Post by: monkian on September 23, 2019, 10:30 PM
http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=145607.0
I’ve been intrigued by the Akibo Pro, ever since seeing the test feature in BMX Bi-Weekly (v5 i10) and discovering it was sold through Hotshot, a local dealer based in Oxford that I remember from bitd. It’s got a proper light weight race frame with what I thought was a unique Tange tube configuration and came complete with pretty decent parts. A really tidy frame-set came up on eBay a while back and I regret not going for it. What can I say, I’m kinky and it tickled my fancy and I guess some itches just need to be scratched ;)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/b5f96603aa92dc37ade69b1e329de00d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/621433c9ef29d1d0da71f13f3fe7b747.jpg)
So after hunting around for one in the usual shady places, I stumbled across this neglected beauty. Looking at it, it seemed to tick all the boxes and even though it wasn’t as shiny as it should be I thought it must have just been painted by a former owner. After a little dance with the owner, I managed to land it and it showed up this morning.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/8930b3dbb893751b172cd29995fee22d.jpg)
I’m a bit stumped now though as it turns out the decals are original and on top of the paint. Thankfully there was also part of an original bike-shop label on it, (JE) James, Sheffield, and as it goes they’re still in business so I gave them a quick call. I spoke to a guy who’s been there since 1986 and sent him some images of the bike so hopefully he might be able to provide some more info. He seemed to think it was unlikely they put shop labels on second hand bikes so there’s a good chance this was sold as a new bike with a painted finish so bang went my theory of it being owner painted.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/e3cd9a776be103b43e457f7a69a22e75.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/063c862ae7985b4c350da10991f4c929.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/796fbd1f3b43b4e44a2ad1b90ca88cc2.jpg)
I bought it as a complete bike and a lot of the parts meet the Akibo Pro spec: ARX Forks, Strong Clamp & Post, Araya Aero Rims, Sealed Suntour Hubs, Win Stem, KKT SMX Pedals & DID Chain. The tube configuration looks to be the same, 19” round 1,1/8” OD top tube, 1,1/4” OD down tube, classic Tange flared seat tube, Giant style dropouts and a slightly different take on the more typical Tange BB stamp, again this is consistent with the Akibo Pro.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/a217a0127a21c50419455c5d3ac69571.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/fb2e9fb65de30069b5f03b672970b8cd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/ffc60733c3877853544767a537e0fbda.jpg)
The frame decals have been brutally removed but you can make out part of one on the down tube that starts with M then possibly A. I’ve searched through a few bikes on the museum but haven’t found a match yet. The M looks a bit like the Motobecane logo but it’s not quite the same. Does anyone on here have any ideas or remember the BMX at JE James in Sheffield bitd?
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/c2109b263614348e6c1d4c0fa542871f.jpg)
Post by: Mikku on September 24, 2019, 08:28 AM
Post by: monkian on September 24, 2019, 09:23 AM
Post by: Mikku on September 24, 2019, 09:35 AM
What are your current plans for the frame? Keep it og, assuming that the paintwork is just that, or refinish, etc, etc? Fwiw, I love that weathered silver/white finish, otherwise known as "patina" (whatever that is) but then I'm a sucker for survivor builds. :D
Post by: monkian on September 24, 2019, 09:47 AM
Post by: Chilli Rinse on September 24, 2019, 12:48 PM
Post by: Avro on September 24, 2019, 07:07 PM
Post by: bobafett on October 01, 2019, 09:27 AM
Subbed :popcorn:
Same :popcorn: :LolLolLolLol:
Post by: monkian on October 01, 2019, 10:29 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191001/f45402fb3eee6ebcc51d1c80dc0af9c4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191001/e485a41e085f27802bce01c24c020033.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191001/63b615eeac8eeb35a2e459f02415b3d1.jpg)
Going back to the Akibo test, it states that only 50 of the complete bikes were being made available through the magazine offer and that all future Akibo bikes would only be sold to the trade. I’m thinking maybe Hotshot might have supplied the bike (as a painted option) to an outfit that rebranded it (much like the UK Rattlesnake / Schauff Anaconda deal). I managed to get hold of a family member connected to Hotshot and asked if this might have been likely so fingers crossed they get back to me.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191001/c012a30917bd87d94a4d931d69305370.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191001/db3377917f7a45c45b352e66f234b52a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191001/35b0b24f870233a51ffdf7f8e329ace3.jpg)
BTW if any Tange nuts are interested, Mattdub currently has this Bi-Weekly issue for sale
Post by: monkian on October 01, 2019, 10:57 AM
https://www.ukbmxhistory.com/jane-les-windle-hotshot/
Coincidentally, in the video at the bottom there’s a very quick shot of a German team with an Schauff Anaconda during the Stu Thomsen interview ;)
I also found this from when I was about 11 with the Hotshot logo in
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191001/f3f04ff9a8393423ceb8a33c51b9ca8a.jpg)
Post by: monkian on October 06, 2019, 02:45 PM
Thankfully this one still has the decals in place plus it has a lot of the same parts which can now be confirmed as stock and it’s got the same Perl painted finish.
