【BIKE of the WEEK】RETROTEC / Classic Urban Cruiser

Hello everyone, it’s been a while.

I’ve heard from some of you that I’m rarely seen at the shop lately, but the truth is, I’ve been working full-time in our wholesale department since last year. While my opportunities to meet you all have decreased, I’m still doing well. That said, I’ve been a bit beaten down by the recent intense heat. Please take care to avoid heatstroke, and make sure to stay hydrated! Please look after yourselves.

Now then, our Circles staff have been frequently updating the 【BIKE of the WEEK】 series recently. It’s a blog post series I personally love, as I get to see the diverse range of bikes that set off from Circles every day. If I may be so bold, there is one bike I’d really love to introduce, so please let me share it with you today!

It all started with one inquiry email

The order began with a single email. Originally, the inquiry wasn't for a custom handmade frame, but interest in a different frame entirely.

While discussing how the bike would be used and talking about budget, I mentioned the RETROTEC frame I had introduced previously as an example of an image. They loved it and decided to place an order. Honestly, it was a very happy miscalculation on my part; I never imagined getting a RETROTEC order in this way.

Since they lived far away, we continued our consultations via email and phone. For the measurements required for the order, they made the trip to Nagoya, where we were able to take precise measurements and refine the vision for the build.

What matters is how you use it

When you think of RETROTEC, the most distinctive feature is the curved top tube—the round top style.

This order was based on the "Classic" style, which is particularly iconic and reminiscent of the beach cruisers of yesteryear. Of course, the look itself is one-of-a-kind, but above all, what matters is that the bike truly embodies "how the rider wants to use it." This is the part I prioritize most when advising on custom frames and bike selection.

To clarify this early on in our discussions, I asked the owner to share even the slightest details of their desired riding scenarios.

Its name is Urban Cruiser

The bike concept that emerged from sharing how it would be used is the "Urban Cruiser." Whenever I send details of an order or the owner's usage requirements to Curtis, the RETROTEC builder, I give the bike a name so I can concisely convey the image; I believe that name is truly perfect for this build.

With custom bikes, it’s easy to want to cram everything in. The owner and I discussed this part many times. When we were unsure, we went back to basics: "how will it be used?" While versatility is attractive, we carefully determined what was truly necessary and what wasn't, finalizing the specifications, including part choices.

Since the primary use is for daily life, it’s meant for cruising through the city comfortably without rushing, yet it has a playful side that can handle extending the ride to riverbeds or light unpaved roads. At its core, there is a deep sense of security as a partner for everyday life. Combining these aspects, we created a bike that incorporates Curtis's signature RETROTEC Classic style.

Beyond the greatest patience of "waiting"

Including the frame fabrication and paint work in the United States, it took about a year to complete. From there, the final part selection and the recent difficulty in sourcing parts meant it took a long time to finish.

However, as it was a special custom order, the owner insisted they didn't mind the wait if it meant getting the right parts, and their patient waiting led to this long-awaited completion. We are truly sorry for the long wait. But now, you can finally stand at the starting line! Being able to encounter a one-of-a-kind bike in this way is a privilege that comes only because you waited.

I am proud to say this has become a bike you can ride for a lifetime, and both Curtis and I would be very happy if you enjoy continuing to have a dialogue with this bike for many years to come.

We are currently publishing a photo archive of bikes built at Circles.
Feel free to look through it to expand your ideas for your own custom bike.