I don't think the reason I've been enjoying my commute on rainy days lately is because the woman seeing off the kindergarteners I pass on my usual route is beautiful (she sees them off on sunny days, too). It must be because I finally got full fenders. That’s what I’ve concluded.
It reminded me of the bike I rode to school in junior high and high school; it had sturdy stainless steel mudguards, and I would cycle through rain or shine. Since it's a bike I ride every day, being functional is the primary prerequisite, but am I being greedy for wanting to seek beauty in that as well?
SimWorks by Honjo “Turtle 58 Brass-650B” 16,500 yen (excl. tax)
When you think of the tortoise-shell pattern, everyone recognizes it as the hammered mudguard made by Honjo Koken.
The 650B-sized Turtle 58, which I’ve personally been waiting for, has finally joined the lineup. But what I’m introducing today isn't just any hammered mudguard; it’s a special version made of brass. I don't care that it's heavier than aluminum. I’m looking forward to the unique shine of the brass and seeing how it dulls over time with age.
For those who feel the overwhelming presence of the brass shine might be a bit too much for their own bike, we, of course, have the standard aluminum versions available as well.
SimWorks by Honjo “Turtle 58 650B” 8,800 yen (excl. tax)
SimWorks by Honjo offers mudguards that will fit your bike, including 700c sizes. Since they need to be fitted to each specific bike, it will take a little time, but we are more than happy to take on installation requests.
And, if you're going to install mudguards, this is something else I wanted to add. Velo Orange has released a simple reflector.
Velo Orange “Grand Cru Fender Mounted Reflector” 3,000 yen (excl. tax)
This reflector can be easily and securely bolt-mounted by drilling a hole in the mudguard. If you're installing mudguards, please be sure to add this too for safety at night!
Mudguards are often seen as a nuisance, but they are actually really convenient and I think they make life with a bicycle much richer. I really want everyone to feel this richness, and we are always here to help with that. As I think about that and look outside, the rain is drizzling down. I figured it would be like this all night, but then I suddenly realized I’d left my rain gear at home....