Today, we're talking about a bike brand from Eugene, Oregon.
Actually, they have been on our shop floor for a little while now, but I would like to formally introduce them to everyone. The motif of this manufacturer's head badge is a suitcase with wings.
As this head badge suggests, the greatest characteristic of the bicycles created by the brand Bike Friday is travel. Most of the bicycles they produce are designed so that you can fold them, pack them into a suitcase, and take them with you wherever you go in the world to travel.
The material used for Bike Friday frames is entirely chromoly steel. The reason why this chromoly material is actively adopted is, as expected, due to the fact that Bike Friday is a bicycle for traveling the world.
As many of you know, bicycle frames manufactured using chromoly tubing provide moderate absorption of road vibrations while riding, making it less tiring even on long-distance rides, allowing you to enjoy your ride until the very end. Additionally, given the nature of Bike Friday as a folding bike, the importance of repeated folding for use makes chromoly the most suitable material for its high durability. Furthermore, in the worst-case scenario where it breaks while traveling, chromoly can even be repaired by welding at a local shop.
From the time of its founding until today, every Bike Friday frame is crafted one by one by skilled artisans in their own factory in Eugene, Oregon, with the entire process from welding to painting carried out in-house.
Also, most models are produced after receiving an order, based on measurements taken from the rider's physique. Yes, Bike Friday bikes are handmade custom folding frames. Another important point you should know is that should the bike ever break, you can receive as much repair support as possible. Lasting a lifetime—this might go against the lifestyle of constantly buying new things that has become too common in recent years, but I believe it is the greatest value that we at Circles believe in, and it is truly embodied in this phrase: lasting a lifetime.
If you've read this far and are interested in Bike Friday, please feel free to visit Circles or contact us. Why don't you tell us what kind of purpose you want to use it for?
Where do you want to go? How do you want to ride? Let's talk about everything related to your life. From there, we will decide which model to choose and how to assemble the parts. You can choose the color to your liking. It's the most exciting time in the process of purchasing a bicycle, isn't it?
Finally, we measure your height, the length of your limbs, etc., and place an order with Bike Friday to ensure it fits your body perfectly. Then, about three months later, the completed bicycle arrives at Circles from across the ocean. We carefully assemble each one by hand before it departs to start its journey with you.
Through this series of steps, a bike that fits each person's lifestyle is created. Being able to do this with a small-wheeled, folding bicycle is something unique to Bike Friday.
First, let me introduce the four models currently in stock at Circles from their extensive lineup.
【New World Tourist】 from ¥275,000 (excluding tax)
*Price based on the assembly shown in the photo. Prices vary depending on the components and colors equipped.
The most popular model in the Bike Friday lineup.
This is the perfect bike for someone who wants to attach pannier bags to a rack and travel around the world.
In addition to external gearing, you can also choose a combination of a Gates CARBON DRIVE belt drive and internal gearing. If you don't want to perform unnecessary maintenance while traveling, or if you want to ride quietly so you can hear the various sounds of nature, this is a great option.
【Pocket Rocket】 from ¥275,000 (excluding tax)
*Price based on the assembly shown in the photo. Prices vary depending on the components and colors equipped.
The most sports-oriented road model in the lineup. It is built to be lighter than other models and is suitable for light touring.
How about this for those who want to attack the mountain passes they find during their travels?
You can also choose the belt drive + internal gearing combination for this Pocket Rocket.
【Pocket Companion】 from ¥165,000 (excluding tax)
*Price based on the assembly shown in the photo. Prices vary depending on the components and colors equipped.
A model designed not only for daily rides but also for those who want to enjoy traveling with ease.
Above all, the feature of this model is that the frame size can be changed easily.
With this mechanism, you can set the top tube length in four stages, allowing anyone from 120cm to 190cm tall to ride it.
It's great for those who travel overseas frequently on business and want to bring a bike with them, or to have one as a shared bike at a company with many cyclists. After all, sharing one bicycle among people of different sizes is very difficult if you assume that the ride should be fun.
The folding mechanism of the frame is basically one-touch using a quick-release lever.
For standard "rinko" (bike transport) trips, the handlebars and saddle, which can get in the way, are designed to be detachable or foldable depending on the model, with careful consideration given to riding performance, usage, and storage efficiency.
In many folding bikes, the folding section is the first part to break.
You can see from the way this part is built that Bike Friday is predicated on thinking about craftsmanship that allows you to love and use your bike for a long time.
Where is the stress placed on the bicycle during riding?
What kind of folding method is easiest to use?
What kind of materials should be used to make it more durable and affordable?
The answers probably didn't come overnight.
However, I believe the result of that pursuit is the reason why these bikes are loved around the world.
I could talk about the folding section alone forever.
Moreover, the three models above fold down to a size of 86x83x31cm and can be packed into a dedicated suitcase that can also be used as a trailer while riding, allowing you to carry it on board as luggage.
【Haul-a-Day】 from ¥225,000 (excluding tax)
*Price based on the assembly shown in the photo. Prices vary depending on the components and colors equipped.
A long-tail cargo bike made by Bike Friday.
This is the only model that does not have a folding mechanism.
However, the handlebars, frame, and rack can all be removed and disassembled using a hex wrench, and it can be packed into a cardboard box in no time at all.
Like the Pocket Companion, this model is equipped with a frame adjustment mechanism, allowing anyone from 120cm to 200cm tall to share the same bike. With just one of these, you could have the father drop the child off at kindergarten in the morning and the mother pick them up in the evening.
Maximum load capacity is 90kg. With just one of these, you can handle everything from business to moving house. It would be wonderful to see such scenes on the streets here in Nagoya.
Finally, it's worth mentioning the durability: the Pocket Companion supports riders weighing up to 91kg, while the other three models support up to 100kg.
For those who want to travel the world by bicycle, it would be sad if there were a weight limit, wouldn't it?
Truly a bicycle for those who travel the world.
Just imagining riding your own beloved bike in an unfamiliar land makes you excited, right?
We want to see more people around us use such wonderful bicycles.
That is why Circles decided to handle Bike Friday.
From a travel companion to a daily companion.
We believe that Bike Friday will become the best partner in your rich cycling life.
A partner in life is not just another person. Why not let Circles help you find your partner?
We look forward to your visit.