3Rensho Katana Track Limited Reissue by Cherubim

[AR2266]

This is another of the Covid lock-down era projects I started (boredom can lead to serious consequences!) - my 4th custom bike project, an overlapping engagement with Cherubim on the 2nd custom frame project which is a Cento Racer.

Like many of the other projects I started, I never got to actually touch it due to circumstances and being in a new country for work. But hopefully that changes this year.

The process started in early April 2020 when BikeLabz, the dealer representing Cherubim in Singapore sought my interest while discussing colour for the Cento, with a snapshot of the IG post..




This was the evocative shot that tugged at my heartstrings for me to jump on the opportunity.
Information on the web suggests that this particular Kanji calligraphy for 3rensho <三连胜> was reputedly written by Yoshi Konno's mother.
That's quite special in my opinion.

I was also inspired by a rare supposedly one-off pursuit frame, i found on kuromoribike.com
https://kuromoribikeco.com/collectio...nt=28547029586

and here is a similar paint-scheme (could be the same frame)


This the final product as shown in Cherubim's IG - I had to have that calligraphy incorporated.
It took over 1 years 8 months from start to delivery.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXSoYr0layu/




Thoughts behind the commission:

Prior to Cherubim's notification of the limited run, I was already somewhat familiar and intrigued by the Legend of 3rensho.

That also led to my decision to go with a track frame as opposed to a road frame as I felt this was more of a homage piece to the 3rensho name,
and I would end up with too many duplicates of a skinny steel road bike.

As folks familiar would know, the name 3rensho is literally "3 consecutive victories", are consecutive stage victories by a single rider in Japanese Keirin racing, hence the brand's roots were grown from its track frames - of which the katana model was supposedly the staple offering (as I understand).

the order form indicating choice below


and the final paint scheme for approval, from Cherubim - very straight forward.


The geometry review finally came - initial iterations I felt were more road (low BB) than track (high BB)

And this is the final geo its built to:


Next steps would be to find the 3rensho panto parts and put them together.

[dwiller]

Congrats! That is going to be so cool. I was very tempted to jump in when they offered the limited edition 3rensho builds, and although I think Blacksmith Cycles might still have one spot reserved, it won't be for me.

You will have a VERY nice pair when combined with the Cento build you also noted. I think Cherubim does a really nice job with their Cento Racer.

Looking forward to seeing both projects progress.

[AR2266]

Originally Posted by dwiller

Congrats! That is going to be so cool. I was very tempted to jump in when they offered the limited edition 3rensho builds, and although I think Blacksmith Cycles might still have one spot reserved, it won't be for me.

You will have a VERY nice pair when combined with the Cento build you also noted. I think Cherubim does a really nice job with their Cento Racer.

Looking forward to seeing both projects progress.

Thanks. Your bike projects are AMAZING - especially the Cherubim custom - You have great taste.

The Cento could have been built up earlier - but I realised too late that Di2 compatible does not mean EPS compatible. So its left aside for the time being until funds and my attention are available.

Here's a small preview until I do a proper post on it.