3rensho

This is in stock right now on Alex Cycle’s (one of my favorite Japanese online bike shops). Easily over fifteen hundred dollars, 3rensho frames are a rarity, especially if you’re looking for track bikes. This one in particular is extra special because the company doesn’t release new bikes that often. Usually you’ll have to dig through bike forums or used bike sites to find these gems. But this one is new and the paint job on this is outstanding. Never thought I’d be into fish scale-y colors, but this bike is beautiful. Wishing I were 6ft tall to be able to ride this big boy!

Pronounced "san rensho”, which means three victories in Japanese, 3rensho was founded by Yoshi Kanno. The name ‘San Rensho’ (3 Victories) commemorates the feat of a keirin rider ranking first on 3 consecutive days of racing (qualifying heats, semi-finals and finals), which was rare in keirin racing. Yoshi Kanno learned his craft taking apart Cinelli frames built in the 60’s. He went on to design his own proprietary fittings and run a busy factory with 6 apprentices, including Masahiko Makino and Koichi Yamaguchi.

According to the internet, Yoshi Kanno had an accomplished collegiate cycling career. By the time his career ended, Kanno was running a successful factory. Unfortunately, he was paralyzed in a car accident after drinking and driving.