Japanese people have a unique aesthetic consciousness based on the worldview of Wabi-Sabi.
However, these concepts are so profound that they are difficult to define in words.
"Wabi-Sabi" is composed of two concepts: Wabi (poverty/simplicity) and Sabi (patina/passage of time).
While these two terms are extremely difficult to parse, if we look at them in a broad sense related to bicycles, they might best be interpreted as "functional beauty and aging."
↑ You can slide this
What constitutes "deterioration" in a bicycle?
- Parts that reach the end of their healthy lifespan despite being maintained.
- Parts that require replacement due to heavy wear from neglect.
If we had to divide it in two, it would be these.
The decisive difference between the two is whether or not it has been "cared for."
Everything on a bicycle—from the chain and wires to the brake shoes, wheels, and frame—will deteriorate.
As we work on repairs for our customers' bikes every day, we can learn about these "two types of deterioration" by carefully listening to what the silent machines tell us.
Especially from the chain.
Cleaning a chain is a pain.
Dedicated chain washers exist, but in reality, they get other parts dirty, aren't cost-effective, and are difficult to use.
So, it's easier to maintain if you just take the chain off.
Everyone thinks, "Connecting pins require tools and seem difficult, and master links have limited reuse cycles, especially considering the price of the chain..."
CONNEX: The chain link that can be removed by hand and reused many times until the chain is replaced
【WIPPERMAN】
Connex
Connex SG 10 ¥7,480 (tax included)
Connex S8 10 ¥6,380 (tax included)
Connex SG 9 ¥6,380 (tax included)
Connex S8 9 ¥5,950 (tax included)
For those who know, it's the long-established German chain manufacturer, Wipperman.
In this day and age where everything is outsourced, they handle everything consistently in Germany, from manufacturing onward.
They manufacture the rotating parts with precision of under 1 micron, which is about 5 times more precise than standard bicycle chains. This is amazing!
- Precision in rotating parts, as proven by Chris King headsets, means they last longer.
- Which means fewer unnecessary maintenance intervals.
- If you ride a bike down a quiet road at night, you'll notice that chains can actually be quite noisy.
CONNEX chains are quiet.
That quiet time when the wind speed matches your riding speed—I like to think that everyone who loves cycling enjoys that moment.
CONNEX is a chain that makes maintenance fun
Connect links you can attach and detach by hand
A word about brass
And this brass-plated chain will change its expression due to oxidation as it ages.
Just as wrinkles are carved into human skin as we age, brass also changes its expression through rust.
The CONNEX SG9 / SG10 chain: tough, smooth, cool, and capable of helping you feel the "Wabi-Sabi" of aging.
It might just be the spark that helps you cherish your bicycle even more deeply.
