We respect "cyclists" all over the world.
No matter the country, race, or type of bike, these are the people who choose to straddle a bicycle and move forward using "their own power." They are people who use their own "cyclist's intuition" to think for themselves about the world, take action, and strive to share their processes and results in their own words.
Circles supports people like this. Meeting as many of these individuals as possible and expanding our community—that is also the purpose we chose for communicating with the world through the vehicle that is the "bicycle."
In fact, bicycle culture exists everywhere in the world.
Today, somewhere in the world, wheels are turning; some are gasping for breath as they tackle a mountain pass, while others are riding a "bicycle" as their means of daily transport in the city.
That breath reaches us here in the city of Nagoya, and from all over the world via the internet. No matter where we live or who we share our lives with, everyone is thinking alone in the saddle, talking with others, and taking action. That fact is also our greatest joy.
We wish to share that joy. We want to convey this value to as many people as possible.
That is why we run a bicycle shop here in the small city of Nagoya. Over the 15 years since founding Circles, we have built relationships with bicycle cultures around the world and delivered the many values found globally to Japan as "products."
And this time, too, from our worldwide network, products that we feel strongly about introducing to Japan have arrived.
HYACINTH From Ukraine
The products we would like to introduce are 7 types of racks + 1, which we consider essential items for our lives. We have prepared items that are perfect not only for daily life, but also for touring setups.
Yes, and as the title suggests, these products are made in Ukraine.
Given the current situation, we have prepared a program to support Ukraine with this release.
We will donate 10% of the sales price of any purchase that includes Hyacinth products to the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan in response to the current Ukrainian crisis.
Knowing that friends with whom we have built relationships are in the midst of this crisis, we cannot treat this "invasion" as someone else's problem, and we want to do what we can to support them.
【Background of this program】
Last year, our interaction with them began with an email sent by a brand called Hyacinth, and as the number of exchanges increased, we were struck by their sincere attitude and passion for bicycles.
It was difficult to meet them in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, but just the fact that we were able to share the same values with people living in Kiev, Eastern Europe, 8,000km away, meant it didn't take long for us to decide to carry their products.
We didn't expect such a situation to arise; we wanted to introduce Hyacinth to people around the world who peek into our worldview through our store and website, but the tough environment they currently face is something we cannot even imagine.
We are still in contact, but we have put business talk on hold, and are simply conveying our wish for them to "Be safe."
There are also people in Ukraine who love bicycles. There are people like those at Hyacinth who make a living by manufacturing bicycle products. Those people are in a tense situation where their lives are at stake.
People's lives and freedoms are being threatened by violence. Democracy is being threatened. This may be a conflict between states, but we believe it is also a crisis for the bicycle community we belong to. Yes, it is also a crisis for "our friends" who are connected all over the world through bicycles.
That is why, as Circles, we want to do what we can. Rather than a political action, we believe this is simply about supporting our precious friends, and that this will lead to supporting bicycle culture around the world.
(Circles has planned this donation as a form of respect for Hyacinth and support for Ukraine, but if you are interested, you can also donate individually to the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan or the UN (UNHCR).)
【HYACINTH RACKS Product Introduction】
HYACINTH is a rack company started by bicycle lovers in Ukraine in 2016. Using high-quality stainless steel made in the USA, all racks are handcrafted in Ukraine.
Wild Child
Wild Child is a front rack that gives your bicycle life the maximum benefit with the smallest size. By strapping down small items, or attaching a larger front bag or basket on top, you don't have to sacrifice your bike's mobility, and you don't need to carry cargo on your back. You can enjoy life more easily when you aren't carrying anything on your back. It's a cool tool that lets you ride your bike with a calm face.
It can be installed on forks equipped with middle eyelets, or using separate clamp bands.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Platform size: L x W / 190 x 110mm
Weight: 400g (avg.)
Price: ¥14,850 (tax included)
Crystal Ship
Crystal Ship is a simple front rack with a traditional style. Unlike Wild Child, you cannot adjust the length of the stays, but it can be used as a front bag supporter or for mounting a basket.
Like Wild Child, it can be installed on forks equipped with middle eyelets, or using separate clamp bands.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Platform size: L x W / 190 x 110mm
Weight: 385g (avg.)
Price: ¥9,900 (tax included)
Caravan
Whether it's goods you picked up while out and about, impulse buys of sneakers at your favorite store, surprising your partner with a larger-than-expected gift, or situations where you absolutely must carry a whole pizza, the Caravan will help you with its generous load capacity. It is the best choice for carrying larger and heavier loads than Wild Child can handle.
