Listmembers,
I had the opportunity to visit the seller and take a close look in person at the Higashikawa track bike that is listed on eBay, item 1820598275.
FRAME This frameset demonstrates a high level of quality. The lugs are finely filed and quite elegant. The seat cluster was very clean and crisp, the joining of the tubes at the bottom bracket also was very nicely finished. AND the workmanship connecting the seat and chain stays to the Shimano track ends was excellent. The fork blades are round and there is a twin plate fork crown.
COMPONENTS As Wes Gadd mentioned earlier, the Dia Compe brakes are temporarily affixed with aluminum mounting brackets. The wheels were pretty true although the cones on the rear hub were loose. The front hub was a Suntour and I'm not certain, but the rear is probably a Suntour as well. The rear hub was threaded for a single cog, (this one was a freewheel) and a freewheel. The cut out pattern is different on the rear, but both hubs had a faded red label attached. The headset was Suntour Superbe and seemed to be in good shape. The stem was a Nitto 70, pretty beefy looking with a steel bar. Sugino Mighty track crank, 168MM length and a cheap pair of KKT pedals.
BAD NEWS This bicycle was left outside and there is considerable rust on the inside of the fork blades. The chrome on the fork is peeling and the blades are pitted(inside). I can not assess how serious this may be. There are also a dings (2 to 3 MM deep x 20 to 22MM) in the top tube from the handle bars, again I am not qualified to speak to this issue.
Over all, this was a beautiful frameset. I would be proud to own one of Mr.Higashikawa's creations. If any members in Japan have access to these bikes I recommend that you take a look at them.
Regards,
Jim Narlesky San Jose, CA
ps: Seller said that he would disclose the ding on top tube.