How to spot a real 3rensho?

[weehastogopee]

I was looking around on ebay for bikes I wish I could have.....and came across this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-3Rensho-Frameset-52-CM-Road-Bicycle-Super-Record-Export-Katana-/201120804996?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item2ed3bbf084



looking at the pictures, I just get a feeling that it's not a real 3rensho...Like the lugs are too thick and not long enough..

Any one know characteristics of a 3rensho?

[Vonruden]

This one is real and was less then half that price.

http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj533/vonruden1/45013B3D-D29D-4632-A844-F3658B327CE9_zpsnbmfozpd.jpg

[mccx]

There are pics of an identical frame at Classic Rendevous http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Japan/3Rensho.htm

Design and attributes varied a lot and to my knowledge there's no single mark of a 3Rensho unless there are stamps and cutouts. Webbed headtube lugs and fastback seatstays seem more common on 3Renshos than other frames, but Konno didn't use any publicly available numbering system, so it's not really possible to be 100% certain.

Even if that one is genuine it's not worth anywhere near that price though.

[velotrack]

Check out the lugs on 3rensho built Specialized Allez bikes to get an idea of many of the road frames that were made. Offset fork crown is one. Again, never for certain, but look around.

[cekte]

Yes, this frame is nearly identical to one on Classic Rendezvous. Other than differing wear, fork decals, and serial numbers the two are nearly interchangeable. Only a guess, but I would venture to say the one listed on eBay is a genuine 3Rensho frameset.

[technicolor]

Konno also had apprentices, like Makino, building bikes. I guess I'm wondering what you're looking for when you say "real 3Rensho"?

[maverick_1]

Try posting or ask the 3Rensho Owners Assoc in Facebook, lots of knowledgeable guys in there.
Dave Hickey (RBR moderator) has vast knowledge on 3Rensho. He's the man to go to if you need any info.

Cheers and ride safe!

[chwupper]

Just now looking at that group on FB. No surprise that this ebay listing is a subject of discussion. Guffaws over the asking price, doubts about what it really is.

[11.4]

Konno also had apprentices, like Makino, building bikes. I guess I'm wondering what you're looking for when you say "real 3Rensho"?

This is really the point.

[ultraman6970]

If its ir not, doesnt matter, the bike is way overpriced. Probably the dude took the bike to the same store than the Zunow dude (a few days ago posting) to get an appraisal.

The other detail, the dropouts finishing is just plain bad, doesnt look like japanese work to be honest with you.

Any of the Store people here in the forums can tell me why in the world the prices are way inflated when a dude shows up with a bike that looks unique?? Insanely inflated prices something.

Have a dude here in my local CL asking like 700 bucks for a POS english EM busted all over the place and with crap MTB components. Obviously it wont sell but either way, he asked the price to a store and the store told him it worth like 1000???