CRUST BIKECHECK!!
Shami from Kamiuma Store here!
It may be a bit early, but I would like to reflect on my rides I did this year. I have a feeling that I have cycled more compared to any other years in the past. Definitely cycled a bit far out at least once a month or so.
I still remember this climb.
We were on the way to “Rihei-Jaya Campsite”, which was located just at the end of this hill. Although the climb was so brutal, the campsite was top class, came with a marvelous tent sauna experience. Hoping to visit there again…
“Awashima Muscle Club”
When I first heard it, I remember thinking what on earth this was all about.
After seeing them two on the photo above going in and out the gym on Awashima street, everything made total sense!
Their workouts are definitely paying off on their rides, they have total control with their bikes! Riding with them even made me feel stronger too somehow.
And then there was a ride with Sera-kun the Skater. This wasn’t the first ride actually, we did a ride together before that, and that’s how we met. We were also very fortunate enough to have him on one of our Youtube videos!
His athleticism is just out of this world, so when he says “I still need to get used to this new bike”, that’s just not true. I felt so jealous how quickly he adapted to his new Singular Gryphon. There’s no doubt that the bike those kinda people ride is always so sick. It moves me when I see a bike that’s been ridden to its limits like his.
Have to also talk about Sub’s Alumalith! We rode together for his shakedown ride. “This is the best performing bike ever!” he said. Well, he look quite tough on road not gonna lie!
When I was looking back at those photos, I found this photo of Clint, and I love it.
So much going on in this one moment. Why is he the only one so shining with light, as if he’s on the spotlight? He is so perfectly looking at the camera, with a slightly exhausted expression on his face… How can we not adore him??
My first ferry rinko and airplane rinko at this year’s Swift Campout (Please have a look at our spacial page too!) was so refreshing and exciting. We were on the ferry for 10 hrs, and I remember all the other members went to sleep a lot earlier then I expected, so I went for a short expedition around the ship alone. That was good fun!
And the most recent ride I went to was GRINDURO at Hakuba.
Honestly, the race was so brutal, but it was a good experience no matter what. If you are interested even a tiny bit, gotta sign up for the next one!
I end up hitting my rim so hard to the ground whilst on a downhill, even a sealant could not hold the wound on the tire. The photo is me fitting a tube, splashing sealant everywhere. To all members who rode with me, sorry for being such a big burden!
Anyhow, enough reflecting this year, onto the main bit. Let me do two Crust Bike Checks!
*CRUST BIKES* evasion lite frame (54)
The owner of this bike arrived to our store from so far away, and chose this frame from CRUST that he was interested for a long while.
I was so happy to hear when the owner told me that he knew me riding a CRUST, and let me take a lot of responsibility when building this bike up. Couldn’t be more grateful!
At first, I thought this exotic frame color matches well within a city environment, but as I was building it up, I started to realize how great it’ll look when it’s all covered in mud after a trail ride. For this kinda frame color, I’d like to keep things simple by assembling it with black parts.
But, with a slight highlight. Gunmetal Philwood outboard bottom bracket neatly installed to ensure great performance and durability in a long run.
No fiddling around when choosing handlebar, stem, and seatpost for this build: all WHISKY.
After handing this bike to the owner, he has kindly sent us a photo of where he rides. Oh my, I envy this view haha!
I hope the bike will enjoy many years together with the owner in the wilderness! Please visit our shop again to tell your stories!
Okay then, on to the next!
*CRUST BIKES* bombora enve frame (M)
So cool.
(This version is now discontinued unfortunately…)
It’s a Bombora enve as you can see, but not in the original paint color. It’s a custom repaint by our in-house painter, Cook! (Not an available option for global online customers unfortunately…)
From the frame color to the small detailed colorway of the logo, it was all carefully decided to absolute perfection.
The owner of this bike had been riding his road bike for a long while, wearing a cycle jersey from top to bottom, competing with his time records… and he was starting to feel tired of this riding style.
Don’t have to wear a jersey, or binding shoes, or segment times. He was fascinated with the idea of simply riding a bike without caring any of those.
I like that way of riding, and occasionally riding with a full “dress up”. I don’t have to get stuck in a particular style when riding, and can do whatever I feel comfortable. For me that’s the best mindset when riding a bike. And I’m glad that I was able to share my thoughts through building up this bike.
Let’s take a closer look at parts assembly. Installed PAUL’s boxcar stem. Such a popular stem, even has a Instagram hashtag #boxcarviews! It’s the most noticeable parts on a bike, so when the stem is cool, the whole bike stands out in my opinion.
By the way, let me mention that we didn’t forget to custom paint that ENVE logo too.
Again, install the outboard BB, just like the last one. Once you know how good it is, it’s just so hard to find an alternative!
So that was two CRUSTs, ladies and gentlemen!
We also made a great comparison video on the Bombora and other two bikes, with english subtitles! Please check it out if want to know more about it!
Thank you so much for reading. By for now!
