Trash to Treasure (Vintage Bicycle Restoration)

1954 "Magnet" Bicycle. Awarded "Best Bicycle of the Year" by the Minister of Industry and Trade.
Visit my blog: Vintage Japanese Bicycles chikutakurinrin...

[@noe616]

Amazing restoration. I myself restored a bicycke when I was a teenager. I adored that bicycle for years.

[@WOODRUFFAPTS]

What a wonderful restoration! Finding a replacement crank arm must have been a challenge. Thanks for sharing.

[@allgoo19]

I'm speechless!! That's nothing short of work of art!! I admire your effort and skill.

[@trippleb2207]

I am a amateur restorer myself, sometimes things come out really nice and other times not so much but you are on a different leve! that is top of the line. you can't get any nicer than what kind of work you're doing good job bro, I like it

[@showajitensha]

Thank you. In today's disposable society, people have forgotten that there was a time when things were built-to-last. The pre-condition to restoring something is that it had to be well-built, I'm happy you too found and brought back to life a bicycle that people had given up on.

[@garysmith7476]

I love this bike, its absolutely beautiful. the restoration is incredible. great video

[@showajitensha]

Thanks. The real praise goes to the men and women who created these fine machines that are built to last.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you. The credit goes to the men and women that crafted these wonderful machines.

[@showajitensha]

Absolutely! Turn the radio on and go to work bringing something that the world has turned its back on, back to life. I couldn't agree more, it is pure therapy, good for the hands and the soul.

[@andrew097]

I am stunned at how beautiful this bicycle is. The effort and devotion that you put into this bike. The credit and praise for the skill of the people who made the bicycle is enhanced by your modesty. However, it is more then equaled by the results you have got. Your work and your words inspire to try something like this myself. I,m sure every time you cycle this bike you enjoy it even more knowing that you played a enormous part in its rejuivenation .

[@showajitensha]

I could not agree more. Created at a time when things were built-to-last and everyone took pride in manufacturing the best product possible. Cheers.

[@martinsvetoslavov9659]

I am a great bike enthusiast and this made me fell a tear. You, Sir are incredible.

[@adanolivera4500]

truly impressive job you've done man, battle scars are there but that is what makes it so legendary.

[@showajitensha]

Ah! A postman's bicycle. A true "Steel Steed" if ever there were one. They are wonderful bicycles that were built-to-last. Good luck with your restoration.

[@ciphernemo]

This is more than just restoring a bike, it's breathing life into a classic bicycle from a booming era of prosperity after Japan was transformed into a Democracy. From a time when they designed and built bicycles without the tired "how light can we make it" train of thought. Instead they built them with a genuine passion for reliability and aesthetics. Kudos on an amazing restoration.

[@pagandreams1]

being in the family bicycle business of nearly a 100 yrs(now ceased trading) i must say that has got to be one of the nicest bicycles i have ever seen,most vintage bicycles have been abandoned or have decayed quietly in a shed somewhere never to be loved again.once in a blue moon someone like you finds one and rescues it from further decay and lovingly restores it back to its former glory.a cracking job and a true credit to cycling history well done :o)

[@showajitensha]

Many thanks I appreciate the sincerity. The credit goes to the the people who made these wonderful machines.

[@doug4bears]

What beautiful piece of art that this vintage bicycle is. You really breathed life back into this classic bicycle. Nice job.!!!

[@showajitensha]

Thank you, I just duster her off a bit, the real praise goes to the hardworking craftsmen and women who produced these wonderful machines back when people took pride in turning out a product that would last a lifetime.

[@fredtracy1673]

I agree! Pin striping looks splendid, and I love that fender ornament! 😍 I would be proud to own such a beautiful bicycle.

