Nozawa No. 28 3-Speed Premium Sportster (Part 1)

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

Here is an extremely rare chance to own a brand new, all original Nozawa Works Shimano 3-speed premium sportster model "Number 28" dating back to 1960. 
This bicycle has been tucked away in the far corner of a storage building for 65 years. The photos were taken just as I found the bicycle, simply dusted it off and pumped up the tires.  The paint and chrome are in good condition and will clean up nicely with a wash and light rubbing compound.

The photo below is from a 1959 Nozawa Works catalog. The catalog states two color options (blue pictured below) and light grey which was the one I found (above).


Here is the information from the 1959 Nozawa Works catalog.
Let's take a closer look.
 

The model is a Nozawa Number 28 Premium Sportster.

Let's take a look at the specifications.

Frame:  26 x 20 inch high-tension steel lugless frame.

Fenders: Nozawa IV model, white with red pinstripes.

Handlebars: Allrounder model

Chaincase: All steel, solid front full chaincase

Rims: 26x1 3/8 inch W/O

Brakes: Front channel type caliper brake
            Rear band brake

Saddle:　#32 model with soft leather 

Carrier (luggage rack):　Chrome plated sportser model

Tire/Tube:　Nozawa premium 26x1 3/8 inch 
                  Wired-on, black with whitewalls

Color: Standard light-grey frame and chaincase

As mentioned in Vintage Japanese Bicycle (Model Types)  I mainly focus on Japanese bicycles from 1949~1963, predominantly single gear bicycles.  However, at the tailend of this period was the beginning of a bicycle boom, particularly for touring as 3-speed bicycles became increasingly popular and the bicycle trend in Japan shifted from utility to leisure.  This Nozawa  No. 28 3-Speed Premium Sportster is a fine example of a high-end touring bicycle from this period.

In the next installment we shall take a detailed look at the actual 65 year old Nozawa No. 28 3-Speed Premium Sportster. 
(If you are interested in purchasing this very rare bicycle, contact me at showajitensha@hotmail.co.jp.)