Almost cried to see how dedicated these people are! How amazing there work is. It reminds me of the Katana maker in kill bill, seems the Japanese really are the most dedicated forge masters!
Jon Cannings great series. Quite a few others have made this point but your enthusiasm is infectious and allowed us to really share your wonderful experiences in Japan. Thanks Jon.
Excellent presentation Jon. Looks like they haven't changed as time marches on but oh! my, that frame you had in your hand made me drool. I can see also they were not happy with "good enough".
Properly geeked out to this. Dark and mysterious workshop producing beautiful things. Craftsmanship for its own sake but with an ultimate purpose. Wonderful stuff.
If you like shop tours, get a job for a software company selling CAD/CAM. I worked for a SolidWorks reseller for 15 years and went in hundreds of shops. Some high-tech, some literally a dude's garage. You learn a ton and mainly learn that folks are generally quite proud of how they make stuff, regardless if it's all robotic or completely by hand. Great video.
I had a custom 54cm Koichi Yamaguchi team USA track frameset made in early 90's. Another master frame builder from Japan who set up shop in the USA. He made frames for 3Rensho. Amazing workmanship. I could walk it down the street in a straight line with one finger behind saddle. It was the bike I was riding down 5th ave 42nd st. NYC when I saw the WTC on fire 2001.
That polished frameset though. Talk about bike lust. I'd have one hell of an internal struggle with a frame like that. Put it on the wall as the piece of art that it is or ride it and actually experience the function of such a masterpiece.
Haven't watched the video yet cause I paused it right as it loaded - but I'm going to take a guess that Jon will be like a little boy with a thousand and one Christmas presents to open and absolutely beside himself with the joy and thrill and wonder of being in a workshop full of history. And I was right - wonderful video Jon.
WOW! I lived in Colorado Springs in the 80s and early 90's, and was lucky enough to get a custom Ritchey P23 made for me. Such great memories from those days...
You have the coolest job on planet! Jealousy overwhelms me! First Corsa Corsa now this place?!!!!! Love Love Love these video and for you taking me there!
In Switzerland I wandered into a random bike shop and thought, dear god the owner has a lot of 1st places, rainbow jerseys and old Ritchey bikes hanging up. Cue Frishi who came over and started chatting, great guy
A sophisticatedly-built steel frame is the manifestation of the highest level of craftsmanship and where the anesthetics of bike frames lies among among other materials. Which will be rarer to be seen in the future bicycle industry in which people are looking for light weight, low-cost and easy way to make bikes...
Great interesting video Jon. Life certainly can be funny at times because its only after watching this I now realise how much work went in to building my Roberts Tourer.
Thank you so much for this wonderful video Jon. I love the last frame that you held towards the end of the video,it reminded me of a Trek aluminum and carbon bike I had in 1995. I wish that the industry would start building bikes like the frame you had in your hands. Thanks ,Paul Florida
It’s funny you mention this: I *have* one of those bikes. It’s a Trek Composite 2300. Mine’s a ‘92, I think. I was out on a run and the purple color in a yard sale caught my eye and stopped me in my tracks. I bought it from the guy as soon as I could get back and shower. I’ve been using it ever since: it’s my winter riding in the basement bike, though I rotate it in with the other bikes during the warmer months, too. I touched up the paint job, but it’s otherwise been a solid performer.
What a great video, you are a great ambassador for GCN. I love old steel frames, being of your vintage. I had Araya Aero rims on my Peugeot CFX10 frame in the early 80’s. Loved that bike.
I love these videos. Not only do we get to see some cool history, we get to see this dude fan girl out at it all. It’s cool to see the passion he puts into his work.
@@cliffordromina3527 Since it was given to me by a very cool bike shop here in Japan, I gave it back and now it is on his wall. Long story short, it was handbuilt for a 62 KG Japanese climber and I am a 81 KG American crit rider. That frame never should have been under me. But it did do it's job, it got me hooked on the road(after 18 years on MTB). I did buy a carbon bike from the same shop.
