The weather gives us a hint that autumn is just around the corner.
But just as if to shake me out of my heat-induced lethargy, a new brand has arrived at Circles:
These bicycles are crafted in Portland, Oregon, USA.
They are brought to life by Tony Pereira and Ira Ryan.
Tony Pereira is a true cyclist who loves mountain biking.
Ira Ryan is a former messenger.
These two started the brand based on fifteen years of frame-building experience.
In fact, they also produced the official bikes for the “Rapha Continental” project, which began in 2007.
Their goal is to create high-quality, beautiful bicycles with the themes of "riding every day" and "riding long distances."
"Riding every day" and "riding long distances" are simple yet incredibly difficult themes.
After all, to ride every day, the bike itself must be tough.
But if you just make it sturdy, you lose the sense of lightness and beauty.
On top of that, when it comes to riding long distances, smooth and comfortable handling is also required—because on long rides, the road isn't just pavement; you might encounter gravel paths, farm lanes, or even muddy roads if the weather turns.
To support a rider who keeps going through all of that—to solve such a difficult proposition—you need not only frame-building skills but also extensive experience as a rider.
The Breadwinner bicycles are some of the answers that these two, possessing both of those capabilities, have arrived at regarding the themes of "riding every day" and "riding long distances."
Breadwinner has a lineup of six models, and we have received these four this time.
Lolo: Road Racer
54cm Black ¥291,900-
Dance through the mountain passes, whether climbing or descending.
The front fork is a painted ENVE carbon fork.
Hole Shot: Cyclocross
52cm Red ¥294,000-
Perfect for a wide range of uses, from racing to weekend fun rides.
"Hole shot" refers to being the first to race through the first corner.
I want to nail the hole shot in life.
There's a great jump featured on their Blog.
This one also features a painted ENVE CX carbon fork.
Continental: Sportif
48cm Brown ¥260,400-
A bike that can take you anywhere, every day.
As long as the road continues, whether it's asphalt or off-road, you can travel far in comfort without worrying about the terrain.
It features a 1-inch ahead headset, daringly adopted for the original bent fork.
This is my personal recommendation.
50cm White ¥260,400-
52cm Green ¥260,400-
JB Racer: 29er MTB
Medium White ¥220,500-
This is the only 29er MTB in the Breadwinner lineup.
I find the lines of its standard silhouette to be incredibly beautiful.
The frame, composed of slender tubing, lacks the "stiffness" common in recent MTBs and, I believe, fully realizes the mellow ride quality that is the greatest appeal of a 29er.
There is a photo up on their blog recently showing them riding through Whistler, Canada, looking like they're having a blast.
Orders can be placed by choosing one of the six models and picking your favorite color from six paint options.
Delivery takes approximately two months from the time of order.
The world is overflowing with bikes created solely on a desk.
But such bikes surely lack a soul.
For a finished bike to have a soul, I believe it requires the maker's solid experience, technique, and, above all, a passionate heart.
These bikes definitely have a soul.
Please come by the shop and feel their aura for yourself.