Four urban cyclists and The North Face urban outerwear.

Case04 Kenta Shimabara The joy of collecting and riding together.

The North Face. Jacket ¥54,450Beanie ¥5,060 (Goldwyn Customer Service), used pullover ¥10,780, used pants ¥14,080 (Nerdy Dogs), other stylist's personal effects

PROFILE

Kenta Shimabara

model

Bicycle: [Surly] cyclocross
Born in Tokyo in 1997. As a model, she has appeared in collections and various brand looks. She is an avid cyclist, owning four bicycles, and is addicted to long rides of over 300 km through the night to get far away from home.
Instagram:@kenta_shimahara

I was surprised to hear that you own four bicycles.

Today's ride is a "cyclocross," commonly known as a "Surly. It has handlebars for riding around town, a rack for luggage, and flat pedals for riding with any kind of shoes. It has been my favorite bike for about a year. I also have two other pisto bikes, one for racing and the other for tricks. The other is a gravel road bike, which I can pack up and go for a long ride, or play in the mountains with its fat tires.

I see that they are used for different purposes. How did you get into bicycles in the first place?

I started riding to save money when I lived alone. I have always had a tendency to dig deep when I get particular about something, so I collect bicycles and ride them all the time without paying attention to anything else. The Surly cyclocross is a cross bike that can go anywhere, and I enjoy riding it.

You say "everywhere." How far do you go by bicycle?

If it's within 30 km, I ride my bicycle. I ride daily anyway, including to auditions for work. I also sometimes ride over 300 kilometers at night. There is a place called Shibu Pass, which is famous among cyclists for its elevation of more than 2,000 meters on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, and it took me 27 hours for a 400 km round trip (laughs)....

It's now in the realm of the extreme.

In the middle of the night on country roads, there are no streetlights and it is pitch black. It is so much fun to wear a helmet and a race jersey and ride at high speed through such places. It is a kind of sport.

What kind of image do you have of The North Face?

It is a brand that stands as a standard in outdoor activities. It is not peculiar in a good sense, and yet it has outstanding functionality. I think it has a royal coolness.

What do you usually wear when you ride your bike?

For winter city riding, I often wear the "Nupsi Jacket" by The North Face.

The outer "Compilation Jacket" is made of Gore-Tex Products, which is highly waterproof.

I often use my bicycle, so it helps that it is rainproof. The fabric is so tough that you can tell by touching it. I often fall on my bicycle, but I don't think it will tear. Also, the sleeves are roomy, so it's easy to ride leaning forward, and the cuffs can be closed, so it's perfect for cyclists. The double zipper for easy temperature adjustment is also appreciated. The front pockets are roomy, and there is still plenty of room for a smartphone and gloves. I also like the brown color, which I just realized is similar to the color of my bicycle (laugh).

What other situations would you like to use it for besides bicycling?

I want to use it for everyday wear as well. It would look beautiful with slacks and boots.