Working as a bicycle maker involves walking more than you might expect.
Kaito (Flame Builder)
Kaito, who crafts frames for keirin bicycles under the NJS-certified brand *STRATOS*, was inspired to become a frame builder after suffering an injury around the age of 18 and experiencing a setback.
I left my hometown of Osaka and enrolled at the Tokyo Cycle Design College in Shibuya. After graduating, I taught at the college for two years before taking on my current job.
"Even though I do this every day, I still get excited the moment I finish filing and welding the separate pipes into a frame. It also makes me happy when riders who’ve actually ridden the bike tell me, ‘It was great,’ or when they achieve good results in races."
At the factory, workers perform a variety of tasks, including welding, metalworking, and bicycle assembly. Since they walk around the factory and are constantly standing and sitting, the ideal work shoes are both durable and lightweight. He said that the pair he wore that day felt lighter than it looked and was very well-made.
"You can wear them without worrying, and they'll still look cool even when they're worn out. I really like the design—it looks good even when they're all worn out."
Since I ride my bike a lot, my everyday clothes—like work pants and a shirt—which are both comfortable and durable, double as my workwear. This pair of shoes, with its retro look, blended in seamlessly. I hope that one day, many people will consider becoming a frame builder as a career path. And this pair of shoes—which you can wear without a second thought—will support you every step of the way.
