Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Will Goodan’s Keirin-inspired Nagasawa Special

Nagasawa Special

It wasn’t that long ago when a decommissioned Keirin frame, completely adorned with parts approved by the Nihon Jitensha Shinkōkai, or NJS, was considered the Holy Grail of discerning urban cyclists worldwide.

Lately, thankfully, we hear of less priority being placed upon this goal, leaving its pursuit (sic) to those who truly appreciate the true spirit of the sport. Digital specialist Will Goodan divides his time between Los Angeles and Tokyo, and built up this Nakano Red Nagasawa as a poetic honor to his time spent in Japan.

Nagasawa Special
To be fair, Will’s ‘Nag’ is around 95% NJS-approved. You probably won’t find shōchū caps used as bar ends on a Keirin track, and there won’t be any need for a kōtsū-anzen o-mamori charm (granting ‘safety in traffic’), either.

Nagasawa Special
But Will wanted this build to be a reminder of his time spent riding around the streets of Tokyo, and as such, will certainly be a spirited souvenir. Uncannily, that Suntour chainring is a 1984 edition, the year of Will’s birth, which lends his Nagasawa a positive auspice.

Nagasawa Special
Nagasawa Special
Nagasawa Special
Nagasawa Special
Nagasawa Special
Nagasawa Special
Nagasawa Special
Nagasawa Special