"Why are men so drawn to vehicles with wheels?" asks Hiroaki Aoto, Assistant Buyer for Residence Digital on the 8th floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .

With cycling gaining attention as a hobby for adult men, Age Cycle, a sports bike maintenance shop, has opened its first limited-time pop-up shop Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th floor = Isetan Men's Residence / Charlie Weiss until November 1st (Tuesday). We spoke with the shop owner, Keita Iwashima, about the appeal of road bikes.


Winner of the Tour de Okinawa Citizens' 210km race!

Keita Iwashima, owner of Age Cycle, was the winner of the Tour de Okinawa Citizen 210km race in 2010, a race often called the "pinnacle of citizen races" or the "Koshien of hobby races." While participating in numerous races in Japan, Iwashima utilized his experience working at a road bike shop to open his own shop, Age Cycle, in the Tama area of Tokyo last year. Furthermore, he leads the shop team "MIVRO" and participates in various races and events.

This limited-time shop will feature and sell complete bicycles not usually available at Age Cycle, as well as wheels, parts, helmets, shoes, and more. Maintenance services are also available by prior reservation.


What initially captivated me was its mechanical aspects and beautiful form.

--Could you tell us what sparked your love for road bikes, Mr. Iwashima?

During my university days, I took a class on building electric vehicles, and since electric vehicles are made by stacking lightweight parts, bicycle parts can be applied to them. So, while researching bicycle magazines, I became drawn to their form.

—So you started with the parts and the appearance?

That's right. I was drawn to road bikes from the beginning, and I took the plunge and bought an Italian PIANRELLO. Pinarello bikes are designed for racing, so I was also interested in racing and often read race information in cycling magazines.

—So you started riding them and became completely hooked?

I worked at a road bike pro shop for about 10 years. That shop was very race-oriented, and their team participated in top Japanese races where professionals competed, so I also participated in races myself.

What does Mr. Iwashima of NEXT think is the appeal of road bikes?