Today, the Tokai Cyclocross series kicks off in Shinshiro. Nabetaku and the rest of the CRC crew are already out there enjoying the race!
After a string of dreary, uncertain weather, we finally have a clear, sunny Sunday. In fact, while the typhoons and rain kept us busy this past week, we took the opportunity to rearrange our shop layout.
The Grocery section on the first floor is now a space that is easier for everyone to see and enjoy. Today, I’d like to reintroduce you to the second floor of Circles: Tailored.
You can find the entrance by heading to the left of the main entrance on the first floor of Circles and going up the stairs. Please mind your step if you are wearing clipless shoes.
Once you open the door, you’ll enter our Tailored concept space, where we showcase high-quality cycling apparel from both the East and the West, as well as handmade bikes built by American frame builders.
Handmade bikes.
Of course, no bicycle in this world is made without the touch of human hands.
However, even if a bike is made under excellent production management, it can never truly compare if it is made for an indefinite number of people. What’s important is a bicycle that is crafted from start to finish—all ten steps—under the watchful eye and with the hands of someone who is building it specifically for one particular person.
The clearer you are about who is making it, who it is for, and what it is for, the more the term "a bike for life" becomes a reality. We find value in that aspect of bicycles. Sharing that feeling is the fundamental concept behind Tailored.
From now on, we will be regularly introducing original complete bikes from Tailored. As our first installment, I’d like to present a bike that has been the talk of the town. This is a "semi-custom" build, meaning the intended use and sizing are already set, but I built it with the hope that it will become a "bike for life" for whoever happens to meet it next.
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The Base Racer, released this year by Cielo By Chris King, is a bike that meticulously weaves in the specs needed to offer the best of current performance, all while embracing the Cielo worldview that Chris King has nurtured for 40 years, in response to the growing gravel road movement.
Incorporating plenty of new standards, this bike makes you want to push yourself further—whether on paved or unpaved roads—to explore paths you’ve never traveled before, and it offers the high performance and reliability you need to feel confident in new terrain.
It’s built around an Ultegra groupset with Velocity A23 rims that we’ve hand-laced. For the cockpit, we’ve chosen a solid and reliable build using SimWorks by Nitto components.
Setting aside the technical specs, I can confidently recommend this as the best bike for those with an adventurous spirit who want to experience the true joy of riding. We also have XS and S sizes of this Base Racer in stock, with more arriving soon. We can offer the same build for these sizes as well, so please feel free to ask.
We are also gradually receiving our fall/winter apparel. With the season for riding approaching, we are stocked and ready with items to make your cycling life even better. There’s so much more I’d like to show you of our newly remodeled shop, but for the rest, you'll have to visit us in person. I hope you’ll come by and see it for yourself.
We also post regular updates on the Circles Tailored Instagram, so please be sure to check that out.
Photo By (Hao Moda / .Hyakkei)Writing all this might make things sound a bit intimidating, but I am the one writing this blog, and while I do participate in cyclocross races, most of my own cycling enjoyment comes from simple rides seeking a good time or just commuting daily on my trusted bike.
Whether it’s great riding routes or recommended spots to stop along the way, we want to share the joys of cycling that we know and help you have a great time. Of course, don't feel like you need to be formal—let’s just chat casually, and not just about bikes!
If you’re looking for your first set of cycling apparel, aren't sure how to choose a helmet, or are thinking about taking the plunge into clipless shoes, please feel free to come in and talk to us!