"As people age, they gain wrinkles; as bicycles age, they accumulate the history of their scratches."
Just as new encounters change a person and their relationships evolve slowly over time, the relationship between a person and their bicycle also undergoes a significant transformation as time passes from that first meeting.
The Surly Pugsley we are introducing today has also undergone a major change as a result of being in the owner's life for many years.
"I've ridden it for 10 years, and I want to ride it for another 10."
The owner's request was filled with the intention to not only change the bike's style but to improve its utility and keep it by their side for even longer.
Since the owner mentioned that "aging has made the riding posture more difficult," we swapped out the handlebars to allow for a more upright, natural position (similar to a handshake).
The shape of the SYCIP BIKES J.B.Bar transformed the bike into a commuter.
"I want to use it roughly with 29-inch wheels normally, and handle Nagano's snow in winter with 26-inch fat tires."
By building a new set of big 29er wheels using GORILLA SPUN—our specialty at Circles—we enabled the bike to adapt to the seasons, shifting it into a machine that can be ridden all year round.
This is a truly Surly way to use a bike; I love that they have a standard lineup of hubs and that you never have trouble finding parts.
If they're going to ride it for another 10 years, this is the one: a Chris King headset that makes bar spins a breeze, even in the Nagano snow.
In 10 years, let's have it repainted by KYUTAI PAINT.
With that promise, we handed over the bike. I wonder what kind of new scars I'll see on it next time.
While it might not be "together for a lifetime," as you grow with a bike over a long period, what was once necessary becomes unnecessary, and what was unnecessary becomes necessary.
I believe my best work is done by drawing out the owner’s needs—and then exceeding their expectations in a good way—to help realize a relationship with a bike that enriches their life, and to help them understand the essence of themselves and the objects they own through that encounter.
Check out our photo archive of bikes built at Circles so far.
Use it to spark your own custom bike ideas.