We recently went for a gravel ride on the forest roads of Takao.
The group included customers from Circles Tokyo, as well as friends from WOOD VILLAGE CYCLES, the wonderful Hatagaya shop where you can freely enjoy vintage bicycles, and PATH BACKYARD, a Yutenji-based bike shop with an attached event space and direct links to frame builders.
It rained the day before, so the route was a bit rough, but riding while getting covered in mud makes you feel like a kid again—it’s just plain fun!
With such a variety of bikes, we swapped rides, encouraged each other up tough climbs, and cheered while descending the reward-filled downhills.
Many of the customers were meeting for the first time, but it was a great reminder that the bicycle is the ultimate tool for sparking conversation naturally through "saddle talk."
Actually riding in the field lets you see exactly what updates your bike really needs, allowing you to dive deeper into the joy of cycling.
I'm glad our first-time mountain riders had such a blast!
This time, we loaded our bikes into cars to head to the location for some gravel fun, but when carpooling in my small vehicle, I had to partially disassemble the bikes to fit them all in.
That's when you really need tools. Do you all carry a portable tool kit?
It’s essential for taking your bike on trains or packing it into a car, and absolutely necessary for mid-ride troubles. Trouble is just a part of riding, and since no one knows when it might strike, you have to be prepared.
If there's a bike shop nearby, you might be able to rush there for help, but the mountains we frequent don't have shops, obviously.
It's hard to know what you really need when it comes to portable tools. For those wondering, we’ve just stocked some multi-tools based on years of experience, whittled down to the bare essentials and focused on ease of use. Let me introduce them.
Alternative Bicycles EQUIPT
Founded in 2009, Alternative Bicycles is a cool and mellow bike company focused on off-road cycling, including fat bikes, mountain bikes, bikepacking, and gravel riding.
EQUIPT is the original house brand of Alternative Bicycles.
Circles Tokyo is now stocking two tool models from EQUIPT!
Sardine
Portable tools often come in a case that takes up precious space in your frame bag or pouch, and they’re usually packed with bits you’ll never use or heavy extras (like chain cutters) that you carry around unnecessarily, aren't they?
The Sardine was created by brand owner Mr. Kitazawa based on his own real-world experience, narrowing down the bits to the absolute essentials: 6, 5, 4, and 3mm hex keys and a T25 Torx bit.
Anyone who rides often knows these are the most frequently used sizes. It’s also ultra-light (38g) and features a great color palette.
Its stick-style design makes it easy to handle. Rotate the bit 90 degrees to apply torque for tightening or loosening bolts, or keep it straight to spin them quickly, saving you time.
Using it in practice, this effortless, rapid switching is incredibly practical and convenient.
The four tool bits can move freely, allowing you to use them at any angle, making it easy to work in tight spaces like when attaching or removing a bottle cage or saddle.
Most portable tools require you to swap bits out one by one. With this, you don't have to worry about dropping or losing a bit while swapping.
It comes with a dedicated holder, so you can mount it under your bottle cage.
With such nice color options, it makes for a great accent piece on your bike, too.
EQUIPT Sardine
Price : 9,300 JPY (tax included)
※Not recommended for removing pedals. If pedals are seized, the tool may be damaged.
Cucumber
Next is the Cucumber.
As the name suggests, it looks almost exactly like a cucumber.
This isn't for portability, but a pedal wrench convenient for home mechanics, compatible with 6/8mm hex keys. Like the Sardine, it uses rotating bits, allowing you to loosen, tighten, and spin quickly without stress.
Since it requires relatively high torque, the grip and leverage of the tool are more important than anything else.
The thickest part of the handle is oval-shaped, ensuring it fits your hand perfectly when you grip it.
The shape of the Cucumber prevents it from digging into your palm, ensuring you can apply firm force without hurting your hands when you're finished with the job.
Actually, during the ride the other day, loading multiple bikes into the car was a bit of a hassle as the pedals would get in the way or risk hitting other frames, which made me nervous. How smart would it be to just whip out the Cucumber, remove the pedals, load the bikes, and head out immediately?
Pedals sticking out can also be dangerous when using public transport, as they can poke you or hit other passengers. I'm sure many of you have had that experience.
You want to use it smartly whenever you're packing your bike for the car or public transit.
While the Cucumber doesn't mount to the frame, it weighs only 216g and is 200mm long—easy to carry. Keep it in your car, or if you travel with your bike frequently, just tuck it into your frame bag.
EQUIPT Cucumber
Price : 11,500 JPY (tax included)
※Do not use to remove seized pedals. There is a risk of breakage.
Of course, depending on the trouble, you might need different types of tools, so these aren't a "be-all and end-all," but I highly recommend them for those who want to avoid carrying unnecessary items and ride as light as possible.
It's a refined combination, born from the real-world perspective of a developer who has overcome many mechanical troubles.
They have a size and weight that won't get in the way even if you carry them every time you go out, a design and color that looks at home on any bike, and practicality that has been realistically thought through. Above all, they offer the peace of mind that you can handle whatever happens on your ride.
It's best if you never have any trouble, but the scary part is you never know when it will happen.
To make sure you're not caught off guard, get prepared early.
*Please note that EQUIPT is sold exclusively at Circles Tokyo.