Hello! This is Yoshimoto from Circles Tokyo.
Have you had a chance to read our recently published blog, "The Case for Custom"?
In it, we introduced the ultimate weapon for the upcoming gravel season, and as mentioned in the post, we have a packed schedule of major gravel events ahead of us.
At last year’s OMM BIKE Hakuba, our Circles pit service station served as a sanctuary for riders, dealing with everything from worn-out brake pads to tire replacements caused by the grueling conditions in the pouring rain.
In ordinary conditions, you might give up on a ride, but if it’s for an event, you have no choice but to brace yourself and go for it, right? Haha.
You customize your bike for the event and enjoy the race to the fullest. I’m writing this while remembering the childhood saying, "The trip isn't over until you're home." I believe an event isn't truly finished until you've performed maintenance on the parts that got worn out and caked in mud. Please, make sure to show your bike some appreciation at the end.
So, to support all of you, we are holding a special event!
Circles Tokyo Event Support Overhaul Campaign
Simply show us your event registration confirmation screen or anything that proves your participation, and we will provide "10% off our overhaul labor fees."
This is a long-running campaign that lasts through the end of September, covering events like Otaki and Niseko Gravel.
Of course, this applies not just to gravel events, but to any event you participate in with your bike! You can also use it for maintenance before an event!
Self-Check Your Bike Before the Event
I’ve created a simple checklist to help you understand the condition of your bike; please try checking it yourself.
Simple Condition Diagnosis
・Brakes
For mechanical brakes, does the pull feel heavy, or do the levers reach the handlebar grip when squeezed?
For hydraulic brakes, is there excessive play, or do they feel mushy when braking?
Do you still have brake pad material left? Is the rotor thickness above the manufacturer’s specification? (SHIMANO is approximately 1.5mm)
・Shifting
Does it shift smoothly and reliably through all gears?
Do you hear any metallic clinking or grinding sounds?
・Wheels
Is there any play in the wheels from side to side?
When you spin the wheel, does the tire wobble left and right?
Are there any cracks around the rim nipples?
・Other
Is there any play in the headset, or does it feel resistant when turning the handlebars?
While there are many other fine details, the one thing that can be said overall is that a properly adjusted bicycle is essentially a very quiet vehicle.
When there are issues like a stretched chain, low oil, or a shifting malfunction, you will hear "clinking" noises, and if a screw is loose, you’ll hear rattling sounds. Please listen to your bike's sounds and use that to judge its condition.
We perform not only overhauls but also simple maintenance, so please feel free to bring your bike in.
A bicycle is, naturally, a vehicle that directly affects your safety, yet unlike cars, there is no mandatory inspection, so we must check the condition ourselves. To ensure a safe ride, please perform regular maintenance and condition checks.
Circles Tokyo is here to support you with everything we've got so you can enjoy your events safely and comfortably!
If you have any minor concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
From preparation before an event to maintenance after, we are here for you and your bike. We hope you have an event season full of the best memories!
We look forward to seeing you at the shop.