Cannondale is an American bicycle manufacturer founded in 1971. For half a century, Cannondale has been creating unconventional products and leading the bike scene by supporting many cycling competitions.
In an effort to further promote cycling culture, Cannondale has turned to NBA professional basketball player Rui Yamura. In May of this year, a partnership was signed, and in August, a premium event "Ride with Rui" was held. At the event, Rui unveiled his signature bike, which was completed after many meetings between Rui and the brand's design team.
Here is a recap of the event and an introduction to the signature bike.
The "Ride with Rui," held to commemorate the partnership between the two organizations, was an event with many contents: not only could you meet Rui Yamura, but you could also receive a bicycle and cycle with him.
Of the nearly 20,000 people who applied, four winners were chosen. After a lively two-shot photo session and talk session with Mr. Yamura, these lucky winners cruised around Kobe's Harborland in matching uniforms.
During the bike ride, participants enjoyed a free-throw duel on a specially prepared basketball court. It was a dreamlike experience for the participants, who were able to spend a short time with the star athletes who are active overseas.
Yamura commented, "Cycling feels really good to feel the wind. I want to keep riding like this," he reflected, as the day's event came to a close.
And here is the signature bike created jointly by Cannondale and Yamura. The two-tone red and black frame is decorated with a traditional Japanese hemp leaf pattern, in which multiple triangles combine to form a larger hexagon. Incidentally, triangles and hexagons are considered the most powerful shapes in nature, and this work expresses their power and beauty.
The "8" logo on the head tube and under the seat clamp is the "Black Samurai" logo used by the Yamura brand, and the result is a bike that lives up to its signature name.
The bike is scheduled to go on sale in April 2022. This is still a bit far off, but those who are interested should wait with baited breath.
In addition, from September 6 (Mon.) to September 30 (Thu.), a giveaway campaign to win goods autographed by Yamura will be held on the official Cannondale Japan Instagram for three consecutive weeks. All you need to do is to follow and like the posts to be entered, so please try your luck and give it a try.
