At the recent RAL CAMP in GIFU, Taka-san and I were busy chatting about all things freezing—complaining that "the tent froze!" or "we have to thaw the bottle water on the burner first..."—while camping in minus 6-degree weather. But here in Nagoya, the daytime temperatures have been rising for the past couple of days, and you can really start to feel the hint of spring in the air.
When that cold wind—a formidable enemy not just for riding, but for daily life—starts to calm down, that bike you’ve been feeling reluctant to ride suddenly looks like the perfect companion for cruising through a city that's starting to liven up, doesn't it?
Well, for all of you itching for an urban ride, I’ve got some good news!
As if perfectly timed for an early spring, some cool new items have arrived from Italy—the land of cheerfulness (in my personal opinion).
CINELLI GazzettaComplete Bike ¥103,000+Tax
Cinelli, a company rooted in Italy, is a bike brand that is said to be indispensable when discussing road racing or fixed-gear culture.
It’s the brand that collaborated with MASH, the group that sparked the second fixed-gear culture wave at the MASH PREMIUM event held the year before last.
Named after the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, this is an urban fixed-gear bike dressed in a cool "Beyond Blue Eyes" colorway.
The quick ride feel created by the slightly shorter wheelbase, top tube, and properly sized riser bars makes it perfect for darting around the city like a cat.
New life in spring—why not enjoy commuting to work or school, or just going out, while feeling the changes in the city on your bike?
Wait, hold on! Cinelli doesn't stop at just bikes. We've also stocked the essential classic Cinelli logo caps, along with some slightly quirky cycling caps that you definitely can't miss!
They're called "cycling caps," but because they're lightweight with a short brim, they're also great for running.
And for this month's Night Orienteering CHILL!!, I’ve also put together a corner with a selection of my favorite fixed-gear items. This is a lineup I’d love for you to see in the shop.
Oh, wait—I almost forgot to make the announcement.
CHILL!! x TAKE THE CAKE
The alleycat organized by lilükitchen a.k.a. UKI, which we held last June, is back!
Third Friday, 3/17
Start: 20:00
Meeting Point: Hikari no Hiroba
(The area with the wide steps across from the Parco East building)
Entry Fee: ¥500
What to bring: Lights, pen
This time, I might even be able to ride as the CHILL!! organizer. Some of you might not know this, but it was an alleycat that first led me to join the Circles crew. (I can tell you that story while we enjoy a delicious meal at the finish line, Hedgehog Diner.)
Of course, it’s also fun to just ride through Nagoya at night like you're on a quiz rally.
When you change your perspective and ride through the city, you often discover fun things you usually miss. If you want to know the hidden joys of the city you think you know, come join us and have some fun at CHILL!! on the third Friday night of every month!