in Tokyo are owned by a big company called Y's Bikes. They have many shops.

 
At 4:08 pm, Blogger Unknown said...

thanks bro.

 

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