As mentioned in a recent entry, Kenpolo has headed out on a journey.
At Circles, there’s a custom where new team members head out on a cycling trip as soon as they join.
I haven’t gone yet. I want to go someday. Well, I tell myself that my weekly Thursday ride is a journey of sorts.
He left Nagoya today and is aiming for Kyushu, so please say hello if you spot him!
I think he’ll be posting updates from the road, so please look forward to those.
Things were frantic until the weekend due to the warming weather and a last-minute rush before the tax hike, but we’ve been working full throttle on assembly since yesterday. If you are waiting on your bike, please bear with us a little longer.
With the weather getting this warm, it makes you want to just head out for a ride without thinking too much about it.
Since we’re at it, why not refresh your tires and enjoy a comfortable ride? Since Kenpolo has headed out on his journey, I’ll focus on introducing some items that are recommended for touring.
Panaracer “Tourer Plus 700x28c” ¥3,602 (excl. tax)
I personally love the Tourer Plus and highly recommend it. If you’re unsure, give these a try. They use a base casing with high puncture resistance, so you can use them with peace of mind for touring or long rides. They are also recommended for gravel riding.
By the way, many of you might be interested in the Gravelking, which was also seen at NAHBS 2014; that tire occupies a position similar to the overseas version of the Tourer Plus.
Rivendell “Ruffy Tuffy 700x28c” ¥4,800 (excl. tax)
Rivendell “Jack Brown 700×33.3c” Green Label: ¥4,500 (excl. tax) Blue Label: ¥5,400 (excl. tax)
Tires created by Rivendell with the theme of a "comfortable journey." These are also reliably made by Panaracer.
I noticed while watching NAHBS that Panaracer has a significant share of the market even in the US.
You often see them when looking at the tires of riders who really use their bikes, like the Pasela PT.
The Ruffy Tuffy fits road bikes and sportifs, while the Jack Brown is great for cross bikes.
Despite the checkered pattern, they grip well and roll very efficiently.
The air volume of the Jack Brown, in particular, is addictive.
And today, some tires also arrived from Grandbois, the original brand of E.I.S. Bicycle in Kyoto!
“Céle Bleu 700x26c”
“Céle Verte 700x28c”
“Cyprès 700x30c” All ¥4,000 (excl. tax)
It’s great to see a size range that hits all the right spots. The pattern is a mix of file and cedar tread, with only the Cyprès featuring a simple cedar pattern. Despite being touring tires, they roll well because they use ZSG compound. That’s right; these are also made by Panaracer. And Grandbois also makes 650B tires.
Grandbois “Hetre 650x42B” ¥4,400 (excl. tax)
Let’s definitely refresh our tires for this season.
Oh, by the way, Kenpolo and I are the same age.