Hello there! It’s Asai, the kind of person who struggles to get out of bed in the morning.
Even for someone like me, I’ve discovered a secret to getting out of the covers.
It is... a delicious breakfast!!
Toast, a fried egg, wieners, and corn soup.
I know, I know—your mouth is watering, right?
Today, I’d like to introduce a bike that I was entrusted to assemble—a project that appealed to my appetite more than anything else!
CRUST BIKES Canti Brake Lightning Bolt!!
When asked if I had any ideas for a shop display bike, the first thing that came to mind was this CRUST BIKES / Canti Brake Lightning Bolt. When I first joined Circles, I immediately wanted to ride this bike, but I had to give it up because it wasn’t recommended for riders over 90kg. With that memory in mind, I decided to use this frame for my build.
Introducing the Canti Brake Lightning Bolt
This frame is the cantilever brake version of the Lightning Bolt, which features a "new-retro" concept—a threadless fork with a thru-axle, unique even among CRUST BIKES.
In addition, it adopts a classic style with a threaded fork and front/rear quick-release axles, while providing clearance for tires up to 650B x 48mm.
The frame is relatively lightweight due to its double-butted tubing (where the pipe thickness varies, with a thinner center section). It’s not suited for the heavy-duty off-road riding or fully loaded touring often associated with CRUST BIKES, and it does have a weight limit. However, that’s exactly what makes it such an alluring frame—it’s beautifully uncompromising.
A build meant for relaxed cruising!
The SOMA Dream Bar for the handlebars!
I chose the SOMA Dream Bar, which has plenty of rise and a pronounced back sweep! It allows for an upright, relaxed riding position.
NITTO UI-12 Thread Stem!
To allow for easy handlebar swaps as the rider's lifestyle changes, I chose the open-clamp style NITTO UI-12 Thread Stem.
Mechanic Moyan-san spontaneously added those gleaming gold column spacers. The moment I saw them, I thought, "Damn, that's good." This bike was completed with those kinds of improvisations from our mechanics.
BLUELUG RMC Crank Set Multi Speed for the crank!
Since the Lightning Bolt has such a simple look, I wanted to build it cleanly, so I used the classic-style BLUELUG RMC Crank Set Multi Speed. By going with a single chainring up front, I paired it with a large 11-42T sprocket in the back to handle a variety of terrain.
SHIMANO DXR series for the brakes!
For the brakes, I used the SHIMANO DXR series. These are BMX racing brakes, and while they are basically designed for the rear, if you swap the orientation of the brake pads, they work great on ATBs, touring bikes, and commuters. Plus, the beautiful silver finish, which is becoming increasingly rare, looks absolutely cool.
I use these same brakes on my own bike and have deep trust in how light the lever pull is and how well they stop, which is why I chose them.
ENE CICLO Ene Thumb Shifter!
In my pursuit of total simplicity, I used the ENE CICLO Ene Thumb Shifter.
This is a power-ratchet, non-indexed shifter, so shifting is determined by how far you pull the lever. It makes it less prone to poor shifting due to cable stretch, and it’s very easy for beginners to adjust.
VELO ORANGE Voyager Rim for the wheels!
For the wheels, I used the VELO ORANGE Voyager Rim.
Despite their beautiful appearance, they are quite sturdy. These highly polished, tubeless-compatible box-section rims are perfect for a wide range of riding styles, from touring and randonneuring to commuting.
SIMWORKS by PANARACER The Homage tires!
For tires, I went with our own SIMWORKS by PANARACER / The Homage!
The side knobs make it capable of off-road riding.
I use these tires myself, and I chose them because they provide such a stable, reassuring ride. Plus, they look incredible with this frame (lol).
My favorite: the CRANE E-Ne Bell!
Lastly, I’d like to introduce one small item I’m fond of!
It’s the CRANE E-Ne Bell!
When I was struggling with some details, Yuya-san suggested installing this bell in the cable stop that was left empty by going with a front single chainring.
The casual presence of this bell really accentuates the bike’s classic atmosphere.
That is the CRUST BIKES / Canti Brake Lightning Bolt that I assembled.
This bike is already in the hands of a customer, serving them well as their daily rider, and I’m very happy to hear about how it’s being used.
I hope to continue assembling bikes that resonate with the wishes of many different people!
