BASSI Le Montréal V3 – Circles Tokyo Complete Bike

Walking through the streets of Tokyo, there are moments when you can physically feel the changing of the seasons—in the reflection of heat off the asphalt or the temperature of the breeze blowing through the gaps between buildings. Even on streets where, during the winter, you used to hurry past with both hands tucked deep in your coat pockets, raising your gaze just a little reveals a landscape you never noticed before.
At this time of year, when the city begins to stir, we have prepared a bike that is just right for the season, now available at Circles Tokyo. It is not merely a tool for getting from A to B, but a partner that will make your everyday life just a little more dramatic.
This time, we have taken a masterpiece from Montreal, Canada—the BASSI BIKES Le Montréal V3—and assembled it with our own unique Circles Tokyo interpretation.

The "Aesthetics of Subtraction" for Cruising the City

The Le Montréal is a highly versatile frame, typically built up as a sportif or a nimble touring bike. However, this time, I intentionally channeled its potential into a "single-speed" format.
Why? It’s because of the frame's distinctive rear-facing dropouts—a detail notably used on the now-discontinued SURLY Crosscheck.

You can install a derailleur for multi-speed gearing, or pull the wheel back to maintain chain tension for a single-speed setup. Taking advantage of this "go either way" depth, I decided to strip away the shifting mechanism entirely.
The Minato Ward area where Circles Tokyo is located isn't just flat; it features plenty of gentle ups and downs. If you set the gear ratio appropriately, the direct pedaling feel and low-maintenance nature of a single-speed bike become significant advantages.

Without overthinking things, you just press the pedals and synchronize the rhythm of the city with your own heartbeat. It is a solid choice for the "un-racer."

Sculptural Beauty with a Classic Allure

The greatest appeal of the Le Montréal’s chromoly frame lies in its signature "springiness" and "suppleness." When you pedal, the entire frame flexes slightly, returning that energy as a rhythmic drive. It creates a supreme ride quality that feels as though the bike itself is breathing, clinging to the road surface.

By pairing it with a Big Little Nick Bar, also made from chromoly, those benefits are amplified even further. Steel tubing brought to life by NITTO's craftsmanship possesses vibration-dampening qualities that aluminum handlebars simply cannot match.

Along with the beautiful silhouette of the chromoly-tubed Le Montréal, this combination provides a classic allure to the overall proportions while making perfect sense functionally. The dual "steel flex" from both the frame and handlebars gently absorbs countless micro-vibrations and road shocks from the asphalt. As a result, stress on your hands is dramatically reduced, preventing uncomfortable numbness during long cruises and leaving you with nothing but a pleasant sense of fatigue.

Solid Running Logic with a Touch of Spice

The 26-inch wheels used on the size S Le Montréal provide excellent stand-over height and a sense of security on the stop-and-go streets of Tokyo.

We paired them with 1.5-inch wide PANARACER Pasela tires.
The balance of "nimbleness" on asphalt and the "stability" to handle minor bumps is exquisite—truly the optimal solution for cruising the city.

While the overall setup is composed in a calm palette of black and silver, we added an SDG tiger-pattern saddle as an accent. It’s a finish that maintains individuality without being overly assertive.

BASSI Le Montréal V3 Circles Tokyo Complete

Price: 298,000 JPY (tax incl.)

Growing Old Together: A Partner for Life

This complete bike is available in size S (recommended for heights between 160cm and 170cm).

Because its structure is simple, a single-speed bike is durable and day-to-day maintenance is not difficult. Any minor scratches or wear that occur while using it without reserve simply become a testament to the passage of time.

Furthermore, this frame can be upgraded to multi-speed if the need arises.
Keep it simple now, expand later.
Having that option is the greatest value this frame offers.

Instead of being consumed as a passing trend, it will find its way to remain a part of your life before you know it.
It is destined to become exactly that kind of bike.

On a weekend morning, leave the house a little early to grab a coffee.
Your trip there and back will be more than just a commute.

I believe the Le Montréal is the kind of bicycle that naturally creates that kind of time for you.

Please come to the shop and experience the atmosphere for yourself.
I would love to chat with you about the gear and how to use it.

We are waiting for you at Circles Tokyo.