[@SmartStr33t]

Thinking about all the people who have ridden this bike, all the lost memories down through the years, to see it rejuvenated and ready to create new memories with new people instead of being thrown in the trash makes me feel quite emotional. You're a true craftsman and what you have sown in toil others will reap in love.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you for your kind words but the true praise must go to the Japanese craftsmen and women who produced these fine machines and thanks to their efforts in creating a product that was built-to-last I was able to dust her off and tidy her up a bit and she will now outlive me.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you for the kind words. The real praise goes to the men and women that made these wonderful machines.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you. What more could one ask for than to know that their meager video may have helped in a small way to inspire others to restore a bicycle. I wish you the very best with your 10 speed restoration project.

[@showajitensha]

Cheers. British built bicycles from the 1920's till late 1950's are the greatest bicycles in terms of form and function. All steel, leather saddles, internal 3-speed, internal dynamos, center pull rod brakes for both front and rear, front and rear full fenders and chaincase. Marvelous machines, simple and practicle. Japanese adopted British standards, they did well, but nothing beats the original. Happy wheels.

[@showajitensha]

Thanks for the kind words. Actually the real credit goes to the people who designed and manufactured these wonderful machines back when people took pride in building things that would last a life time.

[@showajitensha]

Yes, yes, yes. Let there be full steel fenders, sprung leather saddles, chain cases and bells for everyone! Thank you for your kind workds.The paint is original only used compound and touch up. Good luck on your restoration and happy wheels to you.

[@user-cb3kv4fe7]

Wow. All I can say is wow. What a beauty. Can't believe it only took you two months to do it. The thing that strikes one (aside from the labour of love you put into restoring her) is the level of detail in the original design. There is no functional need for all those touches, but they put them there anyway to create the feeling of a craftsman's product and a cherished object. Love how you kept the original saddle.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you sir clad you enjoyed it.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you. But the real praise goes to the hardworking men and women that created these marvelous machines. Thanks to them, with a little effort, she cleaned up nicely.

[@youkifranco]

Excellent work. I am restoring a 1954 Excelsis 3 speeds bike and lots of respect for what you have accomplish.

[@showajitensha]

Thanks, good luck with the 1954 Excelsis 3 Speed restoration sounds like a great project.

[@showajitensha]

Many thanks for your kind words and taking the time out to express your impression.

[@Newtonstewart]

Well done. You just gave a great bike it's life back.

[@rudycoaltrain]

As a citizen of the world, let me say "thank you" for giving an old treasure new life.

[@showajitensha]

Thnk you, for both being a citizen of the world and taking a moment to leave a comment. May your duration as a citizen of the world be enternal.

[@showajitensha]

Restoring a Dutch bicycle sound like a great project. Throw your heart into it and your body will follow instinctively and you will be amazed at the results. Good luck and happy wheels!

[@paulanger2048]

Wow! The paint really came out nice! Nice work! That bike is a beauty!

[@pervertt]

To each their own. One man's patina is another man's decay. I think this one has been tastefully done.

[@massiveattack786]

in mauritius, many people still have those old bike..i had one too..upon returning from london, i found out it was chucked away :( i miss it !! good job mate..i love how u made it new all over again ;)

[@rajans8275]

Great work Jitensha. You are a doctor who gave new life to the bike. I feel like riding this bike. Never seen a 1950s bike in this brand new condition. Best Wishes from India, Suneel G. Mumbai city.

[@mikepeirson1150]

Good job well done, love old bikes. The work they have done,where would we be without bikes.

[@ildeuraimundodasilva8230]

The old Bicycle gave work , but result was fantastic. Congratulations ! Greetings from Brazil.

[@CBrysonMusic]

Ah ok, will do. Thanks for the advice :D I've built a work bench and set up a work shop in my garage now so I can get to work on restoration :) You inspired me with this bike, thanks.

[@TitusAduxas100]

I'm about to start a Dutch bike renovation and this has inspired me :). If mine turns out half as good I will be a happy guy. Well done ;)

[@showajitensha]

Thank you Mate. Previously I had been riding a 27 speed road bike, I wasn't happy, I was bent over in an uncomfortable position, using padded gloves, padded pants for comfort. Once I mounted this old bicycle the joy and simplicity of bicycling I had enjoyed as a child with my medium weight ballon-tire single speed Schwinn all came rushing back to me. Comfort is built-in. Realized I had allowed mass marketing and advertising to sway me to follow the crowd. Won't happen again. Happy wheels!