Great tour! How about an interview with the owner about the history and challenges of frame-making. I love hearing about the design challenges and compromises that go into making something awesome. The history of the changes in materials and theory over the decades would be great too. Thanks again!
Forget titanium frames... This is where it's at! Steel frame with integrated carbon tubing. What a thing of beauty that end result!!! (I'd hate to venture as to how much it would cost though.)
Got to say a big well done to you guys. What a brilliant video there. Will happily watch Jon go and do more factory tours anywhere in the world but do love the tours of more artisan builders where old techniques are kept alive and melded with cutting edge tech. Please send Jon to more factories as I just love seeing the way products are made! Shimano HQ next time your in Japan ? 😉
@gcntech This was thew show where GCN learned the hard way about "frame(rate)" standards. Good show and great presentation as always John, apart from the NTSC / PAL blunder :) I believe my 90's Muddy Fox Limited Edition was built there by the man himself :)
13:00 LOL I thought you meant "Hybrid"!! Odd that they use carbon for the down and top tubes, you'd have thought that the stays were the obvious place for carbon (compliance, weight) ...Alan cycle cross frames...memories...
Real craftsmanship........more vids like these please
That frame you were holding in the end is work of ART! Just stunning
Nothing like a beautiful steel frame!
love mine, won't ever get anything that isn't two triangles
Okay... Jon... That is a SUPER NICE!! RIIIING THE BELL!!!!
Almost cried to see how dedicated these people are! How amazing there work is. It reminds me of the Katana maker in kill bill, seems the Japanese really are the most dedicated forge masters!
When Jon showed that finished frame at the end, I might have had a little moment...How beautiful is that?!
What a journey I had! This video brought an end to my Japanese adventure.
Jon Cannings great series. Quite a few others have made this point but your enthusiasm is infectious and allowed us to really share your wonderful experiences in Japan. Thanks Jon.
@@mosca3289 thanks. I love seeing comments like this
These videos were some of the best I've ever seen on GCN, thanks man!
Go back to Japan and find more gems. These videos are so good.
Excellent presentation Jon. Looks like they haven't changed as time marches on but oh! my, that frame you had in your hand made me drool.
I can see also they were not happy with "good enough".
THE best of GCN, more of this please...
I would love to go inside those factories, and i know I'm not the only one. Thank you for being there in our place and showing it to us..
That end result 😮
Properly geeked out to this. Dark and mysterious workshop producing beautiful things. Craftsmanship for its own sake but with an ultimate purpose. Wonderful stuff.
The prettiest cyclocross frames I have seen. Just amazing!
Science, Engineering and Art blended by a Master Bicycle builder!
It's nic to know that there still someone out there doing this work of old 👍👍👍
Whilst I'm a sucker for aero frames, but that Toyoframe is a thing of beauty. Yes -indeed- ring the bell!!!
The frame at the end...A Breathless Wonder.
Absolutely satisfying video. Good to see such a simple birthplace of most legendary brands of bikes.
Jon, the gentleman of authentic cycling.
Love all that steel!
If you like shop tours, get a job for a software company selling CAD/CAM. I worked for a SolidWorks reseller for 15 years and went in hundreds of shops. Some high-tech, some literally a dude's garage. You learn a ton and mainly learn that folks are generally quite proud of how they make stuff, regardless if it's all robotic or completely by hand. Great video.
Feel blessed you brought this for us..so much worship
John excels at this type of presentation, fantastic. Obviously, I need one of those frames, right now!
guyd4067 you don't need one but you can want one. if you want it strong enough you'll finde the money and patience
Authentic classic beauty with the modern touch. Gorgeous stuff.
What a beautiful frame, real craftsmanship. I really want one now, great work again Jon.
This is a best video from GCN ! Thanks Joy !
What a welding! Very nice video!
Jon is great at finding these beauties.
