I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in Critical Mass Nagoya last month. With friends from abroad joining in, it was a truly international, lively, and orderly ride, allowing us to cruise slowly through the streets of Nagoya. I am also grateful that we can engage in such activities thanks to the support of our organizers, Daisymessenger.
Recently, I’ve been seeing more news about accidents involving elementary school children and elderly people on bicycles. We have the right to choose our own means of transportation and to travel safely. Even in these times, where automobiles dominate and bicycles can feel pushed to the margins, we will keep looking forward and continue our Critical Mass activities!!
We are planning another Critical Mass for April, so we will announce the details via our blog and other channels when the time comes.
In the meantime, please check out my blog—it's been a while!
It's No Exaggeration
It all started at Urban Bike Lore Osaka, held at the end of March last year. Watching the sfiDARE CRIT fixed-gear criterium race, I was incredibly moved by the sight of riders weaving through a technical course on brakeless fixed-gear bikes. Seeing that, I thought, "I want to build a serious fixed-gear bike and race, too!" That was the catalyst, and now, whenever I have time, I enjoy participating in the monthly Fixed Gear Workshop hosted by the folks at sfiDARE. It’s casual and easy to join, so if you're interested, why not come along? You don't even need to own a fixed-gear bike; they provide rentals at the workshop, so it's no problem at all.
Pure Charm
I vividly remember buying my first sports bicycle; I can still recall the excitement I felt as I stepped into the bike shop. Now that I’m working at Circles and have been drawn into the charm of fixed-gear crits, that excitement has returned, and I’ve finally gotten my hands on a New Fixed Bike!! Take a good, close look at it.
That bike is the MASH AC-1 GAMMA. What makes this bike so captivating is its connection to "MASH", the San Francisco-based collective that has spawned so much bike culture.
After years of working with aluminum and steel, riding them, and pushing them to their limits, MASH has crafted the "AC-1 GAMMA." It’s an aluminum frame that strikes the perfect balance between rigidity and lightweight performance. The carbon front fork features a unique 30mm rake; it provides the stability needed for track racing, while offering impeccable handling for cornering during everyday rides in the city.
And above all, the eye-catching feature is that distinct frame paint job! The design was handled by Al Nelson, a designer based in Portland who is involved in MASH product engineering and design.
The attention to detail is remarkable, from the stainless steel dropouts with millimeter-scale markings to the clean, minimalist design—no water bottle mounts or eyelets to be found here. You might notice the lack of holes for front and rear brakes, but don't worry; the guides are hidden under the paint and can be easily drilled out for installation.
Both the Skills and the Ride Are Top Notch
There’s the fun of learning tricks like skidding, controlled by the pedals—a hallmark of fixed-gear bikes—as well as the unique, direct sensation of being propelled forward by the force of your own legs. Unlike standard bicycles, however, a fixed-gear bike keeps the pedals spinning at all times, making speed-control techniques essential. Because of this, when we deliver a fixed-gear bike at Circles, we require it to be equipped with brakes and provide a dedicated training session on how to handle it safely.
Back to my MASH: I haven’t even been riding it for a month yet, but its responsive performance in stop-and-go situations is addictive! The feeling of connection between your body and the bike, which you can only get with a fixed-gear, is just so fun. Ultimately, the best advice is: just go for a ride! Haha.
Since I built the AC-1, I’ve been commuting on it every day. If you want to try it out, please let me know! I’d be happy to let you take it for a spin.
Who Wants to Give This One a Home?
At our store, there’s one 52cm MASH AC-1 frame set looking for a new owner! For reference, I am 176cm tall and ride a 54cm frame.
【MASH】 AC-1 Frame Set Gamma
Size : S / 52cm
Price : 128,000 JPY (excl. tax)
Personally, for my commute and the occasional delivery work as a messenger, I’ve equipped mine with the Smog Cutter Bar, a collaboration between GOLDEN SADDLE CYCLERY and SIM WORKS, prioritizing comfort to enjoy my daily rides.
By the way, I have long arms—I measured my wingspan and it’s 190cm! So, I’m running a 540mm top tube with a 120mm stem, which feels just right for me.
For the brake levers, I use the S500 Brake Lever Set from the American component manufacturer SRAM. They have a compact bracket that’s perfect for people with smaller hands, and the clean look is just great.
Since fixed-gear bikes are simple, with fewer parts and better durability, they’re easier on the wallet, and building one yourself is a fun challenge! We offer a rental pit service by reservation at Culture Club in Matsubara, so let us know if you’re interested. Anyway, I’ve decided: this is definitely my “My Best Bike” for the long haul. Haha.
We've entered April, and the COVID-19 pandemic is raging across the globe. It might seem like we’re in a very dark situation, but I don’t want to hang my head. I’m thinking hard about how to stay positive and want to focus on doing what I can right now.
With the current season, bikes are essential for commuting to school or work. Even if you’re just looking for a simple city bike for your daily errands, you’re very welcome! I’m happy to offer advice, so please feel free to reach out.
As for business next week, we plan to continue operations as usual (though the situation is constantly changing, so if there are any major developments, we may consider reducing store hours or temporary closures). Please try to contact us via phone, social media, or email before visiting so we can prepare the store environment and assist you properly. Let’s take our time and find the perfect bike for you.
This was Uno!