Did about 35K today on the recently rebuilt early 80's Zunow of which I posted pics here. The ride included climbing and descending a {small)mountain plus maybe 20 mph wind. So it was a pretty good test of the bike's performance climbing, descending, hammering into the wind, and flying along with the wind. Must say the Zunow did it all beautifully. It definitely feels more Italian than French, which is not surprising as Kageyama-san is definitely influenced by Italian design. But it handles flawlessly and effortlessly, including on high speed descents.
There aren't a huge number of custom builders in Japan, at least not ones known in America. But this bike demonstrates that the best Japanese builders produce frames as good as any from America or Europe.
Some may have noted I'm been rather focused on touring/commuting bikes the past year. Indeed, the may be the first time in 6 months I've ridden a racing bike any distance. Both touring and racing bike have an important place. It is a nice experience to ride a 20 lb bike with lightweight tubular rims and (Tufo) tubular tires.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Big Spring, Texas, USA