This time, we're introducing a custom-built Lit TROVE commissioned by a customer.
This is a full custom build, featuring front and rear racks, fenders, a double kickstand, and even modifications to the handlebars, saddle, tires, and gears.
Leveraging the appeal of the standard model, this bike was finished as a truly ideal city bike, combining "user-friendliness" with "aesthetic beauty."
From daily commutes in the city to weekend outings, this bike is sure to enrich your lifestyle.
Our original model "TROVE" is an urban cruiser rooted in Japanese mamachari culture, adding "a dash of adventure" to daily life.
With 26x1.95 inch MTB standard tires, it handles bumps and gravel roads comfortably, offers a relaxed riding position, easy-to-use 6-speed gears, and a classic design.
While it has a simple finish without mudguards or baskets, it features eyelets and mounts in various places, allowing for free addition of stands, carriers, fenders, and more.
It's a bike that embodies "Dig Into Your Local" for everything from city commutes to short detours.
▼Click here for a detailed article on Lit Trove View Article
Owner Introduction and Custom Theme
This time, the customer who ordered a custom TROVE is @bose_no_asobi, based in Osaka.
A music lover who usually rides a SALSA CUTTHROAT, they enjoy a lifestyle full of outdoor activities like participating in OMM LITE BIKE events and camping.
We are truly delighted that someone with such a playful spirit resonated with the concept of this model!
The custom theme for this build is— "The Best City Commuter Bike 2025", awakening the excitement of their student days spent cycling around CD shops.
Please take a look at this bike, finished with exquisite part choices.
RINDOW|TARUGATA VINTAGE STYLE GRIP (GUM BROWN) The "TARUGATA" grips feature an oval shape that evokes a sense of nostalgia. They pair well with leather saddles and classic bikes, making them a perfect match for this custom theme. Especially the translucent gum brown stands out even more when combined with a leather saddle, enhancing the classical atmosphere.
Made of PVC, they resist stickiness even with prolonged use, offering a comfortable grip that lasts.
Handlebar
GIZA|AL081 Handlebar This handlebar features a softer curved silhouette than the stock handlebars. With a manageable width of 580mm, it allows for smooth control even on narrow streets and in busy city areas.
The 50mm rise and 59° back-sweep design reduce strain on wrists and shoulders, providing a natural and comfortable upright riding position. It's designed for long hours of comfortable city riding.
Saddle
BROOKS|FLYER (HONEY) Based on the renowned "B17" from the British brand BROOKS, established in 1866, the "FLYER" model adds springs. This leather saddle combines classical aesthetics with practicality.
While new BROOKS saddles are known for their stiffness, the FLYER offers comfortable seating from the start thanks to its springs. As the leather breaks in with use, you can also enjoy the pleasure of it developing into your unique saddle.
Seatpost Clamp
DKG|Flip-Lock 28.6mm Gold This seatpost clamp boasts high-precision finishing through CNC aluminum machining and beautiful anodizing. The lever operation is very smooth, allowing for saddle height adjustment without tools.
The owner chose a lever type, considering ease of use for daily shared use with his wife. The TROVE's seat tube diameter is compatible with 28.6mm.
Tires
SIMWORKS by PANARACER|The Homage 26″ (26×1.95″) Based on Panaracer's classic XC tire "Mach SS", this versatile ATB tire was developed in collaboration with SIMWORKS. It combines a classical look with high riding performance.
With a low center and high side knob pattern, it rolls smoothly on paved roads and provides firm grip on gravel and forest trails. It's a reliable tire for everything from city riding to light off-road excursions.
Fenders
SIMWORKS by HONJO|Smooth 60 for 26″ These globally acclaimed aluminum fenders are crafted by Honjo Koken, established in 1949. They are beloved for various bicycles such as randonneurs, tourers, and sportifs, and are even called "the most beautiful mudguards in the world."
While installation requires meticulous work like angle adjustment, drilling, and cutting, the finished product is exceptional. When installed on the TROVE, they instantly create a classical and high-quality aesthetic.
