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▶Click here for the 2025 ANCHOR RL1 article

We would like to re-introduce the "ANCHOR RL1", which became a must-have item at our store in the blink of an eye after we started handling it last year!

2024. ANCHOR RL1 Hydraulic (Anchor RL1)

【Manufacturer's suggested retail price】 ¥80,000 (tax included)
【Size (appropriate height)】 420 (150-165cm), 470 (160-175cm), 520 (170-185cm)
【Colors (4 colors in total)】 Midnight Black, Ocean Navy, Forest Khaki, Haze White

Reasons why it is recommended for commuting to work or school

In recent years, cross bikes have become more expensive. Many people may be hesitant to buy a new cross bike.

Cross bikes with hydraulic disc brakes suitable for daily use in 2024 tend to be priced lower by many brands compared to 2023, with the average price being around 80,000 yen. However, it seems that each company is making various adjustments, such as "slightly lowering the grade of parts" and "reducing production costs."

In such a situation, the "RL1" proposed by "ANCHOR," the original sports bicycle brand of the Japanese brand "BRIDGESTONE," offers amazing cost performance!

The manufacturer's reference price for the RL1 (hydraulic) is "80,000 yen including tax," and at first glance, it might seem "not that cheap" but...

Compared to other brands of cross bikes in the same price range, it comes with "a wealth of accessories."

Typically, cross bikes require separate purchases for "locks," "lights," and "kickstands" (recently, some bikes come with two of these, but it's rare to have all three). Therefore, additional costs are incurred on top of the cross bike price.

Even with just this, it's about 5,000 yen cheaper compared to other brands.

In addition...

BRIDGESTONE's unique "3-year theft compensation" service is available for free!

It's extremely helpful that if your bicycle is stolen, you can purchase a bicycle of equivalent value for 3,300 yen (including tax). Furthermore, BRIDGESTONE's theft compensation is excellent compared to other theft compensation plans because of its "reasonable price" and "fewer compensation conditions."

With the abundance of "included items" and "free theft compensation," the pricing is honestly not much different from cross bike prices before the recent inflation!

"Even if you don't need theft compensation" or "already have accessories," you might prefer a more affordable bike. However, for those considering their first cross bike, this model offers excellent cost performance!

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About the frame performance of ANCHOR RL1

Many people probably have the image of "BRIDGESTONE" as an "absolutely reliable brand." Indeed, even BRIDGESTONE's mamachari (city bikes) are of high quality.

The RL1 cross bike is not so much about being "light and fast" as it is a "model that prioritizes durability and maneuverability."

As can be seen from the frame design (geometry),

The long wheelbase ensures "straight-line stability."

The front fork has a curved shape, and the offset design enhances "vibration absorption."

Also, while overemphasizing stability can often detract from the sporty ride characteristic of cross bikes, the RL1 is designed with consideration for center of gravity and riding position, making it easy for even those accustomed to other cross bikes to ride smoothly.

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About the ANCHOR RL1 (hydraulic) component configuration

The component configuration is a 3x8 speed model primarily based on SHIMANO.

It's surprisingly rare for the front gear crank to be made by SHIMANO. This area is often subject to cost adjustments in cross bikes of the same price range.

Furthermore, the hydraulic disc brakes also adopt SHIMANO parts. This is also a target for cost adjustment recently, but the fact that the RL1 firmly adopts SHIMANO parts is a welcome point for many users.

And what I personally thought was "This is amazing!!" was...

The fact that the wheel hub axle also uses SHIMANO parts.

People who investigate which brand the wheel hub is from when buying a cross bike are usually those who have a certain amount of experience buying bicycles.

For this reason, manufacturers tend to adjust costs for wheel hubs to reduce production costs.

In reality, it's a part that you should prioritize precisely because of "daily use." People who use cross bikes for daily commutes may have occasions to ride in the rain, or their bike may be exposed to rain depending on where they park it... In such cases, it's common to have to replace the wheels after a few years.

While SHIMANO wheel hubs may not be known for being "smooth-rolling, high-performance hubs," they offer top-class low maintenance risk within the same price range.

Simply "low maintenance and long-lasting" is a more desirable feature for daily users than "speed."

I think it's a very BRIDGESTONE-like approach for a Japanese brand to consider these aspects!

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Impressions after test riding the ANCHOR RL1 (hydraulic)

Starting off, the initial impression was "a bit sluggish" due to the bike's weight and frame design.

However, once it picked up speed, it accelerated well, and it was a pleasant surprise that it turned out to be a nimble cross bike, contrary to the impression I got from the specifications and geometry charts.

• Good handlebar maneuverability, easy to handle even for cross bike beginners
• Slightly thicker tires provide good cushioning and less fear of skidding.

These points also make it a BRIDGESTONE-like cross bike that anyone can ride with peace of mind.

On the downside, the vehicle felt a bit heavy. This is probably a trade-off for focusing on durability and stability.

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Summary of ANCHOR RL1 (hydraulic)

While companies are racking their brains on "how to keep prices down," it's great that reliable BRIDGESTONE is offering the RL1 under the ANCHOR brand! (sweat)

There are many cross bikes that are more affordable than the RL1 if you only consider the bike's price, but I don't think there are many models that you can purchase with such peace of mind!

Please consider it!

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