PROFILE
Born in Tokyo in 1989. He started collecting old mountain bikes and road bikes after working part-time at a bicycle shop. 2022, he opened "WOOD VILLAGE CYCLES" in Hatagaya in 2022. He opened "Wood Village Cycles" in Hatagaya in 2022, mainly dealing in vintage mountain bikes. In February of this year, he opened "PATH BACKYARD" opened in Yutenji in February this year. It has a lineup of mainly pisto bikes and an event space for exhibitions.
Connections expand through bicycles.
- "WOOD VILLAGE CYCLES" mainly deals with vintage mountain bikes, why did you decide to focus on them?
Kimura: When I first started the store, I dealt in all kinds of old bicycles. But we started to build more and more mountain bikes. We responded to the demand, and mountain bikes became our main focus. But recently, we started dealing in new frames as well.
-What do you think are the reasons for the increased demand for mountain bikes?
Kimura: I think the demand increased as people became more comfortable with larger tires than thinner ones for city driving. Also, coloring. Vintage tires are especially popular because of their distinctive color schemes.
-I'm glad to hear that what you liked originally matched the trend. What kind of bicycle would you recommend?
Kimura: We recommend specs that are appropriate for your size, not over-spec. Although the budget may be quite high, we suggest a machine that can be enjoyed freely without spending a large sum of money. I don't want just anything, but I want to be particular about it. I want to ride a cool bike. But I don't need high-spec, high-end parts. This is perfect for people like that. I myself feel most at home on a bike like that.
-What attracted you to bicycles in the first place?
Kimura: Compared to cars and motorcycles, there are far fewer parts, and I found it interesting that there is a wide range of customization and a high degree of freedom. You can assemble it from scratch by yourself, and the parts are inexpensive. It is more like a plastic model or a radio-controlled vehicle. And because it is practical, I got into it.
-Bicycles are a practical and versatile hobby for a wide range of people.
Kimura: That's right. I get the sense that the store is changing as we get to know many customers and bicycle enthusiasts, including people from various professions and those who have other hobbies besides bicycles. I have more opportunities to create things with my customers and to go out with them. If I had not been running a bicycle shop, I would have met far fewer people in my life. My knowledge and hobbies have expanded through the connections I have made with people through bicycles.
