I've never been, but there's a bike shop in the U.S. that feels so familiar, as if I've been there before, thanks to Shigekimu's travelogue.
This is ANGRY CATFISH BICYCLE SHOP / ANGRY CATFISH, run by Josh, who co-created Circles' most popular WILDE BIKES with Jeff. It's a shop that resonates with us in so many ways, from its commitment to community service and face-to-face customer service to its creation of its own brand and humorous original merchandise.
This time, we're introducing limited-edition items that the SIMWORKS USA team brought back from their pop-up visit. Merchandise from shops around the world working hard to energize the bike scene is incredibly meaningful in terms of support, so be sure to take a look!
ANGRY CATFISH Original Merchandise
The designs are brilliantly amusing! Americans really have a knack for this kind of design. We've also received bottles from the Hodag Country Ramble, a gravel ride event held on Jeff's parents' private land (what a powerful phrase, lol).
Interview with ACF's Josh!
"What has changed the most in these 16 years?"
"Wow, 16 years really is a long time. Maybe my teeth have grown a little (lol).
I think bicycles have changed a lot in these 16 years.
Dropper posts, electronic shifting, the advent of E-BIKES, and the astonishing decrease in rim brakes.
On the other hand, it also feels like the world has become a little smaller.
It makes me very happy that our communities have connected across the ocean and that we can share each other's products and stories more frequently than before.
The values we ourselves cherish have also changed a little.
We used to aim to be "the best," but now we place greater importance on hospitality that exceeds expectations and being a place where everyone is welcome."
"What do you still value as before?"
"That bicycles are free.
It is very inspiring to see the next generation of riders passionate about the possibilities of where they can go with bicycles, showing interest in past bicycle culture, and newly utilizing old mountain bikes as ATBs for commuting and bike packing.
Even though part of the bicycle industry is moving toward the mainstream, the alternative bicycle culture for those who seek it out still definitely exists today.
And bicycles will probably still break just from riding them normally.
Thankfully, there are still people out there who will try to fix such bicycles."
"What do you want to continue doing in the future?"
"I hope ACF continues to be a place where bicycle lovers can gather, ride together, and share various experiences.
Personally, I want to continue riding all kinds of bicycles.
And I want to continue learning in this bicycle industry that sometimes feels like it's evolving at a speed my understanding can't keep up with."
As a brick-and-mortar bike shop, is there anything new you would like to try?
"To be honest, we already face various challenges every day.
The economic situation itself is a major challenge, and continuing to run a small business is a challenge in itself.
In the midst of that, we want to give back to the community that supports us as ACF.
Also, both in business and in life, we want to continue challenging ourselves so that we can meet new and exciting partners.
We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and build partnerships like this in the world of bicycles."
"The economic situation itself is a major challenge, and continuing to run a small business is a challenge in itself.
But in the midst of that, we want to give back to the community that supports us."
This answer reflects ACF's history and spirit.
For us at Circles, it was an interview that reminded us to continue valuing the community in Nagoya and to never forget to keep learning for ourselves and those around us.
Thank you, everyone at ANGRY CATFISH, Josh, Jeff, Arigato!
