Speaking of which, the term "chidori" is often heard around the year-end holidays when there are many opportunities to drink, but when it comes to "chidori" on a bicycle...
...it refers to this part of a cantilever brake.
Basically, these come as part of a set with cantilever brakes, so they are generally used as they are. However, if there's a more thoughtful option available, it's a detail worth being particular about.
Just the other day, I received an email from Austin.
The sender was a Japanese person living in Austin.
"I made this kind of cable hanger!" they said.
[Tomii Cycles] Magic Beans Cable Hanger ¥4,600 (excl. tax)
With its simple, lightweight structure and clean look, this cable hanger is an innovative product that brings to life exactly what cyclo-cross riders have been wishing for. Since it's so sleek, it's also less prone to problems like mud clogging.
It can be easily installed with a 3mm hex key and a 7mm wrench. Each set comes with two, enough for both front and rear brakes.
The person who created these "Magic Beans" is Tomii Cycles, who graduated from art school, had a career as a sculptor, and is now active as a frame builder in Austin. He applies his background to frame building, creating bikes daily that perfectly balance form and function.
And that's not all; Tomii Cycles also makes other wonderful items like these.
[Tomii Cycles] Hammered Brass Bell ¥5,000 (excl. tax)
This hammered bell is made by hand-beating brass. With its verdigris-tinted finish and deep, beautiful tone, it’s a bell you’ll find yourself wanting to ring again and again. Why not add one to your commuter bike?