Circles has started carrying BASSI, a bike brand from Montreal, Canada. To kick things off, we’ve built a Circles original complete bike using their all-road touring/commuter, the Hog’s Back.
The first thing that catches your eye is, without a doubt, the neon red color. It has such a unique presence that you definitely won’t get lost in the woods! (lol). We’ve assembled the parts to really complement the frame color! Let’s take a look at the details.
The main priority here was ensuring reliability for daily use. To bring out that sturdy, old-school mountain bike vibe, we chose the robust, retro-style VELOCITY Nobs rims. These are among the most durable in the VELOCITY lineup, so you don't have to worry whether you're commuting in the city or tackling hard off-road trails! Made from raw aluminum with no decorative finishes, they have a rugged, utilitarian feel.
Indestructible even after a baseball bat attack? A tough rear derailleur
The components are MICROSHIFT Advent 9s.
One of the reasons Circles carries MICROSHIFT can be found in the video above. They literally take a full swing at the rear derailleur with a baseball bat! We love our bikes too much to do that—it's a bit of an extreme stunt—but I digress (lol).
The derailleur hanger inevitably bends, but once you straighten it out, the derailleur keeps working perfectly. Having such a tough rear derailleur means you’ll minimize mechanical issues if your bike gets knocked over in a bike rack, hits rubble off-road, or takes a spill.
The 9-speed setup is also a key point. Newer components offer more gears, but they also require more precise adjustments, and the consumable parts have a shorter lifespan. The 9-speed system is beloved by long-distance tourers who want to avoid mechanical trouble on the road precisely because it’s designed to last longer. Plus, it’s easier on your wallet when it comes to replacement parts, which is a big win!
For those of you worried that 9 speeds won't be enough for climbing hills or riding into a headwind: fear not! Despite being 9-speed, the Advent series provides a wide gear range. We’ve used an 11-42t cassette, so you’ll have no problem with any climb.
I’ve gone over this quickly, but there are plenty of advantages to intentionally choosing MICROSHIFT.
Fully equipped for hauling gear
The Hog’s Back has well-thought-out mounting points, with triple mounts on the down tube, the seat tube, and both sides of the fork. This allows for a more secure installation of WIDEFOOT cages, providing excellent stability when carrying heavy loads. Add some OUTER SHELL Pico Panniers, and you’re ready for camping trips.
We finally pulled out that secret stash of Fun 3 Bars...
For the handlebar, we installed the SIMWORKS BY NITTO Fun 3 Bar. Our in-store stock vanished in the blink of an eye, but I had been hoarding one specific bar, determined to use it on a Circles original build—and now, I’ve finally released it. Between the shape of these bars, the volume of the Super Yummy tires, and the relaxed geometry of the Hog’s Back, you’ll be surprised at how stable it feels the moment you ride it. I actually took it for a spin while we were shooting, and as someone who usually rides more agile bikes, I was truly impressed by its stability.
This is a bike we’ve poured our hearts into, and it's distinctive in both its silhouette and its ride quality. We hope you get to enjoy it!
BASSI Hog’s Back / Circles Original Complete Bike
SIZE : M
COLOR : Cool Ade
SPECIAL PRICE : ¥300,000-(tax inc)
| Handle | SIMWORKS Fun 3 | ||
| Saddle | SELLA ITALIA Milano Flite Bonnie | ||
| Components | MICROSHIFT Advent 9s | ||
| Wheel | VELOCITY ATB Disc Hub × VELOCITY Nobs | ||
| Tire | SIMWORKS Super Yummy |
