Trendy on two wheels

ONE OF THE most popular makers of bikes on the international cycling scene, Japanese brand Tokyobike is continually trying to convince cyclists the world over to appreciate their surroundings through unhurried pedalling. Founded in 2002 in the peaceful suburb of Yanaka, the small company offers a range of lightweight city bikes that focus on comfort rather than speed. 

Four months ago, Tokyobike entered into a joint venture with a group of Thai designers and architects and set up shop in Bangkok, turning an old house in Soi Ari 2 into a chic bike shop and cafe.

“My company Chuta, which imports design products and wallpapers, partnered with a designer and architect to put in a proposal for the Tokyobike franchise. We’re all keen cyclists and favour these bikes as they are ideal for ploughing through the city streets. The Japanese company wasn’t after a distributor but a committed partner who could focus on selling the design and I guess we met their criteria,” says co-founder Chutatuch Hemarat.

The showroom is tasteful and spacious with tables and bike racks made of wood. Spares and accessories are sold in addition to the bikes with favourite picks including handmade stationery and fashion items for the trendy two-wheeler. 

Visitors are invited to take a test drive on one of the bikes lined up in the shady courtyard then take a seat at the Laliad coffee corner and relax over a brew.

Models on show include the Classic (CS), which features eight-speed Shimano Acera gears, a semi-up handlebar and is available in nine colours and the Bisou, a comfortable cycle with seven-speed Shimano Tourney gears and upright handlebar.

The Sport is equipped with nine-speed Shimano Sora gears and straight flat handlebar while the Single Speed has a straight flat handlebar and comes in seven colours.

Alongside there are smart rubber-and-canvas totes by local brand Rubber Killer, leather straps by Erdeeni and anti-friction jeans and tees with back pockets by Kost.

Brooks offers vintage-style leather saddles from the UK, Crumpler has colourful lights, baskets and bags while Knog has a range of U-locks in different designs and Sahn makes helmet-wearing a positive pleasure.

 

 

READY TO RIDE

>>Tokyobike Thailand is located at 20 Soi Ari 2 (Phahonyothin Soi 7). It’s open from 11am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Call (02) 117 1016, (098) 363 6711 or visit Tokyobike.co.th and Facebook/TokyobikeThailand.