It has been a long time, and we finally have the news everyone has been waiting for: a fresh delivery from HUNTER CYCLES.
If you aren't familiar with HUNTER CYCLES yet, I highly recommend reading this blog post—it may be an older article, but it is well worth your time.
Those of you who follow Rick Hunter, the builder himself, may know that he was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago and was forced into a difficult battle for his health. Fortunately, his treatment was successful and he is on the mend. It brings me immense joy to see him now fully enjoying "dad life" with his beloved daughter, Flannery.
Back in good health, Rick has been slowly getting back to work, continuing to craft the unique, creative pieces that define his style.
Amidst all this, he agreed to take on a production run for his Japanese customers. While HUNTER CYCLES hasn't been taking custom orders for a long time, we are now able to present a long-awaited production frame from them.
That’s right—it’s a track frame.
In the past, we have worked on production projects for trail bikes, dirt jumpers, and gravel bikes, but this time, almost as a return to his roots, we decided to specifically request a track frame.
The intended tire clearance is a crisp 28c. Naturally, we asked for brake housing stops on the top tube, so front and rear brakes can be installed. Rick’s signature style—where form meets function within simplicity—is alive and well here.
It makes for a fantastic track bike for zipping through the city, or it could be set up as a freewheel urban commuter—either way, it's a blast to ride.
We already built one up for the shop, and honestly, it looks incredible once it's all put together. And once you start pedaling, it’s sure to pierce your heart; it is, quite literally, a hunter.
They come in the four most requested sizes for Japan: 48 / 51 / 54 / 57. They are available in two colors, and you can choose the decal color of your preference.
Because we want you to see these frames in person before purchasing, we are starting with in-store sales only. Depending on the situation, we may offer them through our web shop at a later date, but if you are interested, we would love to have you visit us at the shop. We appreciate your understanding.
HUNTER CYCLES
Track Frame
Sizes: 48cm, 51cm, 54cm, 57cm
Colors: Oyster White, Black
(Choose your preferred decal color from 6 options)
Price: 426,800 JPY (tax included)
【SPEC】
Head tube: 1-1/8″
Headset: 1-1/8″ Ahead
Tubes: CrMo Steel
Bottom bracket: 68mm (BSC/BSA/JIS)
Seatpost diameter: 27.2mm
Seat clamp diameter: 30.0mm
Rear end spacing: 120mm
Tire clearance: Max 700x28c
Brake compatibility: Caliper brakes (pre-drilled for both front and rear)
※Sold as a frameset.
※Seat clamp not included.
Do you know who built your bike?
What is the appeal of a handmade bike? I believe it comes down to being able to see the face of the maker. Since it’s a bike that shapes your own ideas—not to mention a machine that carries your life—knowing who built it is important, and you want to trust it to someone you believe in.
At Circles, we introduce builders based on who they are, what they ride, how they live—the background of the creator—because we want to share the people we ourselves want to work with. This applies to Rick at HUNTER CYCLES, as well as every other handmade builder we carry here at Circles.
If you have even a little bit of playfulness born from your own intentions and ideas for how you want to ride or use your bike, their own sense of play and desire to facilitate that joy will ensure they understand you and shape it into reality. We are here to help you with that process, so please feel free to consult with us anytime.
Furthermore, the frames Rick creates have a mysterious power; the moment you swing a leg over, you’re hooked, as if your mind has been blown wide open. From that very moment, your cycling life will truly begin to change for the better.
We hope to arrange for new production projects whenever the timing is right, but since Rick isn't back to full strength yet, it will likely be some time before the next project. As this track bike might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, please don't miss out.
In addition to the framesets, we have also received new components and soft goods.
We have the "Hip Shooters" that even non-Hunter users will covet, and the "Waist Basket," a.k.a. Fanny Pack, which is great for both riding and everyday use. We also have restocks of the "High Riser Stem," recommended for cargo bikes and more, and the "Hunter Nugz," a must-have for PAUL COMPONENTS cantilever brake users. Miraculously, we also received a small batch of the "Cow Catcher Stem Rack"—a quintessential item from the ever-inventive Rick—but as quantities are extremely limited, these will be available in-store only.
New to the lineup is the "Sprint Stem," a durable steel stem that fits this track frame perfectly and enables an aggressive position, as well as the "Touring Bar Ends," packed with know-how from Rick's extensive dirt touring experience. Along with these long-awaited restocks, we have a diverse lineup, so make sure not to miss out!