【BIKE of the WEEK】RETROTEC / Twin-Top 29er ATB Cruiser Assemble

The owner, who has been involved with a wide variety of bicycles ranging from track bikes to road bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes like BIKE FRIDAY, recently built this machine based on the RETROTEC Twin-Top 29er ATB.

The owner works in mechanical engineering and is deeply knowledgeable about the "art of making things," from creating product blueprints to machining. Incidentally, he has also collaborated on our own product development, with the CCB (CULTURE CLUB BRAND) / CK Hub Fixed Gear Converter being one such example.

Because of that background, it’s only natural that he would be drawn to handmade bikes, where craftsmen known as builders handle everything from pipe cutting to welding to bring a machine to life.

The owner is also a huge car enthusiast, with a particular love for classic American cars. RETROTEC builder Curtis Inglis shares this passion and even owns some very rare vehicles.

While the design and functionality of RETROTEC bikes are inherently attractive, discovering shared interests like these only doubles their appeal, making you want to own "the things that person creates," even without ever having met them in person.

The owner has actually ridden a RETROTEC road bike in the past, but considering his current lifestyle and physical condition, he built this specific bike as one that truly fits who he is today.

Labeled an "All-Terrain Bike," this off-road frame is originally intended for trail riding, but it is designed to allow for leisurely cruising from the city to riverbeds while offering a nimble feel when accelerating.

HUNTER CYCLES Smooth Move / Drop Bar

Since the focus isn't on trail riding but rather on cruising on- and off-road at a relaxed pace, he chose the HUNTER CYCLES Smooth Move / Drop Bar.

Many people might choose flat handlebars for this type of riding, but it was precisely because of his experience with many different bicycles that he chose drop bars. Drop bars are often thought to make for an uncomfortable riding position, but that is usually because of the impression that the distance from the saddle to the hand position is too long. In reality, you can adjust to your own "ideal position" by matching the frame size with the appropriate stem size.

When using drop bars, holding the hoods (where the levers are) is standard, but you can also shift your hand position to the tops or the drops depending on your physical state or mood at the time.

This HUNTER CYCLES Smooth Move / Drop Bar has a fairly wide profile; besides the top section, the portion that gently rounds toward the drops is very comfortable to hold when you want a slightly more relaxed posture just before reaching the hood position.

Beyond its practicality, it is also a fact that the shape being one pursued by the legendary frame builder Rick Hunter was enough to strike a chord with the owner.

MICRO SHIFT Sword

Rather than seeking lightness or speed, the goal was easy, worry-free cruising to various locations. With durability in mind, he chose MICRO SHIFT's Sword for the main components, including the brake/shift levers and the derailleur.

While cable-actuated, it features modern ergonomic levers, a wide gear range for steep inclines, and a fully mechanical design that is easy to maintain and adjust. While new and exciting technologies like electronic, wireless, and hydraulic systems are becoming widespread, products that are simply easy to use will continue to be important well into the future.

The same could be said for frame and wheel standards. Being able to judge for yourself whether you can truly utilize a product to its fullest is also a very important skill.

SELLE ANATOMICA R2 Rubber Saddle

For the saddle, he chose the SELLE ANATOMICA / R2 Rubber Saddle for its comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance.

By featuring THE SLOT (a center cutout), both sides of the saddle move freely under the sit bones, relieving stress on the seat surface. It’s a piece that allows you to experience the comfort of a well-worn leather saddle from the very first day of use.

The R2 is also the newest and most affordable saddle in the SELLE ANATOMICA lineup. It features weather-resistant rubber material and a modular structure that allows for easy removal of the seat surface from the frame.

While it is slightly firmer than leather, its excellent water resistance means you don't have to worry about maintenance after riding in the rain. The R2 is the perfect saddle for touring, commuting, and riding in all weather conditions.

With SIMWORKS products used for the seatpost, pedals, and tires, along with the SIMWORKS Doppo MTB fork, this build is perfectly suited for leisurely cruising on- and off-road, from the city to the riverbank.

Incidentally, the owner and I are the same age; while we both feel the effects of aging, I truly hope he continues to lead a great life with this RETROTEC.

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