自転車も「ヴィンテージ」顔で

Even the bicycle has a “vintage” look.

Bicycles have recently become popular again.
When I think of vehicles, I think of ``motorcycles.''
The bike I want to ride is not currently available,
If I had to force it, I'd like to drive the CB750K as it's an old car, but it's expensive.
And I'm worried about theft, so I have trouble finding a place to store it.
Furthermore, there is the risk of an accident.
No matter how careful you are, there are times when you will be out in one go.
I guess I started riding bikes after I quit my job.

That's why I'm addicted to "road bikes" even when it comes to bikes.
I'm heavily influenced by "Yowamushi Pedal" (lol)
But I don't have much time to ride now, so
I'm not used to the narrow tires of road bikes or the double lever shifter,
Only "custom" is progressing.

Bicycles have many parts, just like motorcycles and cars.
You can do most things yourself if you have the tools.
Well, it's a pain so I don't do it myself much.
That kind of ease is part of the fun of cycling.
However, when it comes to customizing, the key to "vintage" is to be yourself.
However, vintage bicycle parts are susceptible to corrosion, so
Only the bare minimum necessary.
Safety-related parts are basically new.

The basic base is my own completed bicycle,
When I look at things, I want to play around with them.
To our customers who consulted us when purchasing a bicycle,
"You don't know if a vehicle with high-end parts will suit you from the beginning, so you can change it little by little."
I would say that this advice was successful.
Customizing to your liking is better than using high-end parts.
Many of them are intermediate class, with emphasis on practicality and durability.
I realized this because of advice from customers,
Because it is an item called "bicycle".

When it comes to customization, the first step is to look at the handle area.
The steering wheel area is more important than the parts related to driving.
Because it is a custom place where you can attach the most important brakes and accessories,
Points that determine safety and an acceptable appearance.

But somehow it's not enough,
I finished it like this while drawing my own image.




I think the atmosphere has changed quite a bit.
Custom parts include brakes, bottle cage, bar tape, and bell.

The brakes are safety levers sold by Dia Competition .
A lever set on the top and bottom so that the brake can be applied whether the handle is on the top or bottom.
Apparently it's a part sold since the 1970s.
At the same time as being of an age that matches my image,
The best parts with guaranteed safety.

The bottle cage is the type often installed on European vintage roads.
There are very few things that can be attached to the handle these days.
I discovered that a parts shop called ``Elite'' sells the ``Eroica Series.''
This is also a new part, but
In addition to the atmosphere typical of those days, it is also practical.
To match this, the bottle was also made of aluminum.

The bar tape is genuine leather tape from Brooks, which is also used on the seats.
The original linen tape is not bad, but it is a little slippery.
Considering the overall balance, I thought this was the only option and decided on it immediately.
Although not shown in the photo, the tool bag is also from Brooks.
Furthermore, the handle end has a vintage Bianchi end cap.

The bell is a vintage item from a manufacturer called BBC.
It's made of iron, so it makes a nostalgic sound.

Even though I haven't ridden it much like this, the customization is progressing,
My hay fever has started to subside, so
I'm thinking of riding it hard from now on.
However, we have already set our sights on the parts for the suspension, so
The priority is always on playing with it rather than riding it...
Well, that's one way to enjoy it.

It's good to have something that you can get absorbed in like this,
You must be careful about injuries and accidents.
Even if it's a bicycle, if it breaks, it's a big deal.
Well, please keep it a secret that I fell down on the day the car was delivered...