PROFILE
Born in 1987 in Yamanashi , Japan. After working at an apparel store in Harajuku, he joined Blue Rag in 2013. . He is currently engaged as the company's signature mechanic. His creed is "I want to make bicycles that can be a partner for people who ride them. He is also a big bicycle enthusiast and owns seven bicycles. All of them are his favorites, but if he had to pick a favorite, he would have to say the "Steam Roller" by Surly.
We recommend "everyday bikes," which are detuned sports bikes that are easier to ride.
. I am assuming that many people started riding bicycles after the Corona Shock.
Kaneko:Demand for bicycles increases every year around May, and you are getting more orders than usual. It seems that people want bicycles not only as an alternative to public transportation for commuting to work or school, but also as a hobby that allows them to avoid the three densely populated areas while still being physically active, which is attracting more and more attention. At Blue Rag, in particular, we value the hobby aspect as well, so it seems that customers who want a bike with attention to detail when they go to the trouble of buying one are visiting us.
I think another characteristic of "Blue Rag" is that it focuses on independent frame makers such as Surly and Velo Orange rather than finished bikes from the major makers.
Kaneko:In most cases, we build bicycles by selecting frames and parts based on the customer's needs. Some people just want to go fast, while others want a bike that they can ride comfortably and leisurely, and what kind of clothes they wear while riding their bikes is also important. For this reason, we recommend independent frames that can be freely assembled, rather than complete bicycles made by major manufacturers.
Among the frames handled by Blue Rag, "Surly" is particularly popular.
A full lineup of hubs from Phil Wood, a San Jose, California-based manufacturer of high-quality parts. For those who are particular about their parts, this is the place to go.
Stem by Thomson, also an American component manufacturer. Other products include seat posts and handlebars.
When I hear that a bicycle is built from the frame up, I think, "Isn't there only fast, slender bicycles? or "Isn't it only very expensive bicycles? or "Don't they only sell very expensive bicycles?
Kaneko:While complete bikes from major manufacturers are well made, the frames from the manufacturers we deal with range from those that emphasize speed to those that can be ridden comfortably, and those that can be expanded with the installation of parts. . Therefore, it is possible to create a unique vehicle that meets the needs of each individual rider. The price range for a single assembled vehicle is around 200,000 to 300,000 yen.
. 300,000 yen for a bicycle seems expensive, but if you think of it as a full custom order, maybe it's a reasonable price range.
Kaneko:It is definitely a lot cheaper than customizing a bike or a car. And, just by changing parts, the look and feel of a bicycle can change dramatically. I want people to enjoy the process of building a bicycle as if they were thinking about how to coordinate fashion, and once they have a bicycle that suits their lifestyle, they will enjoy the process of getting around, which should be a chore.
The promenade handle, with its relaxed steering wheel position, is just right for cruising slowly around town.
A carrier, which is useful for carrying bags and luggage, is an essential item for an everyday city bicycle. . One carrier can greatly increase convenience.
Brooks, the king of leather saddles, offers a variety of types, including the standard "B-17.
. creating a classic and luxurious look.
What is the best kind of bicycle for living in Tokyo today, taking into account the Corona disaster and road conditions?
Kaneko: We call them "every day bikes," but we recommend a sporty frame with promenade handlebars for a position that is not too forward, tires that are not too narrow for stability and comfort, and a front basket or rear carrier to carry luggage. We also recommend a vehicle with a front basket or rear carrier that can be used to carry luggage.
It certainly makes a big difference in the impression. You could say it is designed for street driving.
Kaneko:Yes, that's right. The settings of so-called "sport bicycles" are too spartan for everyday use, so they are detuned in a sense to make them milder and easier to ride. Also, many people do not use a stand on a road bike, but a stand is necessary for daily use. Nowadays, there are stands that can be installed in inconspicuous positions, such as a center stand, so I recommend that customers who want to ride without hesitation on a daily basis install a stand.
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