[@thadwgilbert]

This is true "mottainai". People in Japan today like to use the saying "mottainai (waste not)" with enthusiasm, but have very little knowledge of what that means. I see treasures like this, thrown out like trash, or dumped in the river. With success, the society has become much too superficial to own a used or old bike, car, house, etc. Most cars are traded in after three years and scraped after five. It's good to see someone saving these fine works of craftsmanship and history.

[@lifelong5425]

I can see a person riding this bike, back in the day it was new to them, tasks of the day...whatever...what wonderful effort is seen here to remind us of craftsmanship...but more about simpler times....

[@jameslee5405]

What a great looking bicycle...

[@showajitensha]

Thank you. But the real praise goes to the men and women that produced these wonderful machines nearly 60 years ago. Back when things were truly "built-to-last". Not only bicycles, but many "old things" were originally very well made. The quality is amazing, that is why what others consider "trash", I look beneath the surface and see "a treasure". Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kennypicPSN]

wow this is now a HOLY place for bike lovers. I just got a Red 1949-1953 Hercules Falcon three speed Herailer complete with original paint

[@showajitensha]

Thank you Sir for your generous words. The credit goes to the men and women who made these fine machines. And to the mentality of when products were built to last a lifetime. Yes, I ride this bicycle, and enjoy the simplicity and functionality. It is the anti-everything compared to the light-weight, no fendes, no chaincase, skinny high-pressure tire, multi-geared bicycles that zip past me. But just like "slow food" simple is better, enjoy the ride.

[@Alltheway531]

This brings happiness to my life! Amazing work! Very impressive! True mechanical art! The greatest invention of all time... The bicycle.

[@reggiechin230]

That's a beautiful restored bike, well done !

[@yellownp22541]

You sir have done an OUTSTANDING job in making sure such a piece of history continues to live on, thank god it found you. Beautiful!

[@showajitensha]

Thank you for the kind words. Work? No, to me it is therapy. The definition of therapy is: An act hobby or task that relieves tension. I get totally absorbed in the project and forget everything. Thank you, yes the project was certainly a rewarding one. Appreciate you taking time to leave a comment. Happy wheels!

[@5tonyvvvv]

+showa jitensha Nice!  I just did one, only thing I changed and made modern was the seat, fabricated wider and softer..Hate the old seats to uncomfortable.

[@justmadeit2]

Great work. I got given a rusty wreck of a folding bike that is 30 years old, i repainted it some new colours, and the wheel rims too, and i made a short video of it, if anyone wants to see it ?? in my uploads or simply type in......A rusty retro restoration

[@user-mm2ti2ot4h]

دزيلي

[@orlando9609]

Hi, can anybody help me decide if restoring this bike its worth it?, I mean, for safety reasons, SIDE VIEW: scontent.fmex7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35187057_10211218180801194_6351946340871700480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=7dc081d16b3e6a1e70567bdda80a324d&oe=5BC85763 FRONT VIEW: scontent.fmex7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35344755_10211218181401209_6289235836915417088_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=cd3f068992b272193f088fa0afd2d55d&oe=5BDB10CE can this bike be rideable again?, or its just too much rust and possibly it will be unsafe to ride it. please help me decide, im confused. Greetings from Mexico

[@mariozermeno2649]

Sir I jus saw your video for the first time and I'm just blown away by the finished product. This proofs that one man's junk is another man's treasure great find outstanding restoration.

[@close2water]

Fantastic restoration work! What a gorgeous bike !!

[@jamesmorleyjmor5003]

wow that old stuff was really beautiful ,well done on restoring a work of art fantastic.

[@showajitensha]

Thanks, but the real credit goes to the people who made these fine machines in the first place.

[@raveagainsthemachine]

i am about to start my own such project and i want to thank you for having posted this. very well done. you have given me quite a bit of inspiration.

