Mr. Ishikawa, the man who makes the beautiful leather bike goods, informed me that he has received a number of emails from people outside Japan, since I posted photos of his work to the CR list. He told me on the phone that he can't understand a single word! He has no English capability. So, don't expect a reply. I am still getting things organized about ordering goods for the folks who have asked me to. I'll be getting back to you with the details. The largest multi compartment bag that a number of you asked about, he sells for around $475.
I first contacted him when I ordered some of his leather brake hoods for myself and another CR member, a number of weeks ago. He sounds like a older fellow on the phone, probably retired, and the leather work is a hobby he informs. His pieces are handmade and the quality is excellent, definitely professional level with an artistic quality, in my opinion. I was more than just satisfied with the hoods he sent me, and he was very concerned that the quality met my expectations. He is very honest and a real pleasure to do business with. The only hoods he is currently offering are for Zeus and Campy (non-aero). The Mafac and Weinmann hoods he shows at his site are designs that he is still working out the making process on. He said that they are taking 15-16 hours to produce, so he can't yet offer them for sale at a reasonable price, therefore isn't marketing them. Normally he sells at the Japan Yahoo auction with a "buy it now" price. That is where I first noticed his goods, and subsequently contacted him. The prices I have quoted you are his "buy it now" prices. Those are his basic prices, and he doesn't do a quantity type production, so he can't offer wholesale or multiples discounts. As I mentioned, he seems very meticulous about the quality of the goods. I am not charging anything to do this, I don't think there is room for a mark up. It takes time to get everything worked out, and then when the stuff arrives at my location, I will have to pack individually to send to you folks, so please bear with me on the time it all takes. Also, I don't know if Mr. Ishikawa has a lotof stock made up already, or will have to make things. When I get the total costs worked out, including the shipping charges, I will contact everyone for a confirmation that they want to order. If you haven't contacted me yet that you are intersted in likely purchasing, I'll wait one more day.
verstehen Sie?
Dennis Young
Hotaka, Japan