Hello. This is Ishikawa from Circles Tokyo.
How is everyone spending this summer?
As a former high school baseball player who spent all his time outside in the heat, I honestly used to dislike summer, but for some reason, I’m really enjoying this one.
That’s right, thanks to good fortune, I’ve been riding my bike a lot.
It started with OMM BIKE,
climbing mountains, a few "river plunge" rides,
levee rides, gravel rides, festival rides… etc.
Being able to go on rides with customers and friends I've connected with through cycling, I'm really enjoying this summer more than ever.
(Come to think of it, I was running around the mountain passes of Nagoya last summer too...)
I still want to ride more, so please invite me! Let's go!
With this summer in mind,
there is one item I truly feel was a great purchase, so I'd like to introduce it today.
HUNTER CYCLES Waist Basket With Bungee Top
Price: 18,480–19,580 JPY (tax included)
This is the "Waist Basket With Bungee Top," a waist bag manufactured by Porcelain Rocket, the originators of custom frame bags, based on the imagination of California’s eccentric frame builder, Rick Hunter.
Actually, I’d been curious about waist bags for a long time, but the motivation to buy this one was OMM BIKE.
When preparing for the event, my current frame bags weren't quite enough to fit everything I needed, so I bought it.
Honestly, I was the type who didn't want to carry anything on my body while riding, but after actually using it, there was no stress—only benefits. Plus, it looks cool.
At OMM BIKE, I wore it the whole time, except when I was sleeping.
Tuck everything under the bungee cord
The model I bought has been updated from the original to include a bungee cord on top.
This bungee cord is really excellent.
"River plunging" is a real highlight of summer riding.
Rocky river areas can easily lead to cuts or injuries. You might not notice it in the moment because of the adrenaline, but it starts hurting later.
I usually ride in cycling shoes, but I tuck my BEDROCK sandals under the bungee cord, and as soon as I reach the river, I swap them out and dive in.
Sandals are essential for fully enjoying the river, so being able to carry them with such stability is a huge plus. (I personally think BEDROCK is the ultimate river sandal.)
Of course, it’s not just for sandals—you can also strap down jackets, shirts, or small items, making it easy to store bulky gear.
Waterproof zippers handle light rain just fine
Anyone who participated in this year's OMM knows how intense the rain was on the first day.
I had my camera in my waist bag, so I was worried about whether the rain had soaked through and damaged it, but it was absolutely fine. Because of the waterproof zippers, no rain got inside at all.
Also, I had been worried it would get in the way while riding, but its long, slim silhouette fits perfectly along the body. It’s light, made of durable, lightweight fabric, and never gets in the way.
Great for parenting, too
And it’s a big help even when I’m not riding.
When I'm not on my bike, I usually prefer to go hands-free. When I go out with my kids, the small items start to add up and won't fit in my pockets...
The waist bag keeps my hands free, is easy to move around in, and lets me grab things quickly—it's incredibly convenient, so I wear it all the time.
It would probably be great for outdoor events like festivals, too.
I love this kind of rugged, understated vibe.
Once you use it, you'll get hooked on the convenience.
The wide variety of color options is also a plus. There are some really exquisite colors available!
If you're interested, please come by the shop and take a look in person.
Let's keep enjoying this hot summer!!
