BICYCLE NOW vol.1Bicycles for a New Normal Era Proposed by Blue Rag | feature

BICYCLE NOW vol.1
Blue Rag proposes a bicycle for the new normal era.

In these days of prolonged self-restraint in going out, it is somewhat daring to travel by public transportation. And although I did not realize it while traveling by train all the time, Tokyo is actually an unexpectedly compact city. It takes less than an hour to get from Kichijoji to Shibuya by bicycle, and when traveling north to south, such as from Sangenjaya to Koenji, it is often quicker than by train. In fact, bicycles are probably the best choice as a means of cruising around Tokyo. And it is precisely because we live in an age of the new normal that the appeal of bicycles is being rediscovered. Based on this assumption, we asked Satoshi Kaneko of Blue Rag Hatagaya, which advocates a bicycle lifestyle unique to Tokyo, to tell us how to deal with bicycles in the new era and what bicycles he recommends for riding now.

Photo_Toyoaki Masuda

Text_Shunsuke Hirota

Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Blue Rag recommends 4 Everyday Bikes.

If a cross bike is a road bike with flat handlebars for everyday use, the everyday bike proposed by Blue Rag is a more advanced style of bike that, like the cross bike, is multi-purpose, but uses a variety of frames from track to mini-velo. The Everyday Bike, like the cross bike, is a multi-purpose bike that uses a variety of frames, from track bikes to minivelos, to meet the needs of each individual rider. We asked Mr. Kaneko to select an everyday bike that he recommends for commuting, shopping, strolling around the neighborhood, and touring.

Recommendation 01_MASH STEEL

Based on a track frame by San Francisco frame builder MASH(MASH), the bike is equipped with thicker tires and bar handlebars that provide excellent road-following and cushioning performance. The single speed without a gearbox may seem inconvenient at first glance, but the small number of parts means less mechanical trouble, which is very reassuring in tough street riding. The free gear configuration makes it a cruiser-like machine that can be ridden casually. The wide pedals are designed for easy pedaling, and the wide pedals are designed for easy riding. The wide pedals make it easy to pedal, and the front carrier makes it easy to carry luggage," says Kaneko. Reference price: 250,000 yen + tax

Recommend 02_ RIVENDELL CLEM SMITH jr.

The original RIVENDELL (RIVENDELL ) frame, recommended by Mr. Kaneko, "is a frame that climbs up hills and can be ridden by unisex riders," while a Brooks leather saddle and Nitto bosscover ensure a natural riding position. The bike's natural riding position is ensured with a Brooks leather saddle and Nitto Bosco bars. With its unimaginable tire clearance and expandable frame options, this bike is not only a commuter for city riding, but can also be used for touring and trail riding. Reference price: ¥218,000 + tax

Recommendation 03_ SURLY LONG HAUL TRUCKER

The touring frame of "Surly (SURLY)", a leading American independent frame, is used, and a cargo fork of "Crust Bikes (CRUST BIKES)" is installed to increase the load capacity. The ability to place cargo at a low center of gravity provides outstanding stability, even with heavy loads. It is possible to carry a large amount of food, beverages, records, or even a dog in this kind of basket (see above photo). It is a great tool for both work and leisure. The Surly Longhaul Trucker is based on a very sturdy frame that can be equipped with MTB-like tires for riding on dirt roads, or with a carrier and fenders for versatility. The name, by the way, comes from an American long-haul trucker. It's just like the name says," says Kaneko. says Mr. Kaneko. Reference price for completed model 300,000 yen + tax

Recommend 04_ VELO ORANGE NEUTRINO

The Maryland-born frame builder Velo Orange (VELO ORANGE)'s first street-use frame for small-diameter tires. We also value the old bicycle culture, so we used cork for the fender attachment points and other details to create a unique assembly. The compact wheel size and frame make it possible to remove the tires and put it in a car, train, or even an airplane (‼︎). The advantage of small tires is that the bike can turn in a small radius, which is fresh for us, and it has a cute appearance and form. I want people of all ages and both sexes to ride it. Although the disc brakes look tough, they are surprisingly easy to maintain and have excellent braking power. Reference price 260,000 yen + tax

BLUE LUG HATAGAYA

The main store of "Blue Rag" gathers the best bicycles, parts, bags, and sundries from all over the world. The shop has the largest selection of bicycles, parts, bags, and sundries in the universe, and is enthusiastically supported by highly sensitive bicycle enthusiasts. Of course, the shop is also friendly and courteous to beginners, and they are quick to respond to maintenance and customization requests. The shop is located along Nakano Street, about a five-minute walk from Hatagaya Station. If you have any questions about bicycles, this is the place to go for most of your bicycle needs.
Address: 2-32-3 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku
Phone: 03-6662-5042
Hours: 12:00 - 20:00(*Closed on Wednesdays)
bluelug.com/