The hot days continue every day. Every summer, I find myself wondering if there’s a way to store away some of winter’s chill and release that cold air little by little during the summer. Hello, it’s happy here.
For me, summer as a child meant our annual family camping trip. I remember how I could never sleep the night before from all the excitement. I’d pack this and that into my backpack, even taking things I didn't need, and in the end, I wouldn't use any of it—I would just immerse myself completely in the great outdoors.
Looking back, I feel that the things I learned there have been more useful to me as an adult than almost anything else.
Now, regarding RIDEALIVE, which has been the talk of the town lately—my own bike is finally finished.
SimWorks' Smile bar is used on this Karate Monkey, featuring a mountain drop setup. With its upright position, the field of vision feels much wider compared to a road bike, and I can ride in a very relaxed state. It’s not a bike built for speed to slice through the wind; rather, it feels like riding along with the wind. I had the frame, fork, and front carrier dressed up with a custom paint job from Kyutai Paint.
When carrying a bulky load like camping gear, using a rack provides stability. A large saddlebag is perfectly fine, of course (I use Porcelain Rocket’s Booster Rocket Seatpack), but be aware that when you stand up to pedal, the bag can sway significantly, which can feel unstable. Personally, I think a style with a front rack and a high-capacity saddlebag in the rear is sufficient for short, one- or two-day touring trips, but for longer journeys, I recommend installing sturdy, reliable racks both front and rear.
So, you decide to choose a rack, but most racks only come in silver or black. If you feel like something is missing, why not try painting it? You'll find yourself even more attached to your bicycle.
At Kyutai Paint, we accept paint jobs for all kinds of parts beyond just frames and forks, including stems, spacers, and rims. Please feel free to consult us if you have any questions.