Hello, I’m Eri, in charge of photography for the Circles web shop.
Since March 8th is International Women’s Day, Nagoya—where Circles is located—hosts the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, a day when the city fills with healthy, vibrant energy.
Originating from a demonstration for women's suffrage in New York in 1904, March 8th was designated "International Women's Day" by the UN in 1975 as a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Now, in honor of International Women's Day this year, I would like to share the bicycles and smiles of the women who work in various parts of the male-dominated Circles group!
The lone female store staff member! Chan-Mai
What do you ride?
SEROTTA Classique Ti Road
What are your favorite features?
It’s a bike that embodies the "freedom" I seek in cycling. Being light and easy to handle is the best! It responds smoothly to how I want to move, and it feels like the bike expresses the amount of pressure I put on the pedals whether I want to ride leisurely or push hard.
It’s light, making it easy to take on trains, which really widens my range of travel!
I recently tried clipless shoes for the first time, and I feel like there’s still so much more cycling fun to be had.
Where would you like to go by bike next?
I’d love to go to Hokkaido next! Since I usually ride in the city, I want to ride through the vast nature to my heart’s content, until I’ve used up all the energy in my body!
Speaking of that, I definitely want to go to America too!! My travel-loving spirit is waking up.
Design, photography, mechanics! Ready for anything: Dar-chan
What do you ride?
What are your favorite features?
I ride an XS size, but I love its sturdy, handsome presence that doesn't make you feel like it's a small bike, and the sense of security that it will handle any riding style. It’s also cute that there’s a sunflower on the head badge🌻
Where would you like to go by bike next?
I’ve been riding on paved roads a lot lately, but I’ve got a growing desire to go tear it up in the mountains again. Since I’ve gotten a bit more used to descents compared to when I first bought it, and it’s becoming more fun, I’m in the mood to hit the trails again! Ladies, won't you join me?!
Circles logistics boss! Taji-chan
What do you ride?
SALSA Journeyer
What are your favorite features?
This is a bike I managed to win—or should I say, cleverly snagged—in the rock-paper-scissors tournament at the Circles anniversary party back when I was just a customer.
I love how the frame and pedal colors match. I don't mean to brag, but I think that was a great choice. lol
The 700c tires have great air volume, and the harder you pedal, the more they propel you forward, so my daily 20km-plus round-trip commute is very comfortable. The flat saddle makes it easy to change positions so I don't get tired easily; if my daughters weren't waiting at home hungry, I’d want to ride this bike to the ends of the earth!
Where would you like to go by bike next?
I’d like to try riding off-road or in the mountains. I participate in Critical Mass every month and love group rides, so I’d love to join everyone on a ride to the mountains in Seto!
Leave accounting and fixed gears to us! Nami-san & Mi-chan
What do you ride?
TOMONI Bike / MASH AC-1
What are your favorite features?
Mi-chan
My cycling friends happened to find an original frame from DEPOT, a legendary shop in Ichikawa that existed before I was even born, here in Nagoya and got it for me! Amidst so many "boyish" fixed-gear bikes, I love the cuteness of the logo! Also, I’m so happy that I’ve finally grown tall enough to ride 700c wheels!
Nami-san
I like the primitive feel of the AC-1, which has a max tire width of 28c.
It’s supposed to be fast, but it’s not fast when I ride it. Our family of three all ride fixed gears, and I love the charming (?) fact that I always get left behind when we ride together (lol).
Where would you like to go by bike next?
Mi-chan
I want to ride this bike to meet the people who made it. Bikes that are loved for a long time are wonderful.
Nami-san
Anywhere my daughter wants to go!
The mother of CWD! Nacchan
What do you ride?
SOMA Buena Vista with BURLEY Bee
What are your favorite features?
This is a bike I’m really attached to, introduced to me by the now-defunct Culture Club.
As someone of short stature who often has to give up on bikes I like because of the size, I love that I can ride this, and I also love the stability of the SOMA geometry that lets me ride comfortably in town even when towing the BURLEY.
I use the OUTER SHELL stem caddy daily for small items I want to grab quickly like my phone and gloves, and the roll-top is for my rain gear.
Where would you like to go by bike next?
I haven’t decided on a destination, but while I can still carry my two daughters (my eldest is getting bigger, the trailer is getting crowded, and she’s starting to say she wants to ride her own bike… so lonely!), I just want to go out on all sorts of family cycling trips, near and far.
Miu-Miu from PFM, who captures the hearts (and stomachs) of Circles!
What do you ride?
What are your favorite features?
I mostly use it to deliver bread to our wholesale shops, and I love the huge cargo capacity and stable ride quality. The muted color is perfect for the storefront of the newly renovated PFM! It serves us well as our signpost bike.
Where would you like to go by bike next?
It’s getting warmer every day, so I want to pack up lots of ingredients and go for a picnic in the park!
Also, I’d love to take my dog Ku-chan out on the bike. When I see dogs riding so obediently in baskets, I think, "I want to try that too," but Ku-chan is a scaredy-cat, so I wonder if it’ll go well. lol
PFM’s Rin-chan, overflowing with youth and energy
What do you ride?
A bike I got (inherited?) from Keita at Aliba
What are your favorite features?
I love the retro-looking brown painted frame and the pale green accents. There aren't many hills between my house and PFM, so a single-speed bike that I don't have to worry about the details of is just right for me right now!
Where would you like to go by bike next?
I have a weakness for delicious bread, so a tour of popular bakeries followed by some flower viewing would make for a perfect holiday.
Circles' ultimate behind-the-scenes support, Eri-tsin
What do you ride?
SURLY Cross Check
What are your favorite features?
I only ride in the city, so I’ve returned to single-speed for the first time in a while. The best part about having a single-speed bike is that you can just hop on and go without worrying about anything. I think a single-speed with slightly smaller diameter tires would be nice too… but then I realize that’s basically the RAL Exposure. (I’ve got no more room to store bikes!)
Where would you like to go by bike next?
I’m curious about Okinoerabu Island because some ladies I sat next to at a bar counter the other day highly recommended it. When traveling by plane, I don't hesitate to use my BIKEFRIDAY! I’m hoping to take a trip with it again soon.
The socks adorning the feet of the Circles girls in this photoshoot are called Mouton Filant, which we recently imported from France. Woven with reflective threads, the design skillfully matches safety with fashion, and the happy colors brighten our mood every time we wear them.
The snug fit and playful color schemes that act as a great accent to our outfits are just right—we’re all hooked!
In this male-dominated world, it can sometimes be difficult to find products designed for women, but Circles believes in gender equality. We want to continue expanding our lineup with products that help women enjoy cycling and outdoor activities even more!
I’d love to go on a girls' ride again, so please look forward to us planning one! There might be things you’re hesitant to try or feel like you can’t do alone. Once you take that first step, there will surely be friends waiting to move forward with you.
