RIDE THE LIGHTNING…

An iconic album by a legendary Heavy Metal band, Metallica.

This is their second album released in 1984, which I think is the best one in their long history!

I think there’s a lot of cyclists who are into Heavy metal. The most recent Metallica reference in the bike industry is this Crust tee.

🤘🤘🤘

I’d like to introduce some lightning related products!

The legendary Lightning Saddle from Kuwahara Bike Works, one of Japan’s most iconic bicycle brands, is now available in an exclusive Blue Lug colorway.

When people think of Kuwahara, many picture the legendary red-and-white BMX from E.T.. Released around the same time as Metallica’s debut, that instantly recognizable “Kuwahara colorway” became one of the most iconic BMX designs of the 1980s.

↑The poster from 1982

Since its founding in 1918, Kuwahara has been one of the companies leading Japan’s bicycle industry, carrying forward more than a century of craftsmanship and tradition.

Among its most iconic products are the Lightning series, instantly recognizable by its signature lightning-bolt graphics. A longtime favorite among BMX riders, it has become one of Kuwahara’s iconic designs.

These are the Blue Lug exclusive colorways that they made for us.

*KUWAHARA* lightning saddle bl special (blue/red)

A vibrant blue body paired with Kuwahara’s signature red lightning bolt.

Inspired by the colors of the American flag, this exclusive colorway is our tribute to the bicycle culture that has shaped and inspired us for generations.

It’s our way, as riders from Japan, of giving something back to the global cycling community.

With the big KUWAHARA logo across the back, it somehow evokes both classic Japanese classic motorcycles and the golden age of ’80s American BMX.

Throw one on, imagine you’re an ’80s BMX kid, and enjoy bringing a little timeless fun into every ride.

*KUWAHARA* lightning saddle bl special (green/red)

Green with red lightning and yellow lightning. A Rasta colorway that we always like to see.

The eye-catching colors are perfect for adding a splash of personality to a subtle build, or as the final piece of a bike that’s been built with zero rules and maximum fun. However you build it, make it unapologetically your own.

*KUWAHARA* lightning saddle bl special (gray/white)

Last but not least, gray! A chic colorway, that somehow is hard to find these days. It’s a very nice subtle color that goes great with any types of builds.

The saddles themselves feature cushy paddings, perfect for old BMXs, Everyday Bikes, track bikes and even e-bikes.

Now that is some 80’s vibes right there.

I still have more Kuwahara products that I’d like to introduce.

*KUWAHARA* elk bar

A bullmoose bar with a big rise. Classic early MTB aesthetics, reimagined for today’s threadless setup.

Its compatibility with classic old-school mountain bikes goes without saying. The big rise also makes it a great choice for mini-velos or any bike with a short steerer tube, creating a more upright and comfortable riding position.

The one-piece construction of a bullmoose bar delivers a level of stiffness that separate stems and handlebars can’t match.

The fixed reach and angle aren’t a limitation, they’re part of the design philosophy. Instead of endless adjustments, you’re experiencing the fit and handling exactly as the designer intended.

No need to fall down the rabbit hole of endless cockpit adjustments. Just install it, ride it, and enjoy.

That’s the spirit behind the bullmoose bar and a reminder that a bicycle is, above all, a tool for having fun.

*KUWAHARA* antler bar

As the name suggests, these handlebars are shaped like deer antlers. They have both back sweep for relaxed riding and horns for riding aggressively to gain speed.

One of the biggest advantages of a multi-position handlebar is the freedom to move your hand around. Changing your hand position as the terrain and ride evolve helps spread the load across your body, making long days in the saddle noticeably more comfortable.

Built for riders who value endurance and comfort over outright speed, it’s a handlebar that truly comes into its own on all-day adventures.

And I can’t not talk about the looks. Once installing these bars, your bike will instantly look like a legendary touring machine that’s been riding for miles around the world.

The handlebar is one of the key parts that can influence the overall quality and character of a bike build.

By taking a chance on a more unconventional handlebar choice, you might be surprised to discover new potential in your bike.

*KUWAHARA* downtube outer stopper

Last but not least, I’d like to introduce you to dead stock downtube boss covers that were found deep inside Kuwahara’s warehouse.

These were mainly made around the 80s-90s, as you could probably assume by their vibrant colors.

I used some on this Velo Orange Polyvalent I built as a demo bike. Look how the yellow pops nicely!

Because of its simple design, it does not feature an adjuster function. Depending on your setup, you may need to add an inline adjuster or make other adjustments to fine-tune it for your needs.

There are not left or right specific, so you could simply use them as boss covers too.

You need to focus Shami.

Okay, that’s all for today. Thanks for reading til the end!

Jackie⚡️