That is beautiful! Simply beautiful. You can really see the builders' dedication and discipline.
Amazing beautiful frames. They are like a piece of jewellery.
Instant like even without watching the video yet. Steel is real!
Finished frame at the end looked gorgeous.
best looking frame i've ever seen
The way this video has been shot is simply breathtaking!
I had a custom 54cm Koichi Yamaguchi team USA track frameset made in early 90's. Another master frame builder from Japan who set up shop in the USA. He made frames for 3Rensho. Amazing workmanship. I could walk it down the street in a straight line with one finger behind saddle. It was the bike I was riding down 5th ave 42nd st. NYC when I saw the WTC on fire 2001.
Breathtaking skills and results. Thanks for bringing this up.
Jon on a deserved dream work-vacation!
That polished frameset though. Talk about bike lust. I'd have one hell of an internal struggle with a frame like that. Put it on the wall as the piece of art that it is or ride it and actually experience the function of such a masterpiece.
I really enjoy seeing frames come together from raw materials.
Oh my word, that polish is utterly fucking magnificent. Phwoar!
You are on the money here Jon. Keep them coming👍🇦🇺
Great video GCN, you can't beat a hand built steel frame. The best.👍👍
Awesome! It's fantastic to get a glimpse of the innards of a company making glorious frames!
I really enjoy Jon's "Kid in a candy store" level of enthusiasm on these types of videos.
Haven't watched the video yet cause I paused it right as it loaded - but I'm going to take a guess that Jon will be like a little boy with a thousand and one Christmas presents to open and absolutely beside himself with the joy and thrill and wonder of being in a workshop full of history.
And I was right - wonderful video Jon.
Thanks Nigel.
Jon and GCN....thank U so much for this clip. I like to build things myself. Just watching it....gave me goosebumps.
Glad you enjoyed
That’s one of the reasons we’d love cycling, thanks jhon and your crew for showing us this
Love process.
Our pleasure
WOW! I lived in Colorado Springs in the 80s and early 90's, and was lucky enough to get a custom Ritchey P23 made for me. Such great memories from those days...
That frame at the end makes me think about the old N+1 formula.
Love this kind of stuff John. Just amazing. Going to check their website now. Thanks again John.
You have the coolest job on planet! Jealousy overwhelms me! First Corsa Corsa now this place?!!!!! Love Love Love these video and for you taking me there!
My pleasure
In Switzerland I wandered into a random bike shop and thought, dear god the owner has a lot of 1st places, rainbow jerseys and old Ritchey bikes hanging up.
Cue Frishi who came over and started chatting, great guy
A sophisticatedly-built steel frame is the manifestation of the highest level of craftsmanship and where the anesthetics of bike frames lies among among other materials. Which will be rarer to be seen in the future bicycle industry in which people are looking for light weight, low-cost and easy way to make bikes...
Me too, I love see a old steel frame factory! Thank you for the video.
Cheers Luis!
Love it! Watching the whole frame-building process is fascinating. More content like this!
Wonderful video! It is great to see meticulous craftsmanship.
wow... that is a frame... for life!
man those welds are so subtle and beautiful
Great interesting video Jon. Life certainly can be funny at times because its only after watching this I now realise how much work went in to building my Roberts Tourer.
Thank you so much for this wonderful video Jon. I love the last frame that you held towards the end of the video,it reminded me of a Trek aluminum and carbon bike I had in 1995. I wish that the industry would start building bikes like the frame you had in your hands. Thanks ,Paul Florida
Thanks for the love
It’s funny you mention this: I *have* one of those bikes. It’s a Trek Composite 2300. Mine’s a ‘92, I think. I was out on a run and the purple color in a yard sale caught my eye and stopped me in my tracks. I bought it from the guy as soon as I could get back and shower. I’ve been using it ever since: it’s my winter riding in the basement bike, though I rotate it in with the other bikes during the warmer months, too. I touched up the paint job, but it’s otherwise been a solid performer.
