My Top 5 Bikes at BikeLore 2024!
Bike Lore Hakushu was about a month ago, and as usual, it was filled with good bikes, fun people, and the great racing spirit that makes this event so popular. It’s also probably the only place where you can catch your own fish, grill it, and eat it with ice cream… but that’s another story. Today, I wanted to share some of my personal favorites that I saw while pacing the paddocks.
Demo Bike Friday
Blue Lug recently began distributing Bike Friday, and with my enthusiasm for unconventional setups, the compact 20-inch gravel monster is high on my Christmas wishlist. And it's foldable? No need to say more; take my money!
Tracklocross Mash Reyes
I don't know why we don't see more of these in a Trackocross setting, but this Mash Reyes was decked out with a pair of Ultradynamico Rose Race tires and the very cool Nitto ForShred, CMWC limited edition. I'm wondering if a 650B setup could be a thing here, but why would you need more than 42c tires?
Surly Midnight Special with front Suspension
The Surly Midnight Special is already a very capable machine on its own, but this touring setup with a front suspension from MRP was likely the most comfortable bike on display today. And let's not forget these beautiful cranks by Ignite… delicious!
Tracklocross Affinity Kissena
Here is a very Japanese build for you. An Affinitas Kisenna, built for criterium and velodrome use, is fitted with 33c tires, a Woundup CX fork, and a spinny gear ratio. The true “one bike for all” spirit lies there.
Jackalope Private Works Harvest Titanium Prototype
Jackalope Private Works (JLPW) is a quite new brand started by a group of friends in Tokyo. The Harvest is their second prototype for “An all-in-one racer that accommodates daily commuting, hard riding, mountain adventure rides [MFX], and even Tracklocross & CX races.” This one also features their “SLIDE DB SYSTEM,” which includes an adapter to mount a disc brake on a 120 rear fixed hub. I've been in touch with the people from JLPW regularly, and it doesn't seem that their project is gaining enough traction to truly take off yet. However, you can probably give them a follow at @jackalope_private_works to help change that.
PS: I know they have one of their prototypes for sale at a very good price. Just DM them for more information.
Bonus: Everyone that had an RC car strapped to their bike
BikeLore has that feature where in every edition or so, they introduce a new type of race. Progressively becoming more unconventional each time, for 2024, and with the recent resurgence of interest for RC cars, an hybrid race was organized. Participants had to:
Race their bikes with an RC car attached to it
Get off their bikes midway and complete the course by driving the RC car
Finish the races by doing a few laps on the mini RC circuit built for the occasion.
Needless to say, everyone loved it, and we're likely to see more of it in upcoming events.
What’s the next weird hybrid trend?
🎞: Kodak ColorPlus 200
📷: Leica M6 / CL
📍: Hokuto