[@VictorC1891]

What a amazing looking bike, and the passion that you put restoring it is showing from a mile away !

[@showajitensha]

+Victor C Thank you for your kind words. I am convinced that more than skill, passion is the key.

[@VictorC1891]

showa jitensha Your welcome friend !

[@annewelborn329]

What a beautiful bicycle, you've done a fine restoration. I ride a 70 year old bicycle as my regular mode of transport and very much love old bicycles.

[@showajitensha]

Hi Anne I think many times people are unintentionally lead around by mass marketing and trying to keep up with the Jonses. I find many old product better than current ones simply because they are over engineered to last a long time, simpler, and not a black box so provided parts can be found they can be fixed.

[@andrewbaxter9395]

Now THAT is restoration. really nice work!

[@Cynnx7]

Wow that is so cool!and i couldnt agree with you more when you said that underneath all the rust and grime is a treasure waiting to shine once again! I bought an old rusty bike once too and my family thought it was a terrible idea but after a week of cleaning with household concoctions and materials since i couldnt afford the appropriate materials, and tightening up a few bolt and replacing a couple more it was like new! i would like to restore more bicycles and collect them but i dont have room

[@showajitensha]

Thank you, but the real praise goes to the Japanese craftsmen/women who built these wonderful machines back when things were literally built to last a lifetime.

[@Fedproman]

This is a most enjoyable video. Not only was the work you did amazing, but the way you put the video together made it more so. I would love to do something like this, but have never attempted it. After this video it sure makes me want to give it shot though.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you for the kind words. An old Humber? Excellent bicycle. Just a little maintenance and they out live their original owners.

[@Wheel333]

I just got given a 1953 Triumph ladies bike in similar condition. Seems solid but has maybe 30% surface rust. I like what you did, very inspiring.

[@Mrcoooooooooooookie]

Congrats.People like you are the best.

[@showajitensha]

And people like you that take time to pause and express your opinion are also the best. Thank you.

[@LexeyStJost]

This bike got exactly the tender love and care it deserved. :) Beautiful work!

[@thirdythirdy9157]

I want to restore my first ever 1980's japanese bike too.. you gave me an inspiration

[@showajitensha]

Thank you and well put. It is the "battle scars" accrued over the years of use that lend add a unique appeal.

[@stevehomer4492]

WOW !! Amazing to see such a fantastic restore and looks amazing thanks for sharing

[@showajitensha]

Steve Homer Thank you Sir for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment. Much appreciated and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@joelchoy312]

This is absolutely a beautiful bicycle ! I accidentally run into you while looking for how to fix my Raleigh pedal on youtube. We have very common interest. I love these bicycles. I have 1 Raleigh 1 Chinese Phoenix,1 BSA made in India they are beautiful very comfortable bicycles. It is a pity that the world has advanced past these beauties. They are made of genuine steel parts, very elegant style 3 spring seats ! I applaud your video - really speaks my mind. I love Cannon since 1973 when it was discovered. I probably don't have all you knowledge/ skills to restore a bicycle in such condition, but I sincerely love these bicycles, very much. Hope to hear from you soon.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you for taking the time to comment, and your kind words. Since all the chrome parts (with the exception of the rims which were replaced with same period leftover stock) cleaned up with just steel wool, and, frame, fork, fenders all cleaned up with simple rubbing compound, it is a testimony to the quality of the product that the humble and hard working Japanese who produced this bicycle. You are correct, it is nice to know I played a small part in providing a new lease on life.

My heart is melting. What a great work!

[@showajitensha]

EISENKOPF 1954 Thanks. Nice way to express that you enjoyed the video.

[@josephrovito8986]

fantastic work on restoring this japanese cruiser bike! you made this bicycle goergous. from a bike hobbist to another, hats of to you for your heart in this project. love to own one, my wife is japanese!

[@majorpain1251]

Beautiful restoration, very well done. Nice video too.

[@cliffordfernandes7832]

Amazing job. I have a old Humber with drum brakes, dynamo and all in good condition.

