Frame ID

[monkian]

Can anyone help with a firm ID on this frame (ignoring the forks)? I bought it because I wanted the ARX that came with it so I've just stuck these others in as I had them in stock.

The seller thought it was an Akisu frame and it could well be but it doesn't have the typical Akisu type drop-outs. It does have the barrel on the bridge that Akisu use but I can't find one with this type of HT gusset. It's also got an unusual stamp on the BB.

Any ideas?

[Jaymz]

It's definately got a Japanese flavour to it I'd say, there were some early tange frames with that style dropout before they adopted the three hole style. Could it be something like a giant or equally obscure Japanese brand in the shadows of tange and akisu

[insectbones]

Jen Ming? I have a frame that has the same barrel on the bridge, has the same geometry by the looks, but has different dropouts and gussets to yours. Mine could be a Jen Ming, but still not 100% sure.

No idea about the stamp, does it have a 'proper' serial number? Mine has just numbers on the BB

[monkian]

Definitely not Tange but early Akisu were Japanese made. No other stamp/s on the frame.

The seller was told when he bought it that it dates from 79 and was a pre-serial team edition!! I've done a bit of a search and this was an interesting development:

[CustardLips]

Nice digging Paul but a pre-serial team edition what.
It ain't no Redline that's for sure.

[CustardLips]

Nice digging Paul but a pre-serial team edition what.
It ain't no Redline that's for sure.

   Just re-read it. 

Apart from that gusset thingy the rear drops are Akisulike... perhaps he's right.

[monkian]

He thought Akisu Team? I haven't found anything on that either.

It's certainly not a factory Redline that's for sure but I know Linn Kastan went to Japan for help in those early days because of their technical and production set up. It's just interesting that this is the only one that's cropped up so far and there's a Japanese connection.

[monkian]

Jaymz was right on the drop outs, they're more the Giant style like Tange used early on, rather than the more familiar Akisu type

[CustardLips]

Jaymz was right on the drop outs, they're more the Giant style like Tange used early on, rather than the more familiar Akisu type

I agree... just had a look. 

[pickle]

Interesting find Paul, I've no idea but i'm liking the detective work 

[monkian]

Yeah, thanks Rob Still nothing firm on it yet. There must be a few more out there somewhere!! :/

[Jaymz]

This has got me digging like a mole, I love a mystery frame.