My 3Rensho makes the second Tange #1 tubeset bike I have owned. I weigh all my bikes and I have noticed that the Japanese tubeset bikes consistently weigh about a full pound more than my 531 and Columbus bikes. I am not complaining because even though I wouldn't consider myself a powerhouse rider nor a heavyweight, I still find the heavier stiffer Tange bikes to be both more confidence inspiring and somehow more comfortable. I know that these kind of judgements are frowned upon by a lot of list members but my impressions are these: The Columbus bikes feel the flexiest or the most forgiving and supple on bad roads. The 531 bikes feel the most high strung or pure speed inducing. The Tange bikes feel the most secure, and indestructable, and yet still offer nice comfort for long rides. All these observations, are made apart from any mention of frame geometry (all these bikes are very similar), apart from any mention of tube wall thickness ( I haven't a clue which bikes have which), or apart from any differences provided by wheelsets (all my bikes have similar 32, 36 db 3x wheels with clincher 700x23 tires.)
That being said, I sure would like the Turbo model in the 1984 Centurion catalogue presented to us by Sheldon. (heavier or not)
Garth Libre in Miami Shores Fl.