It’s called Mac-Trak Pro (MT BMX), a London based brand rather than the more familiar MT Racing. My thinking is that it was probably a small mail-order company / trade supplier or shop. It could well have been supplied to them by Hotshot in Oxford given the similarities with the Akibo and maybe chrome was an option but I’ve had no confirmation on that yet. This one has a Berkshire Cycles shop label on it.
Obviously I had to buy it :)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/8fa08831ef7083ac2ec1b8b01dc6f8ad.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/277c164f1008b7c443cb32974f5247c8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/1edb638c6626fa108f62691ddc2d69de.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/2553e76e9baa9c972be73285d5bc1679.jpg)
Post by: bobafett on October 06, 2019, 06:42 PM
Post by: Chilli Rinse on October 08, 2019, 10:43 PM
So in all my years of having my head buried in OS Tange BMX and never having seen this particular frame (except the chrome Akibo), within the space of a few days of picking mine up another one turns up for sale!
I saw that and didn’t click it was one and the same. Nice 👍🏼
Post by: monkian on November 06, 2019, 04:43 PM
Parts added: Takagi MX OPC, Tange BB, Sugino Spider, Izumi Chain, Suntour XC-II, Ariake Jaguar II Seat, Tange Grips, Tioga Beartrap II, Reynolds Bars :)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191106/728ba3d99a8882e7891d385bace6c858.jpg)
Post by: monkian on November 06, 2019, 05:05 PM
It’s become a bit of a labour of love and still looks like a rat but it’s much better than it was. I got suck removing a wheel bearing for a while but eventually got it sorted ;)
http://radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=195407
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191106/feadd2ece9297446f2a6dd8abd211dea.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191106/e01d7991293b06a8dce9781926b47b0c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191106/f587bf1ba1ba86ca592c8c5f990aaffc.jpg)
Post by: Mikku on November 07, 2019, 09:35 AM
Post by: monkian on January 28, 2020, 02:28 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/f5166e610f8485bd3fdac18db69dab71.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/deded2860f8556fec59879782aa31fa9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/e5c69654a6b6ffe766293738ee1a9070.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200130/5c14eb4bead4aec5ce98d1d8767b6893.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/34d35095dc7fadd5a956c51de6481a6c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/554a3c377d3e97524d099924c2f3228f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/b87824e3e36361e4712e277ea5555add.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200129/b64b2b396a3ad6a63cdf946143b0394a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/e0e460ad91471dc8a4af07316ca08bca.jpg)
Parts list: Tange ARX Fork / Tioga Beartrap II Headset / Win Stem / Reynolds Bars / Tange Grips / DC Tech III / DC MX1000 Caliper / DC Blocks / Araya Aero Rims / Suntour Sealed Hubs / Knarler Knobby Tyres / Strong Clamp / Strong Post / Ariake Jaguar II Seat / Tange BB Set / Takagi 175 Cranks / Sugino 44T Chainring / Sugino Spider & Bolts / Suntour XC-II Pedals / Izumi Chain / Suntour 16T Freewheel.
