Cycle Mode Ride Osaka is Kansai's largest sports bicycle event where you can test ride bikes!
Various sports brands from around the world set up booths to showcase new and existing products. It's an irresistible event for bicycle lovers, where you can see, touch, and even ride bikes!
Some booths even offer special discounted products for immediate sale only during the event!
After experiencing such an event, I'd like to introduce a few brands that caught my eye!
＼ Check out Cycle Mode Ride Osaka on YouTube! ／
WHEELTOPA brand that has become a hot topic for enabling the electrification of 7-speed rear derailleurs
Established in China in 1951, WHEELTOP is a manufacturer that supplies cranksets and drivetrain components.
It is a global company with a track record of being adopted by numerous bicycle manufacturers. In Japan, Hodaka Co., Ltd., which sells Khodaabloom, acts as its distributor.
At Cycle Mode Ride Osaka 2024, the [EDS series] was available for actual experience!
The [EDS TX] series is a wireless electronic component for drop handlebars, and its notable feature is its compatibility with a wide range of gears, from 7S to 13S.
I feel this is a unique system that will likely lead to more people saying, "My old road bike couldn't be repaired because the components were old, but with this, I can ride it again!"
Both wire and hydraulic brake types are available, offering a wider range of choices. It also supports the latest frame standards, making it possible to build low-cost electronic shifting bikes.
The [EDS OX] is a flat handlebar model in the EDS series. It features a short-stroke switch that is easy for people with smaller hands to use.
There are three cage sizes available to match sprocket sizes: long cage (42T capacity), middle cage (32T capacity), and short cage (22T capacity).
When it comes to Chinese manufacturers, the negative image of "Chinese carbon frames" often comes to mind, but after trying it out, I felt that it was not a case of "you get what you pay for."
Compared to major brands like SHIMANO and SRAM, there are some inferior aspects, but the compatibility with a wide range of gear speeds is something SHIMANO and SRAM cannot achieve.
I felt that these parts are full of hope, not only for those who want to build a bike from scratch, but also for those who own old bicycles with sentimental value, giving them a chance to ride them again.
SEA SUCKEREasy and convenient car rack installation
Next, I'd like to introduce [SEA SUCKER], a bicycle mounting item for cars. This brand started in 2005 in Florida, USA, with marine accessories using "vacuum mounts."
The **vacuum mount**, which has earned enough trust to be adopted as a dealer option by major car dealerships in the US.
This mount can withstand a tensile strength of 54kg for 4.5 inches and 95kg for 6 inches.
Also, **they supply bike carriers as official supporters of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).**※メーカーサイトより画像を転用
When mounted on a car, it looks like this 👆.
The mounting positions are on the bonnet or on the bonnet and trunk. A base with a fork mount is fixed at the front, and the tires are fixed to the vacuum mount at the rear.
Honestly, just looking at the vacuum mount, you might think, "Will this really hold it?" But it was firmly fixed, and I felt the secure hold. ◎
The vacuum mount works by placing it where you want to attach it and then pushing a compression button (?) several times to compress it and create a vacuum in the suction cup, causing it to stick.
Recently, loading bicycles onto cars has become a popular style. Among the many car-mounted items available, this [SEA SUCKER] is easy to attach and detach and is less restricted by car shape.
If you don't need to permanently mount it on your car, this is a very easy-to-use car bike rack.
GROWTACA brand that took the world by storm with its exceptional mechanical disc brakes that rival hydraulic disc brakes.
Originally, [GROWTAC] was a popular brand for items such as the "Equal Pulley," which allowed mixing Shimano and Campagnolo components, and 3-roller trainers. However, recently, its high-precision mechanical disc brake "EQUAL" has become a popular product.◎
**Original mechanical STI lever [CONTROL LEVER (tentative)]**
Some might think this is similar to the WHEELTOP shifting system introduced at the beginning... but it's similar yet different.
GROWTAC's CONTROL LEVER allows for shifting operations regardless of whether it's Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, or MTB components, as long as it's a mechanical derailleur, and without restrictions on the number of gears.
The biggest advantage, perhaps, is that it can be operated like a double lever in non-indexed mode.
Points to note are "capacity" and "slant angle." As long as these are cleared, a 10-speed RD can even be used with a 12-speed sprocket!
While WHEELTOP requires replacing the entire lever, FD, and RD to use cranksets and gear counts starting from 7 speeds, **GROWTAC allows you to use anything, from old parts to the latest standards, as long as you have this lever.**
Furthermore, I found clipless pedals on display!
GROWTAC produces highly precise and functional products. These clipless pedals are no exception, allowing adjustment of "Q-factor," "fore-aft position," "cant angle," "stack height," and "cleat angle."
Given the wide range of adjustments, it seems crucial to take time and carefully fine-tune the position to achieve the best setup.
Magene, a brand for which GROWTAC acts as an agent, was also on display.◎
Magene showcased unique products such as "cranksets with power meters," "intelligent tail lights," and "radar tail lights."
These products feature unique functions that seemingly didn't exist before, such as tail lights whose lighting patterns can be freely customized, and radar tail lights that detect the distance to following vehicles, helping to assert presence and ensure safety!
