WIN: Tokyo Bike

To celebrate the launch of Tokyo Bike’s London Pop-Up shop launching next week we have one to give away!

As we mentioned when we posted them last month, Tokyo Bikes boast compact, straight handlebars which allow the rider to maintain an upright posture and Cr-Mo steel frames which are both stronger and more flexible than the aluminum alternative as well as 650mm wheels that have a finer profile than typical road bikes but best of all they look fantastic. We caught up with Ichiro Kanai, the founding director of Tokyo Bikes to find out more as well as details as to how you can win one.

Tell us about Tokyo Bikes and why you’re coming to London?

Tokyobike produce beautifully simple, pared back, lightweight bicycles designed to allow people to make the most of their city. The company was established 8 years ago in the traditional Tokyo suburb of Yanaka by Ichiro Kanai who strongly believes that the bicycle is the best way to enjoy your city. He feels London as a city has many similarities to Tokyo and is therefore a natural place to set up a store.

Where’s the best place to go cycling in Tokyo?

Everybody cycles in Tokyo whether commuting or exploring the super cool canal side shops around Naka Meguro. The best place to cycle though is the traditional suburb of Yanaka, where the company was founded and is still based today. Less built up, with more traditional architecture, the area is full of tiny streets housing craftspeople and their workshops, cafes and temples.

How does cycling compare between Tokyo and London?

Cycling culture is more advanced in Tokyo but London is fast catching up. Both cities are similar in size and a bicycle is the best tool by which to make the most of your surroundings.

What can people expect to see when they come down to the pop-up shop?

Beautiful lightweight town bikes, accessories and Japanese product design largely unseen in London in fairly minimal store surroundings designed by Yen Yen Teh of Emulsion Architecture.

Tokyobike Pop-Up Shop

Launches on 8 July 2010, 6pm
117 Commercial Street, Spitalfields Market, London E1
Opening hours, 11am – 7pm weekdays, 11am – 5pm weekends

Competition

So the question everyone’s asking, ‘How do I get my hands on one?’
Simples, just tweet including the hash tag #tokyobike and the link to this article (http://itsniceth.at/o0) for a chance of winning. The best answer will be selected by Max Fraser at the launch. Open to UK residents only. Multiple entries are encouraged. All entries must be received by 3pm on 8 July 2010.

Example: I want a #tokyobike because they they look awesome (http://itsniceth.at/o0)
See more examples here – www.twitter.com/#search?q=%23tokyobike