Parkpre (1989–1993)
Parkpre started in 1989 after Cozy Yamakoshi, a product and development
manager, left Diamond Back to start his own company. Parkpre USA were
based in Moorpark, Southern California, USA., Producing bikes from the
early 1990's until sometime in 1998 when they closed.Parkpre is the product of Cozy Yamakoshi. The actual name of the
business was Integra Precision Corporation, it would not fit on the
down tube, the Parkpre name came from Cozy's friend and mentor, Mr.
Park, who was originally from Korea but changed his name upon moving to
Japan. The Pre (precission) part of the name caused some consternation
when Pre Skis got all hot and bothered over the Parkpre logo. Ever
wondered what Parkpre USA's distribution centre looked like here are
some pictures.
Parkpre frames were made at the Fairly Bike Manufacturing Co Ltd
factory in Taiwan, where Cozy had a relationship. Cozy designed a few
other things, he designed the original Timbuk II tyre, and had
something to do with the Porcupine tyre. A Californian guy originally
designed Pulstar Hubs, featured on many Parkpre bikes, Cozy took the
design overseas, mass-producing it for the inventor. I think that this
was the Hubs downfall, as the bearings and races used were of inferior
quality, the hubs failed long before the wheelset should have. I'm sure
many of you can verify this, I can.
Cozy was a famous frame designer before starting his own company... he
built frames for REI under their own brand name (Novara), and designed
and built the Kastle ski brand bike.
Cozy Yamakoshi has been in the bicycle business for over 30 years. Cozy
was a Product Development manager at Western States Imports for many
years. WSI was the company who made Centurion and Diamond Backs. He was
instrumental in the manufacturing of BMX bikes in Japan and importing
them to the United States.
(23 items)