KNOGA brand that continues to offer unique accessories that are both casual and high-performance!
"KNOG," which we have carried for a long time and is displayed in our store. The Oi bell, which is synonymous with "KNOG's stylish bells." **It always has a high-quality, pleasant sound.** The good thing about the Oi bell is that its design doesn't look cheap when attached to a bicycle.
It's suitable not only for classic chromoly frames but also for everyday cross bikes and road bikes, and recently, it's also a good match for gravel bikes.
It's one of our recommended products, as it allows you to be particular about aesthetics while still fulfilling its role as a mandatory safety component.
The new product, SCOUT TRAVEL, was also on display.
It can be attached with a strap without using bottle cage holes. It can now be attached to familiar items such as suitcases and bags, not just bicycles.
The previous SCOUT model was battery-powered, but the NEW model is USB rechargeable. It also has a notification function from SCOUT to your iPhone when charging is needed. This update considers preventing situations where security is not effective because the battery unexpectedly runs out.
LEZYNE is known for its excellent aluminum machining technology, offering a sophisticated lineup of CNC aluminum-machined floor pumps, hand pumps, multi-tools, and lights, which create a good impression.◎
Due to being machined from aluminum, many of their products have a stylish appearance.
The booth showcased classic lights and the new "KTV PRO300" in various colors.
The color choices include earth tones that are easy to match with gravel bikes. There's also a vibrant lineup that would be easy to use with everyday cross bikes.◎
It boasts excellent waterproof and impact-resistant performance, with an IPX7 waterproof rating allowing it to withstand being submerged in 10 meters of water for 30 minutes. It's also an excellent light with impact resistance, remaining undamaged even when dropped from a height of 10 meters.
MUC-OFFA brand with impactful design and reliable cleaning power. It's the number one brand for cleaning products.
I stopped by the Muc-Off booth, which has been receiving great reviews for its tubeless products lately.
The booth featured a wide range of products, from cleaners used for bike washing to drivetrain-related cleaners.
We love the drivetrain cleaner at the shop; it's a reliable product that cleans dirt perfectly.◎
**When asked, "I want to clean the chain and sprocket area," I always recommend, "Drivetrain Cleaner is the only choice."**
Inside the booth, there was a demonstration where a hole was made in a tire containing the highly-regarded tubeless sealant "NOPUNCTURE HASSLE TUBELESS" to show how it seals.
We were able to see a demonstration where a thumbtack was pressed into a tubeless tire to make a definite hole, and then the sealant came out of the hole to seal it.
Choosing a sealant is quite important when going tubeless, but based on this **sealant performance experience, I was once again able to confirm how excellent Muc-Off's sealant performance is.**
It was also good to learn about the innovations to seal holes, such as the inclusion of fine latex particles in the sealant.◎
PanaracerA tire brand with reliable technology and excellent cost performance
I also visited the Panaracer booth, where the newly announced NEW GRAVELKING series was on display.
The renewed NEW GRAVELKING, an updated version of their flagship GRAVELKING product, was one of the items I was personally looking forward to.◎
In addition to the three traditional tread patterns, the new X1 series has joined the lineup, making a total of four models!
The X1 model is more geared towards gravel riding than road riding. The center tread has less rolling resistance, and the side knobs are slightly higher to improve grip and off-road performance.
The X1 series also offers three models: "STD (Standard)", "+" (Plus), and "R" (Race?). Each varies in terms of lightness, durability, and cost-performance.
The R model features the "Amber Color" on its side, a new color introduced with the new model. Unlike the previous dark brown, this is a lighter beige. Personally, I like this color as it blends well with satoyama (rural landscapes) and rice paddies!
QUOCA shoe brand with British design and high quality
Finally, we introduce QUOC, a brand of clipless shoes.
This British brand aims to create clipless shoes that combine design and comfort.
The "MONO II" is a road clipless shoe lineup. Two closures provide an excellent fit.
The outsole uses UD carbon to enhance rigidity and prevent power loss when pedaling!
The "ESCAPE Road" clipless shoes, designed for 3-hole cleats like SPD-SL, are also developed for gravel use.
Equipped with a carbon composite sole, it offers just the right amount of stiffness for comfortable long rides. The upper material is made of PU, making it easy to clean off dirt.
The off-road shoe series is also available, featuring upper material that seems resistant to dirt and a sole material that isn't too stiff.
It also features a closure, and the sole's tread appears to offer good grip even on muddy terrain.
Above all, the design is stylish! While factors like ease of wear and comfort during long rides are important for clipless shoes, there's no doubt that shoes, as a category, are a fashion statement and an item that strongly reflects individuality.
Seeing them on display made me personally want them. Maybe my next pair of clipless shoes will be these...
Although I've gone on at length, this article has only touched upon a very small portion (probably less than 10%) of what was at the "Cycle Mode Ride Osaka 2024."
So, if this article has piqued your interest, please come to "Cycle Mode Tokyo" in April or "Cycle Mode Ride Osaka 2025," which will likely be held next year!
I think you'll enjoy it if you go with a festive mood!
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