Wow .. we need more videos like that thanks ! I
What a great video, you are a great ambassador for GCN. I love old steel frames, being of your vintage. I had Araya Aero rims on my Peugeot CFX10 frame in the early 80’s. Loved that bike.
Araya rims are so cool
Amazing...I could just hang that frame in my living room and be content 🙂
Great job Jon. Love the vids. Keep up the great work!
Absolutely fantastic works of art, amazing
Thoroughly enjoyed this....I concur with comments below.... More like this, especially from you Jon.
Thanks Ravin.
Nothing says Toyo frames like some good baby making music in the background! Lol great video GCN I really appreciate all bikes!
That was beautiful frame!
Great video! I am really enjoying these shop tour, behind the scene videos.
Just wonderful, something to aspire to, in life as well as owning and riding!
that frame at the end is stunning
I love these videos. Not only do we get to see some cool history, we get to see this dude fan girl out at it all. It’s cool to see the passion he puts into his work.
I could watch this for hours.
You’re like a kid in a toy shop 😀
Really loved the video, John.
I love those 90s and 80s mountain bikes. They were awesome
This video is dear to my heart. My first road bike was a Green Toyo. That frame set was sweet. It died because of a chain stay crack.
You can still store your frame like that one bike on the video that is missing a seat tube..
@@cliffordromina3527 Since it was given to me by a very cool bike shop here in Japan, I gave it back and now it is on his wall. Long story short, it was handbuilt for a 62 KG Japanese climber and I am a 81 KG American crit rider. That frame never should have been under me. But it did do it's job, it got me hooked on the road(after 18 years on MTB). I did buy a carbon bike from the same shop.
Amazing stuff. That frame is gorgeous.
Yes. A beauty.
Awesome video as always!
This is a work of art! I love it!
Great tour!
How about an interview with the owner about the history and challenges of frame-making. I love hearing about the design challenges and compromises that go into making something awesome. The history of the changes in materials and theory over the decades would be great too.
Thanks again!
Cheers! Bringing us avid cyclists the ability to see cycling legend. Keep them coming please!
Beautiful craftsmanship at its finest.. All power to Toyo!
日本へようこそ！
東洋のバイクは一度乗ってみたいバイクですね！
Welcome to Japan!
Toyo bike is a bike you want to ride once!
Forget titanium frames... This is where it's at! Steel frame with integrated carbon tubing. What a thing of beauty that end result!!! (I'd hate to venture as to how much it would cost though.)
This. Was. Awesome.
I really need to visit Japan!
I like how the guy is so excited to learn about the tools in a machine shop. That’s how I felt when I took metal shop in college
You have the coolest job In the world.
Got to say a big well done to you guys. What a brilliant video there. Will happily watch Jon go and do more factory tours anywhere in the world but do love the tours of more artisan builders where old techniques are kept alive and melded with cutting edge tech. Please send Jon to more factories as I just love seeing the way products are made! Shimano HQ next time your in Japan ? 😉
Glad you liked it. I can't wait for my next visit
This is just beautiful.
😍
SO COOL! GREAT VID
Awesome frame shop.
Toyo frames are beautiful .. I wanna own one
BEautiful! loving this video by bits!! :)
Such an interesting video
Love your passion of anything bike Jon
Beautiful frame!
Another dope video
@gcntech This was thew show where GCN learned the hard way about "frame(rate)" standards. Good show and great presentation as always John, apart from the NTSC / PAL blunder :) I believe my 90's Muddy Fox Limited Edition was built there by the man himself :)
Would love a bespoke toyo frame road bike now !
Beautiful.
Great road bike for beginners!
Way cool...thank you lots....cheers
..
13:00 LOL I thought you meant "Hybrid"!! Odd that they use carbon for the down and top tubes, you'd have thought that the stays were the obvious place for carbon (compliance, weight)
...Alan cycle cross frames...memories...