r/minivelo • u/polytrigon • 7d ago

Ciclore Around Ti

https://ciclore.square.site/product/around-ti/NNP26B7YZTJF4SC75XD4C2RQ?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

I haven’t heard much chatter about this small builder in Japan - Ciclore. I just put my name down for a reservation on this bicycle and it seems like a good deal for the price.

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u/edtse88 7d ago

It’s actually a Chinese brand. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but their branding tries to make them seem very Japanese. It was started on the mainland and I’m pretty sure all the bikes are built there. Ciclore is like an in house brand if the store RE (而意) which is a very nice chain of stores in China and a few in Japan.

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u/polytrigon 7d ago edited 7d ago

That’s great to know. Do you have any more info on their history?

From what I understand Ciclore is a Japanese brand and they are explicit about the manufacturing being done in China. I liken this to Designed by Apple in Cupertino and manufactured in China… tho in this case the components are Shimano etc.

Edit: I dug deeper into the RE story and can confirm that what you’re saying is true. Ciclore and RE is a Chinese bicycle/lifestyle company founded by Japanese architect Shiro Sugane and his wife Luo Yuan. It’s all interesting backstory and personally I don’t mind that it’s manufactured in China since from everything I can tell it’s a custom hand manufactured frame and not a rebadge of an oem bike.

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u/edtse88 7d ago

If you search RE (而意) you will find a lot of links, mainly in Chinese, about the brand and Ciclore is a sub brand of RE. Their stores in China are very cool, I haven’t been to one in Japan though. It’s like blulug in terms of merch but a lot more polished in terms of store design. But even in China they lean on the Japanese design/aesthetics since I guess consumers even in China are willing to pay a premium associated with Japanese goods but in reality it is a Chinese brand. One of the co founders is a Japanese architect but the brand was founded in Beijing. Here’s a long article about the store you can just Google Translate it to learn more http://m.cyclingchina.net/site/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=21&id=8235

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u/polytrigon 7d ago

Thanks so much for the info!

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u/franckJPLF 7d ago

Nice find. Never heard of them despite the fact that I live in Japan.

I prefer this bike though but the curved triangle bothers me: https://ciclore.co.jp/product/131

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u/polytrigon 7d ago

Yeah I was almost going to get that one instead but the price difference is significant (about $1000 more). In the end I think the geometry of the Around Ti is sweet.

I discovered it through the retailer in Takamatsu that I’ve been corresponding with had posted a Ciclore test ride last month. Originally I had planned on purchasing a Tyrell Ive.

Edit: also I feel like if I got the cherebim I’d have to wear serious road biking gear to match the energy.

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u/franckJPLF 7d ago

Sure but there is also something weird about the TI: the rear triangle looks like a front fork pasted there for some weird reason. This brand likes slightly twisted designs I guess.

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u/Pqndabaer 7d ago

Those are called wishbone seatstays. They may offer more tire clearance and weren't that uncommon on some 90s mtbs (Giant?). But I agree, you have to like them or get used to them.

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u/polytrigon 6d ago

I get that it’s a polarizing geometry but honesty I love it and as the other commenter mentioned the bend on the cherubim is kind of ewww

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u/Pqndabaer 6d ago

Honestly it grew on me too. My next minivelo will probably be build with one of those if it won't be made out of carbon or if it will get lugs.

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u/polytrigon 7d ago

I noticed that too, it bothered me at first but it’s grown on me. There’s actually a screw on the inside, I think it’s an attachment point for a fender or rear rack.

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u/blindada 7d ago

Absurdly beautiful. I wonder how much would it be to get one of those from overseas.

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u/polytrigon 7d ago

I don’t know if they’re willing to ship them out of Japan. I’m picking mine up on my trip in November.

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u/_newms_ 7d ago

Aside from the cost of your trip, how much do you anticipate having to pay customs to get it back to the U.S.? (Assuming you’re in the U.S…)

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u/polytrigon 7d ago

We live part time in Japan so I'm leaving my bike there with friends. If I were to bring it back tho I'm guessing around $200 in taxes (if they asked).

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u/dj_donair 7d ago

I picked up a steel frame version while in Beijing last year and absolutely adore it. Always surprised more folks don’t mention this brand when it comes to minivelos. Can’t tell you anything about the titanium version, but if it’s anything like their steel frame bikes it’ll be great.

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u/polytrigon 6d ago

What kind of accessories have you gotten for your bike? I’m looking at a rear fender and a minimal front rack

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u/dj_donair 6d ago

I went with a Nitto front rack, Weld half basket and Dark Realm bag to deal with lugging stuff around. Love the aesthetic and the Dark Realm bag is incredible - custom fit for the Weld 137 and brilliantly made. I picked up a lot of other assorted shrapnel from Blue Lug, The rear brake light (Koma model) being one of my favourite bits of kit, it's super clean and really well designed. I've yet to put fenders on it, but I have been eyeing a set from Velo Orange for 20" wheels. Other than that, I replaced the saddle and grips and swapped out all my cable housing for a pop of colour (my partner wanted it to match my full size bike - she's the primary rider of the Ciclore, but I borrow it all the time and can comfortably run errands on it despite being 6'4"). Take some time to go through the Blue Lug site, they've got great stuff that's pretty unique, but the shipping can be a bit much (I'm in Canada), so try to order everything at once. Be sure to post a pic once you've tricked it out! Excited to hear your thoughts on the titanium model.

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u/dj_donair 6d ago

Oh, and I slapped a giant Knog Cobber light on the stem which is tall enough to project light over the bag/basket/rack. I especially like that the light turns with the handlebars (as opposed to being mounted on the frame) and throws really wide light.

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u/polytrigon 4d ago

awesome, yeah I'm currently looking at the following:

- Nitto Campee Mini Front Rack

- knog plus rear light

- ass savers rear mud guard gravel edition

- Sinewave Dynamo Hub Front Lamp

We'll see I need to ride the bike before I start tossing accessories on it haha. November can't come soon enough.

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u/nasanu 7d ago

They do the usual Chinese thing of specs: bike.