One of the things I look forward to at the start of the year is the Aichi Farm, which is a popular venue in the Tokai Cyclocross series. It’s easily accessible from the city, and even if you aren’t racing, it’s a great place just to watch the action.
It feels like a small festival where anyone—adults and kids alike—can join in, and I look forward to it every year. Unfortunately, it was cancelled this year, and to make matters worse, the two remaining Tokai Cyclocross races scheduled for late February were also cancelled... My cyclocross season for this year ended far too abruptly.
Nevertheless, the bicycle remains an essential tool in my daily life for commuting, riding, and running errands. Living this lifestyle, the one thing I always prioritize is riding safely and avoiding accidents.
While there are many necessities for cycling, such as lights and locks, I believe a helmet is absolutely indispensable for protecting yourself. Many people only realize this after having an accident, but it’s always better to prevent one from happening in the first place.
Lately, perhaps due to the influence of Uber Eats, you see more people wearing helmets around town, and I strongly feel that more people are looking for shapes and colors that blend in with their everyday style. At Circles, we carry various helmets from brands like SMITH, GIRO, and POC, and we make sure to stock models that fit that aesthetic.
Among these, the SMITH / Network has been our most popular model since its release in 2018. In particular, the Matte Gravy color—a matte charcoal gray finish rarely seen in helmets—is a color that sells out quickly and has been out of stock for some time, but it has finally arrived as part of our 2021 collection.
A Well-Balanced Road Helmet
【SMITH】
Network
PRICE: 26,000 yen (excl. tax)
COLOR: Matte Gravy, Matte Tusk / Peat Moss / Champagne
SMITH, known for their winter sports eyewear, has gradually gained popularity since we began carrying them at Circles, and they are now highly regarded by many of our customers.
The Network road model, which is a staple in our lineup at Circles, is a second-tier model, yet it is so well-balanced in terms of looks, weight, and functionality that it’s no exaggeration to call it our number-one hit.
Koroyd for Superior Impact Resistance and Ventilation
Its most significant feature is the use of Koroyd in the areas most prone to impact during a fall, prioritizing safety. This allows it to achieve high-level performance in aspects essential to a helmet—weight, ventilation, impact protection, and aerodynamics—making it a perfectly balanced product.
MIPS System for Enhanced Safety
It also features the now-standard MIPS system, which reduces damage to the brain by dissipating impact forces in the event of a fall.
I personally use this versatile model for my commute, daily rides, and races. As someone who rides frequently, I replace my helmet about once a year, and this is already my second Network—that’s how much I personally like it.
By the way, as I tend to wear dark clothing, I chose Matte Tusk / Peat Moss / Champagne for my second Network. With its subtle colorway, this was a popular choice for both men and women. Since it's a 2020 model, now is your last chance to get your hands on one.
We also stock the MTB version of the Network, the Session, as well as the Signal road helmet for entry-level users.
Perhaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for bicycles for commuting, school, and touring has increased. Please continue to enjoy your cycling life while staying mindful of both your health and safety.
If you live nearby and would like to try one on before purchasing, please book an appointment before visiting. We’ll set aside plenty of time to discuss the features of different sizes and models with you.
Book your appointment
here.
As of January 18th, we have transitioned to a fully appointment-based system. Entry is generally reserved for customers with appointments, and all visitors must disinfect their hands and wear a mask upon entering.
Please note that when visiting (including for repairs), you are still required to disinfect your hands, have your temperature taken, and wear a mask upon entry.
*Essential repairs for daily-use bicycles (mamachari) are still being accepted in the pit as usual. While we aim to provide same-day repairs, please understand that we may have to keep bikes for longer periods due to the surge in bicycle usage for commuting to work and school. (Repair drop-offs are accepted from 7:00 daily.)
Business Hours
Starting Monday, our business hours will be 7:00 - 19:00. (7:00 - 10:00 is for repairs only.)
Our closing time, previously 20:00, will move forward by one hour to 19:00 starting Monday. Please keep this in mind when booking your appointment.
For online consultations via ZOOM, click
here.
We offer ZOOM customer service for those who cannot visit the store in person, so please feel free to take advantage of it.
Please use our Web Shop.
If you already know what you would like to purchase, please use our Web Shop. We’ve seen a remarkable increase in customers using the shop since last year. Our EC team will continue to work hard to meet your needs and provide the best possible service while minimizing errors and stock discrepancies.
Also, for those living within Nagoya city, same-day bicycle delivery by Daisy Messenger is available, so please make use of that service if you are in the area.
Our Web Shop is open year-round (excluding New Year holidays), so please use it for purchases. We are happy to answer any questions about our products via email.
※ Please note that due to the high volume of inquiries, it may take 2-3 days for us to respond to your email.
※ With the increase in email inquiries, we are seeing many issues with incorrect email addresses or messages not reaching carrier-specific email accounts. If you don't receive a reply, please double-check the email address you sent from and try contacting us using a non-carrier (non-mobile) email address.
