I LOVE TRACK BIKES!

I love track bikes.

There’s been some huge news recently: a Japanese rider has won the “Monster Track NYC” race, a hardcore alleycat that’s been held on the streets of NYC since 2000, for the first time ever.

With fixed-gear bikes and no brakes being part of the regulations, this is a race that would be absolutely unthinkable here in Japan, where we live. I’ve been following the news for a long time, but I never imagined such a surprise would happen in 2026…

Incidentally, around 2010, there were years when registration for Monster Track NYC was handled at AFFINITY CYCLES, which had a brick-and-mortar store at the time.

A few years ago, R.E.LOAD Bags—which closed its doors—had a period when it produced Champion bags.

If it weren’t for Reload Bags, SWIFT INDUSTRIES probably wouldn’t exist. (Martina used to work at Reload Bags!!!)

Even though I ride completely different bikes and do completely different things, it all ties together, and track bike culture holds a special place in my heart.

The other day, I visited the sfiDARE Crit event in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture for the first time.

BLUE LUG had a booth at the event, where we showcased track bike components from brands such as Philwood, ONYX Racing, and EuroAsia.

Phil Wood is renowned for its stunningly beautiful finish, high precision, and exceptional durability.

They even supplied parts to the U.S. national track racing team at one point, so they’ve earned a strong reputation as a racing products manufacturer.

With BMX racing at its core, ONYX Racing’s freehub employs a one-way clutch mechanism “the Sprag Clutch” rather than a conventional ratchet mechanism. It offers virtually no play when pedaling and produces no ratchet noise when pedaling stops, delivering a unique and superior riding experience that is highly regarded by racers and riders focused on performance.

It’s still a bit of a niche brand, but they have a lineup of track hubs, and their bold engineering and design, true to a racing components brand really speak to me. It’s functional beauty at its finest!

(sneak peak!)

I’ll post another blog about these soon!

From track racers to street riders, when it comes to track cogs, this is the one. EURO-ASIA.

Euro-Asia Imports closed its doors last year after 50 years in business, but I’m so relieved to hear that this track cog, which has so many fans will continue to be produced.

Personally, I use all the models, but the Gold Medal is particularly special. It’s not gold just to be cool, it features a high-hardness titanium nitride coating that offers low friction and outstanding durability. It’s one of those parts where you can tell the difference the moment you use it.

As for me, while I was certainly hyped to race, but since there aren’t many opportunities to showcase the bike in public, I decided to display the UNVER Rapid.

Although the Rapid has a strong street bike image, it’s designed to incorporate elements of an authentic track bike and fixed-gear criterium bike, so I built up the new P.Green color in a racing set up.

We even had a prototype that really showed off its character. It looks like a completely different bike depending on the setup.(huge thanks to everyone who came to check it out!)

While the exhibition was one of the main thing, my real hidden agenda was to have Duncan, BLUE LUG’s fastest rider to take it for a test ride and hear his review.

“It’s so different from the AC-4, but it’s easy to ride even on narrow, technical short courses!” Duncan said.

Hearing such a simple yet convincing opinion was really encouraging.

Thanks Duncan!

We were also joined by “Roy,” a newcomer who came along for a test ride and photoshoot of the Lopro we built for the demo.

He texted me saying, “I really wanted to ride it for real, so I went ahead and built my own Lopro!” Since the timing was perfect, I told him, “You should ride that in the race!” and took him out for a spin.

He said, “This is my first time racing a bike…” and seemed a little nervous, but when I asked him more about it, he told me he’s been racing motocross for a long time. I was so hyped to see how he races on a bike.

This is Roy from his Motocross days.

No wonder he’s got good bike control.

During a test run before the race, he got caught up in a crash and ended up with a bent rear wheel.

“If this was a trick bike, I could totally handle this! But since I need to use proper racing gear, could you lend me some wheels?” He’s so reliable and down-to-earth.

Once the race started, his aggressive riding style really showed. The Lopro looked great on him, and the toe clips really added to his style.

“Since I’m here, can I try riding the Rapid in another race?” His curiosity made me so happy.

The bike was a bit small for him, but he looked sick on it.

He was featured by the MC and rode great, but he was incredibly frustrated that he didn’t win.

I have a feeling he’s going to be the partner who really helps boost track bikes within our company.

He’s a total pro when it comes to tricks, he’s got a real racing spirit, and he’s a passionate guy, so please give him a warm welcome!

Roy and I are about ten years apart, we’re from totally different generations, but we approach cycling in a similar way. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead, and it’s made me realize once again just how much I love track cycling!

I also got to chat with some young riders, and it was a truly fulfilling and fun day.

Thank you to the sfiDARE team for creating such a wonderful event!

The next event is scheduled for July 4th at Kyoto Sanga Stadium, and apparently there are 20 to 30 entries not only from Japan but also from our neighbor South Korea, where the track scene is hot.

Man I can’t wait!

SAVE THE TRACK BIKE!!!

See ya!

– Tommy