I've been thinking about wanting to hit some trails, but since it’s a bit too far to ride from home, go play in the mountains, and then ride back, I've mostly been sticking to my road bike. However, tomorrow I’m taking part in the championship at SSJ—it’ll be my first time on a MTB and my first race this season.
Who knows how it’ll go...
Regardless, I’m all set, and I’m hoping to use this as motivation to find time to head out to the mountains on my next day off.
With that said, today I’d like to introduce some recommended gear for mountain riding.
First up, this helmet has been the talk of the town for its uniquely designed ventilation!
Bell
SUPER
¥15,750
Well, it definitely catches your eye, doesn't it?
This style of MTB helmet has become increasingly common lately, starting with POC.
It’s versatile enough for any kind of MTB riding, from DH to XC.
The visor is flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate goggles.
The ventilation on the brow is another feature of this helmet.
It’s been tuned specifically for trail riding,
and it seems like it will keep your head nice and cool.
And, in case you were wondering, that protrusion on top of the helmet is actually a camera mount.
It’s always fun to watch ride footage!
Of course, it can also be removed.
Next is this item from Sweden.
POC
Trabec Race / White Orange
¥19,950
Trabec / Lead Blue
¥16,800
POC
Receptor Flow / Iodine Green / Mercury Purple
¥10,500
And besides helmets, we’ve also received these items from POC.
Joint VPD Elbow
¥12,600
POC
Joint VPD Knee
¥13,650
These knee pads are used by many of the Circles staff.
Our resident mountain man Makoto-san swears by them, saying they’re the easiest to move in out of everything he’s ever used! He loves them!
And this model uses an even more advanced pad.
Joint VPD 2.0 DH Knee
¥17,850
As this is a DH-spec model, a protective piece has been added to the kneecap area.
None of our staff are using this one yet, but the padding in this version has even higher viscoelasticity and shock absorption.
And gloves, too.
POC
Index DH
¥9,450
This model features padding on the back of the hand and fingers for superior protection.
The palm material provides great grip as well.
Honestly, these gloves are fantastic!
It’s the first time I’ve been this impressed just by slipping on a pair of gloves—no, really.
They’re that good!
If I keep saying "what’s next," I’ll just keep listing gear, so I’ll leave it at this for today.
Tomorrow I’ll be enjoying some long-overdue MTB riding at SSJ!
That’s right, since I’ll be participating in SSJ tomorrow, the shop will be closed, so please be aware of that.
Also, please note that EARLY BIRDS will be closed as well.
Yanakku
※Also, at the Circles booth at the venue, we will be selling various highly sought-after items at special limited-time prices, so if you’re coming, be sure to check it out!