11
Nov
2011
Introducing the TRAFIK homie in Tokyo, ITTA, who will be working with us to make sure we are up to date on all things going on in the land of the rising sun. This is his first report from this past weekend’s CYCLEMODE convention in Tokyo, one of the largest bike conventions in Asia. Enjoy…
THE BIGGEST BIKE SHOW IN JAPAN – CYCLEMODE
Words and Pics by ITTA.
Cyclemode is the biggest bicycle show to hit Japan. Once a year thousands of people make the train ride to CHIBA (right outside Tokyo) to attend the convention. What’s different about this convention as compared to Interbike in USA is that anyone can attend for only 1200 yen ($15 USD), so inside there are not only buyers and sellers, but families, kids, fixie riders, Keirin racers, basically everybody.
There are two huge halls and all brands are represented, but the 2nd hall is where all the real fun happens. Here you’ll find all the Japanese brands and a huge test track that circles the convention. This is what many people come for. You can test ride ANY bike you want…even the most expensive ones. The line for this is long, but worth the wait to ride a bike you can probably never afford!
Some of the highlights of this year’s convention:
* At Panasonic’s booth, you can customize your frame with your favorite color. 32 to choose from. That is awesome!!
* KEIRIN virtual game. This is very fun!!! It’s a head-to-head racing game (like Gold Sprints) but around a virtual Keirin track. Mostly non-racers were trying this out, but then a professional female Keirin racer showed up and beat everyone. That girl is so fast and look at those leg muscles!!! Amazing!!! I heard she still only 16 years old too!
*Childrens Half Pipe – This was new this year and shows that trick riders are getting younger and younger. There was a line of children waiting to try this mini-half-pipe. This is the future of Japanese trick riders.
Bicycles have always been popular in Japan, but this convention gets bigger every year. Now many people are riding fixed gear when it only used to be Keirin racers. Can’t wait to see what next year will bring. From Tokyo, for TRAFIK – ITTA.