Pedals
MKS|XC-Ⅲ Bear Trap Pedal (Titanium/Silver) This is a re-released model, updated with modern technology by Japan's MKS, based on the classic "SUNTOUR XC-Ⅱ" which was popular in the 80s and 90s. The jagged "bear trap" shaped cage firmly grips the sole of your shoe, providing stable pedaling.
With a wide variety of colors available, it's also a perfect item to add a touch of flair to your beloved bike.
Chainring / Chain Cover
TIOGA|Chainring (for 5 arm / PCD:110mm) The standard specification includes a 42T chainring, but this time, considering the owner's shared use with his wife, the tooth count was reduced to 38T. This lighter gear ratio makes it easier to start pedaling. It's a perfect custom for daily use, making it easy to handle stop-and-go situations in the city and routes with many hills.
ENE CICLO / DIA-COMPE|Chain Cover An aluminum chain cover chosen to prevent pant legs from getting caught in or soiled by the chain. It boasts the beautiful finish unique to DIA-COMPE, and in addition to its practicality, it also enhances the overall look of the TROVE.
Front Rack
Pelago|Rasket (Silver) From Helsinki, Finland, PELAGO offers the popular "Rasket," an integrated rack and basket. It's known for its beautiful stainless steel finish and high strength.
In addition to its basket function for easy cargo loading, pannier bags can be attached using the side rails. It also includes a light mount, making it versatile for everything from city riding to touring.
Rear Rack
NITTO|R14 Rear Bag Supporter This rear bag supporter, co-developed by RIVENDELL and Japan's NITTO, features a distinctive dull chrome finish and high strength from its 9mm chromoly tubing.
In addition to its beautiful appearance, it offers excellent durability, providing peace of mind when carrying heavy loads. It's a part that adds both practicality and a classical touch to the TROVE.
Front Light
KILEY|Eye Light (LM-016) A compact yet powerful USB rechargeable light boasting a maximum output of 300 lumens. It features a precise finish from CNC machining and a beautiful design created by its aluminum alloy body.
This light matches the aesthetic of the custom build while also being highly practical. It enhances the TROVE's look while ensuring safety for nighttime riding.
Rear Reflector
KILEY|Coin Reflector This reflector, also from KILEY, like the front light, stands out with its beautiful CNC-machined metal finish, unlike typical plastic reflectors.
It's an item that elevates the completeness of the custom build by maintaining the overall aesthetic of the bike and enhancing its unity with the light.
Center Stand
ESGE|PLETSCHER This Swiss-made double-leg center stand has a rugged appearance that appeals to chromoly bike enthusiasts. Its metal two-leg construction provides outstanding stability.
When riding, the two legs neatly retract into one, smartly stowing under the left chainstay. It doesn't interfere with the pedals or chain while riding, making it a stand that combines practicality with functional beauty.
Enhanced aesthetic with classical BROOKS leather saddle and RINDOW grips
GIZA handlebar for comfortable positioning and stable ESGE double-leg stand
SIMWORKS × PANARACER tires & HONJO fenders for city to forest trail versatility
Pelago Rasket and NITTO bag supporter for increased carrying capacity
KILEY lights & reflectors balance aesthetics with practicality
What do you think?
While the standard TROVE boasts a simple and sophisticated look, as shown in this custom build, adding custom parts can greatly expand its practicality and individuality.
Of course, even inexpensive parts can fulfill their function, but they often detract from the overall aesthetic.
In this custom build, however, each part was selected with a focus on achieving both "practicality" and "aesthetic beauty." The result is a bike that is reliable for daily use and stylish in appearance.
A TROVE with these specifications would be versatile, excelling in everything from commutes to weekend outings. You can fully experience the charm of urban cycling with a relaxed mindset, unlike sports bikes that prioritize speed and distance.
It makes you excited just imagining it. Please let us help you create your own unique bike!