Massive thanks again to Christophe (Church) for answering my want ad and helping with the parts. Proper rad man
Post by: bobafett on January 28, 2020, 03:15 PM
As far as the term "survivor build" goes..... I am totally on board with that mate and used the phrase often for some of my builds in the past. I love a build with original frame finish complemented by thoughtfully selected survivor parts. Spot on mate :daumenhoch:
Post by: BMX1973 on January 28, 2020, 04:39 PM
Post by: Chilli Rinse on January 28, 2020, 05:44 PM
Nice to see you’ve entered it in BOTM too fistblump
Post by: monkian on January 28, 2020, 06:24 PM
Post by: Mikku on January 28, 2020, 10:37 PM
Good stuff Paul, looks ready to jump on and take for a good thrashing 8)
As far as the term "survivor build" goes..... I am totally on board with that mate and used the phrase often for some of my builds in the past. I love a build with original frame finish complemented by thoughtfully selected survivor parts. Spot on mate :daumenhoch:
This ^^^ exactly! Love it Paul!! :4_17_5:
Post by: P J Tunni on January 29, 2020, 03:10 PM
Post by: monkian on January 29, 2020, 03:48 PM
I like the overall theme and you've used some nice japanese parts (is that win stem the same as found on a Kuwahara Nova 83?) :)
Thanks PJ, yeah it’s the same type Win Stem that came stock on early Nova
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200129/27279cd2b14cdb8782d9535e13afb200.jpg)
Post by: P J Tunni on January 29, 2020, 04:41 PM
Post by: monkian on May 02, 2022, 04:37 PM
Spotted a powdered frameset on ebay recently so I guess at least 3 survived!! ;D
Love this bike so much. Total buzz finding it 8)
the frameset (with good decals) is available if any Tange nuts interested (PM/DM).
Post by: Chilli Rinse on May 02, 2022, 08:53 PM
Post by: monkian on May 02, 2022, 09:32 PM
Good stuff Paul. I bid on those pads too, look like they cleaned up well fistblump
Ah, sorry about that!! >:D
Gave them a soak and replaced the poppers on the stem pad but I think they look the part.
Post by: Chilli Rinse on May 02, 2022, 10:48 PM
Good stuff Paul. I bid on those pads too, look like they cleaned up well fistblump
Ah, sorry about that!! >:D
Gave them a soak and replaced the poppers on the stem pad but I think they look the part.
No problem Paul, I think you got them at a great price, result. They definitely look the biz mate :daumenhoch:
Post by: Mikku on May 31, 2022, 12:51 PM
This
Bike
:smitten:
Post by: SimonUK on August 03, 2022, 06:59 PM
Post by: monkian on August 10, 2022, 11:31 AM
As it's not an original finish you could maybe rebadge it as an Akibo Pro 8)
What's the plan?
I've got some nice reference photos for Akibo decals if you need some custom made.
Just DM me :daumenhoch:
Post by: SimonUK on August 11, 2022, 11:29 AM
Post by: freshxx on June 13, 2023, 12:22 PM
Looking for the manufacturer of my handlebars "CW style ladder bars with fluted tubing chromoly" (stripped paint pix attached) - i found a similar set last weekend. It was mounted to an Akibo Pro Oldschool BMX. I spoke to the owner and he told me he received the bars back in the days together with the Akibo Pro as a complete. He was 100% confident that they are Akibo bars. These bars (white) used exactly the same tubing and has the same dimensions like mine.
I'm now confident that my bars are also made by Akibo back in the days. Pretty sure they were sold as an aftersales item for Freestyle use.
Please decide yourself. I still own these bars but i powdered them white in the meantime.
Post by: Taipan on July 04, 2023, 05:54 PM
Post by: Taipan on July 04, 2023, 05:57 PM
Post by: monkian on July 07, 2023, 03:49 PM
I want to share some additional pix and info about Akibo.
Looking for the manufacturer of my handlebars "CW style ladder bars with fluted tubing chromoly" (stripped paint pix attached) - i found a similar set last weekend. It was mounted to an Akibo Pro Oldschool BMX. I spoke to the owner and he told me he received the bars back in the days together with the Akibo Pro as a complete. He was 100% confident that they are Akibo bars. These bars (white) used exactly the same tubing and has the same dimensions like mine.
I'm now confident that my bars are also made by Akibo back in the days. Pretty sure they were sold as an aftersales item for Freestyle use.
Please decide yourself. I still own these bars but i powdered them white in the meantime.
I suspect these would have been Japanese made so most likely by Strong.
They would have sat nicely with the Strong Fluted Seat Post & Clamp that were stock on the Akibo Pro 8)
There's some for sale here: https://bmxmuseum.com/forsale/289264
Post by: Taipan on July 08, 2023, 01:07 PM
Also I've been told/remember someone here had a set in the CW style like yours called 'SBS GROOBAR' so I think they are more likely to be these :daumenhoch:
As I said Groo bars :daumenhoch: made by strongs ;)
Post by: freshxx on February 07, 2024, 03:31 PM
Akibo original decal, but yes SBS GROOBAR made by strongs also possible