Whether it’s sports equipment or the cameras I use daily for shooting at Circles, I prioritize looks and the beauty of the object itself over technical specifications. You might think I’m just a trend-chaser, but when you’re using gear to do something, it’s not the specs that boost your motivation, but the presence of gear you truly love.
My serious obsession with cycling began when I was a student. I got into it for the most common reason: I wanted a new hobby and a mode of transportation. But as I wrote at the beginning, if a bike lacks good looks or aesthetic appeal, I have no desire to own it. I know, that sounds pretentious and high-maintenance...
While searching for bikes with that mindset, I discovered fixed-gear bikes. They have no shifters or derailleurs, and in product photos, they usually don't even have brakes. Simple and beautiful! My younger self was head over heels. (Please make sure to equip your bike with brakes if you're riding on public roads. Riding brakeless is a problem.)
I dove deeper and deeper, becoming mesmerized by the world of fixed-gear bikes like MASH. Finally, I got to ride the fixed-gear bike of my dreams. I started with the legendary MASH × CINELLI Histogram, rode many different bikes after that, and now I ride a MASH AC-2.
Once I got my hands on a fixed-gear bike, I became completely captivated by its charm.
At first, I was satisfied just using it for commuting and doing tricks, but the simple act of pedaling myself somewhere started to become fun, and I began taking cycling trips all over Japan. I’ve toured around the main island of Okinawa, Hokkaido, Sado Island, Shikoku, and northern Kyushu, and I’ve even ridden non-stop between Tokyo and Nagoya. Cycling has provided me with so many different experiences.
Time passed, and this fixed-gear guy expanded his horizon of fun, stepping into the world of geared bikes. But for me, MASH remains the starting point that opened up the world of cycling, and it's the reason I’m here at Circles today.
Choose your roots for your first bike
For anyone just getting into cycling, I, of course, recommend a MASH fixed-gear bike. Not only can you feel the joy of a fixed gear, but I hope your world expands from there just like mine did. Let’s take a look at the current MASH fixed-gear lineup↓
MASH Steel Frame Set
SIZE : 50,53,55,57
COLOR : Raw&Teal Fade,Red&White,Neon Orange&Yellow Fade
Price : ¥165,000-(tax inc)
First up is the MASH Steel. Above all else, it retains that quick, responsive feel of a fixed-gear bike while adopting high-stopping-power V-brakes. With tire clearance for 700x38C tires, it offers great stability over bumps, and you can even ride a fixed gear off-road. The Circles staff even call it "G-Fixed" and ride it aggressively. The thrill of off-road riding is a sensation you won't find in daily life, so if you give it a try, you might just get hooked... Regardless, the fact that you can use it for so many different types of fun makes it perfect as a first bike.
MASH AC-3 Frame Set
SIZE : XS,S,M
COLOR : Black Scopes
Price : ¥176,000-(tax inc)
Next is the MASH AC-3. Because the drivetrain mechanism is so simple, this aluminum frame lets you feel the true charm of a fixed-gear bike—the more you pedal, the more directly the speed builds up.
I ride its predecessor, the AC-2, and I highly recommend this for anyone who just wants to ride on the road! It’s also a perfect match for those who say, "I ride a road bike but I’m interested in fixed-gear bikes too!" I’ve been fickle and ridden many different frames, but I finally settled on this one because all I wanted to do was ride fast. It’s that kind of incredible companion.
So, that was a long explanation, but I want to say that choosing a fixed-gear bike is the best way to understand the roots of cycling joy. I hope that, just like me, more people will enrich their lives and hobbies through cycling.