The parts attached to the fork ends can be mounted using the hub axle or rack eyelets depending on the bike, and it can also be attached using the middle eyelets on the fork.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Platform size: L x W / 250 x 250mm
Weight: 835g (avg.)
Price: ¥18,150 (tax included)
Peace Frog
It's important to make bold travel plans and dream of far-off journeys, but you also need the drive to execute them. With its load capacity, Peace Frog will expand the possibilities of your travels and become a good partner to support your drive and big trips.
It is designed to be attached at three points: the fork crown, the middle fork eyelets, and the fork ends.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Platform size: L x W / 190 x 110mm
Side panel size: L x W / 240 x 230mm
Weight: 770g (avg.)
Price: ¥38,500 (tax included)
Ship Of Fools
Where do the cans of beer in our house disappear to, no matter how many we buy? When enjoying time staying at home, we feel like heading out shopping while enjoying the fresh air. Ship Of Fools allows you to head out easily for daily shopping or with handheld bags like a tote bag that cannot be fixed to the bike.
It can be installed on forks equipped with middle eyelets, or using separate clamp bands.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Size: L x W x H / 250 x 380 x 100mm
Weight: 785g (avg.)
Price: ¥22,000 (tax included)
Ship Of Fools Basket
The Ship Of Fools Basket is just the basket part of the Ship Of Fools, but it can be attached to the Wild Child or Crystal Ship, or it can be used as an optional part to attach to racks you already own.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Size: L x W x H / 250 x 380 x 100mm
Weight: 520g (avg.)
Price: ¥17,050 (tax excluded)
Blue Sunday
Blue Sunday is a rear rack with a simple top plate. There is no room for debate about how cool a bicycle with a rear rack looks, but its functional aspects cannot be overlooked. It can hold your bags or serve as a bag supporter, and you can also "create a seasoned vibe" by temporarily hanging a rain-soaked poncho or an outer layer you brought along to adjust your body temperature. It can be used for fashion like that, but if you take it on a trip with the Peace Frog, you can also bring back fun memories.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Platform size: L x W / 305mm x 130mm
Weight: 515g (avg.)
Price: ¥20,350 (tax included)
Hyacinth Plate
Feeling like the Wild Child or Crystal Ship just doesn't provide enough carrying capacity? When that’s the case, maximize your setup with this Hyacinth Plate. By mounting this plate, you can increase your cargo capacity, allowing you to securely carry larger items, baskets, front bags, and more. It can also be mounted to basic front racks (bag supporters) such as those from NITTO.
Colors: RAW, BLACK, SILVER
Platform Dimensions: Length x Width x Thickness / 190 x 270 x 2mm
Weight: 515g (avg.)
Price: ¥9,900 (tax incl.)
【We Welcome Your Feedback!】
There are a few things we’d like you to know about the Hyacinth racks introduced here.
1: Among the color options, SILVER has a unique look, closer to a white-gray. As seen on the Cross-Check in the photo above, it’s a recommended color that stands out as a great accent.
2: The finish on each rack is a proprietary polymer coating. This is a durable finish similar to that used for building exteriors.
Due to its durability, the coating may chip or crack in areas where localized stress is applied during installation, such as the clamp sections of the struts, but this does not affect the functionality of the rack.
Although they are a relatively young brand with only six years in the rack industry, we at Circles believe in strongly supporting emerging brands in the bicycle culture that share our same vibes.
They are very eager to hear from you, saying, "We want Japanese users, who know quality, to give us feedback on our products, even if it's about small details!" If you purchase one, we would be very happy if you could share your feedback with us via SNS DMs or other means as you continue to use it.
【Closing】
We are dedicated to putting into practice everything that "bicycling has taught us." That means following through using your own hands, feet, and head; thinking for yourself rather than following trends or opinions; and putting those thoughts into action.
A bicycle is an incredibly free mode of transport. You decide the speed, the destination, everything. Some say it is the ultimate tool for human mobility. Steve Jobs of Apple even used the bicycle to explain the computer he created.
(Video from 10:12~)
We know the "pleasure" of riding a bicycle. The beautiful values found in race specs are also wonderful. There are many different values when it comes to bicycles. That is precisely why we want to contribute in any way we can so that our entire beloved bicycle culture can flourish.
Bicycle Not Guns. Let's use metal for bicycles, not guns.
We pray that freedom and safety will return to the people of Ukraine as soon as possible.
