Well, I think the Japanese and especially the Chinese know a hell of a lot about bicycles, and in the case of China, cycling is today much more prominent than in any European country. The difference is that no Asian nation has ever been prominent in cycling as a sport. Rather, cycling in Asia seems mostly focused on transportation. So perhaps that might translate into lack of inspiration in manufacturing lightweights, although the same logic would suggest that the Chinese, and maybe the Indians, should make the best utilitarian roadsters in the world - perhaps they do.
Personally, I think the Japanese have made some very good and very underrated bikes. I only have one Miyata and one 3Rensho, but would gladly buy Fuji Finest, Newest and Ace models from the 70's if I found a good deal and had room in the garage.
One wonders why there have never been any prominent Asian cyclists. While many Asian nationalities are disadvantaged in some sports by small stature, that should be no problem in cycling as most of the good European riders, except sprinters, are small men. Plus with better nutrition and more protein in today's diets, young Asians in many nations are considerably taller than their parents and grandparents. It may be that Asian riders, like Americans for many decades, are handicapped by the lack of any culture of bicycle racing in their homelands. Like Americans who aspire to be truly world class, they would have to go to Europe to really develop their talent properly. Maybe we will see this happen in the next few years.
Although there seems to be little bicycle racing activity in Asia, except Keirin in Japan, the production of Toei and other expensive French type touring bikes makes me wonder if perhaps Japan does have very active cycle touring. Can some of the list members in Japan, or who have lived there in the past enlighten us on Japamnese cycle touring?
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
<classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>; "Bruce C." <BruceCumberland@comcast.net> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 9:42 AM Subject: Re: [CR]Was: "E-bay Pog. - is it the real deal?"..Nowbroaderthoughts....
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Raoul Delmare" <Raoul.L.Delmare@worldnet.att.net>
> To: "C.R. List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>; "Bruce C."
> <BruceCumberland@comcast.net>
> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 10:12 AM
> Subject: Re: [CR]Was: "E-bay Pog. - is it the real deal?"..
> Nowbroaderthoughts....
>
>
> > And a large , "attaboy" on this one too !!
> >
> > I hope it's not TOO contradictory that I admire , and find charming ,
> > both the inexpensive products of faceless and nameless factory workers
.
> .
>
>
> Well I hope not, too; a lot of us collect only bicycles that were so
> manufactured, although most of mine were not "inexpensive" in their day.
> I've always wondered about collecting custom-made frames... it's rather
like
> buying used bespoke tailormade suits. I mean that's jolly good for the
> original owner but using it secondhand kinda defeats the purpose! I guess
it
> could be argued that custom-made means better quality. I am utterly
> unconvinced of that.
>
> Of course in the "classic era" the "faceless and nameless factory workers"
> were usually nationals of the country that made them and when those
> countries, Britain, France, Italy et. al., defined the cycle "ethos" of
the
> day. To me that makes a big difference. I never have accepted Japanese
bikes
> somehow for the simple reason what do the Japanese know about bikes? I
mean
> are bicycles part of their national identity, culture and indeed transport
> the way they were in Britain, France or Italy? Name some world famous
> Japanese cyclists. Or indeed Chinese ones. When I grew up the idea of a
> quality American bike was a joke since most Americans treated (and still
do)
> the bicycle as a toy. Many still ride bikes on the sidewalk like children.
> It just seemed that would naturally translate into the bike itself. If I
> collected Masi, sorry but I just would have to have an Italian one. Maybe
> for no good reason, but there you have it.
>
> So, I can see why folks here would treasure an Italian-made lightweight,
> even one made in a factory by some faceless worker who, nevertheless, was
> Italian and cycled to work and maybe even followed the exploits of Coppi
and
> others or dreamt of being one himself. If he didn't impart some of that
into
> his job, I'd be mighty surprised indeed.
>
> Peter Kohler
> Washington DC USA