Hello. This is Ishikawa from Circles Tokyo.
The other day, I introduced the RITCHEY SWISS CROSS, but I’ve been itching to get a new bike for a long time.
What’s been on my mind lately:
・I want a bike that’s nimble for city riding and lets me move around lightly whenever I have the chance. But I also want to be able to ride longer distances.
・I want a bike that I can customize to my heart's content to show off my personality and get me excited just by riding it.
・I want to be able to load it into my car, head out to nature, and enjoy an adventure ride, even if I have limited time.
・It would be amazing to bring it along when I travel and ride it at my destination.
I’m in a state of "mental VACATION"—it’s fun just thinking about it.
(Speaking of "mental VACATION," it reminds me of KICK THE CAN CREW. That’s my generation.)
There’s only one bike that can satisfy my brain and heart!
Ishikawa buys a BIKE FRIDAY New World Tourist
So, I’ve decided to order a BIKE FRIDAY / New World Tourist.
The main reason I chose the New World Tourist is because it checks all the boxes in my head, but the fact that it’s handmade, customizable, and made-to-order is undeniably attractive.
They measure the rider's build and build the bike to match.
A bike made by Ishikawa, for Ishikawa.
It gives me that same thrill I felt when I bought my first custom-made suit.
Just the words "made-to-order" get me excited.
Normally, handmade orders take a long time, don't they?
I’m impatient and hate waiting, but BIKE FRIDAY gets the frame ready in about 2 to 3 months.
How’s that for speed?
Thinking that an Ishikawa-exclusive frame will be ready in 2-3 months...
I’ve already placed my order, but some of you might be wondering, "How do you actually order a BIKE FRIDAY? Isn't it a hassle to decide on the specs?" Actually, it’s very simple.
So, let’s go through the ordering process together!
1. Choose your model
BIKE FRIDAY offers various models depending on your intended use.
Commuting for daily use, adventure riding for off-road fun, touring for long distances...
Wheel sizes range from 16 to 20 inches, which you can choose based on your needs.
I’ve introduced them on the Circles blog many times, but let me reintroduce some of the representative models!
※Models other than the Haul-A-Day and Diamond Llama are on display at Circles Tokyo. Please use these as a reference for the price of a complete bike.
Pakit
Featuring 16-inch wheels, this is BIKE FRIDAY's most compact model.
Its mobility, backed by its small size and light weight, is outstanding, making it useful for everything from daily commutes to a handy travel companion.
The quintessential city bike.
Circles Tokyo retail price: 330,000 JPY (tax included)
New World Tourist
This is the model I ordered.
Using 20-inch (406) wheels, it is the most popular choice in the US.
It is the very bike chosen by tough riders who cross the US, tour across continents, or travel the entire world.
Circles Tokyo retail price: 484,000 JPY (tax included)
Pocket Rocket
Using 20-inch (451) wheels, this is the most popular model in Japan.
Once you ride it, you'll understand—it has a nimble ride quality.
It's perfect for touring on the smooth, paved roads of Japan or for riding all over the country using planes and trains.
Circles Tokyo retail price: 550,000 JPY (tax included)
ALL-Packa
Using 20-inch (406) wheels, this is the latest model commemorating BIKE FRIDAY’s 30th anniversary.
The latest model has clearance for massive 2.8" tires.
It also features many eyelets, making it a model that enables bike packing on a small-wheel bike.
The bike-packing style on a small-wheel bike is just so cool.
Circles Tokyo retail price: 550,000 JPY (tax included)
Diamond Llama
A derivative of the New World Tourist. Intended for off-road use, it's perfect for long trips. It features a robust frame, and the front triangle (truss structure) is suited for efficiently handling loads.
Equipped with 20-inch (406) tires, the Diamond Llama has a tire clearance of up to 2.1". With tires this wide, you can choose anything from off-road to on-road tires as you please.
Haul-A-Day
A cargo bike using 20-inch (406) wheels.
It can carry up to 90kg of cargo, enough to carry two children and do the shopping.
The low center of gravity achieved by the 20-inch wheels exerts unparalleled strength for a cargo bike carrying heavy loads.
※The new model (Haul-A-Day Elite) has a slightly different frame shape.
Improvements in the new model mainly include a lighter frame, increased rigidity through frame structure revisions, and expanded tire clearance (2.25" with fenders, 2.4" without).
2. Choose your color
You can choose from about 20 colors!
This is another tricky part. It really tests your sense of style.
If you’re going for a custom-made bike, you might not want to have the same one as others. For those people, you can go for a two-tone look with an upcharge!
You can paint the five parts of the frame in two different colors.
That’s nice. Can I do Chiben Wakayama colors? That’s tempting...
There are even fade colors! That’s way too special...
3. Choose your stem
The stem is one of the features of BIKE FRIDAY.
Being able to choose from seven different stems is something you rarely see with other bikes.
Options [1] and [2] allow you to choose your own stem.
They are especially popular among those choosing touring bikes because they allow you to try out various positioning options. If you insist on using a stem from a specific brand, then [1] or [2] are your go-to choices.
Options [3] and [5] are known as the "Goose Stem" for their distinctive shape.
This is the quintessential BIKE FRIDAY stem.
The Goose Stem, which is unique to BIKE FRIDAY, is great, but I also want to choose my own stem... Another point to agonize over.
4. Choose your handlebar (If using an original BIKE FRIDAY part)
While you can use standard aftermarket handlebars, there are also original BIKE FRIDAY bars.
The difference is that the original BIKE FRIDAY bars can be split, allowing for an even more compact fit when folded.
Touring H Bar
The H-Bar, primarily used on the New World Tourist.
Its shape, like a classic flat bar with bar-end extensions, allows you to change your posture while riding, making it suitable for long-distance riding.
STI Touring Bar
Think of this as the STI version of the H-Bar mentioned earlier.
It can be used on New World Tourists or Pocket Rockets with road components.
You can also install various standard flat-bar shifters and brake levers on the flat portion, so there is a wide range of options.
Depending on your ideas, there are many ways to use it.
Bull Horn Road Bar
A derivative of the H-Bar, this shape allows for the use of bar-end shifters and reverse brake levers, while still being able to be used like a standard flat bar.
Reverse H Bar
As the name suggests, it’s shaped like an inverted H-Bar, and it’s a perfect specification for a commuter bike like the Haul-A-Day.
You can choose an upright, comfortable position.
Packalope
A new handlebar developed for BIKE FRIDAY’s latest bike, the ALL-Packa. It is a handlebar for bike packing that can handle off-road and dirt riding while also allowing for the attachment of handlebar bags.
5. Take body measurements
Fill in your height, weight, inseam, and age.
You also record how you intend to use this BIKE FRIDAY on the order sheet.
Casual city riding, touring, active riding, racing, etc.
6. Add options
Finally, choose any additional options.
You can add a nameplate, change the decal color,
add a custom-designed transit bag, install racks, and more...
You can even add decorations related to the frame!
And the order is complete
Thinking about these specifications is the most fun part of all.
I spent many nights unable to sleep just thinking about it before going to bed.
Custom-made bikes might seem daunting, but with BIKE FRIDAY, you can order following the steps I introduced today.
Now all that’s left is to wait for the frame to be finished...
I’ll be planning the part assembly while I wait.
That’s fun, too.
Like that saying: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
When will Ishikawa’s BIKE FRIDAY arrive... I can hardly wait.
I’ll keep you updated as things progress!