[@showajitensha]

Many thanks. Yes I cannot agree with you more, the emphasis was on reliability. And to be honest, having ridden these for nearly ten years, I can see why they easily outlive their original owners. And they are the most maintenance-free bicycles I have ever had the pleasure of owning.

[@showajitensha]

Appreciate your taking time out to comment. Actually just a novice with a passion for old things. The credit must go to the craftsmen and women who originally produced these long lasting machines.

[@showajitensha]

Took the words right out of my mouth. Couldn't of said it better.

[@tonyconnors1342]

Great to see such respect for a bicycle have done this work myself and love it what a wonderful feeling to bring something back to life you did a work of art.

[@XXsardarXX]

Love the the front mud guard on this classic bike....great restoration job!

[@fistpunder]

You did a wonderful job and you can see your love for your work in the beauty of this bicycle. Congratulations.

[@philm2603]

Great job! I just did a 1970's Japanese Royce Union. Great bikes.

[@86Melinda]

Beautiful! You are far too modest. This is an exquisite restoration. You should be proud! I certainly must visit your blog. Thank you for sharing this. Bravo!!!

[@showajitensha]

Thank you for your generous comment. Honestly, I am not very good with head or hands but I have found that, regardless of whether it is a bicycle restoration or personal relationships, if I pour my heart into it, I usually receive more than I expected. Thanks again.

[@pierrelouis8188]

I will trust that bike frame more than the craps they make today.

[@showajitensha]

Pierre Louis My sentiments exactly. We must be from the same bicycle planet as I could not have said it better my friend. Happy wheels to you.

[@hlsghost]

That is badass. Well made, looks beautiful!

[@showajitensha]

The background music is a classical piece called Canon, by Pachelbel. One of my favorites:)

[@HighTreason610]

I'm not really into these foreign bicycles myself, always been a BSA man (I'm from England). But this is just beautiful, a very good job, hope I can pull something like this off with mine.

[@simonwatson9730]

Well done. I'm sorting out an old BSA and this is really inspiring.

[@showajitensha]

Thanks. BSA oohhh nice project, good luck. Got a soft spot for old British bicycles. Superior craftsmanship, built-to-last. Trouble is cost to ship to Japan is to expensive. Good luck and ride with pride.

[@simonwatson9730]

Thanks!

[@ERIN478]

How lovely! Thanks for posting this.

[@gentlerowdy]

no words i can find to appreciate your efforts- to me your restoration means like seeing the glory of past just as new as a garden flower !!!

[@showajitensha]

Your sincerity shines through, many thanks for you kind words.

[@ariiellagarde]

that's an absolutely beautiful bike you've got there

[@ImKidCuddy]

Thank you. You do this even when you are not repainting, because I thought that removes the paint

[@oldguy537]

you did a wonderful job, something to be proud of .. I can't understand why I've never seen this video before .. thanks for sharing

[@showajitensha]

Thank you Sir for your kind words. The real credit goes to the men and women that crafted this bicycle over 50 years ago, back when things where built to outlive their original owners.

[@Ajen1959]

That's a keeper! Nice work.

[@stitchergary]

Remarkable transformation and great editing job....It would have been nice to see the process getting to this work of art....thank you

[@showajitensha]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video and were kind enough to take time out to provide heartfelt feedback.

[@alanwilliams3899]

Amazing, What a real work of art, Well Done.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you. But the real credit goes to the Japanese who diligently crafted these wonderful machines to a degreee where just a little elbow grease and they as as good as new.

[@robbyvenetian]

Very well done! You brought that beautiful bicycle back to life! Great details! You used respect in the restoration process. I love that!

[@andrew097]

Respect and congratulations from Ireland.

[@doncoldwell7270]

Great job....well done

[@solverh]

Just plain jaw dropping restoration. … Subscribed to your channel after watching this. :)

[@SpaceMonkeySalo]

That is gorgeous, well done sir.

[@showajitensha]

Thank you but the credit goes to the people who originally made these wonderful machines.

[@showajitensha]

Thanks. Leaving the patina on is certainly on option of many.