On the 11th of March 2011, a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake occurred off the coast of Japan, causing 15,846 confirmed deaths, tsunami waves that reached heights of up to 40.5 metres and a World Bank estimated economic cost of US$235 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster in world history.
It has been reassuring to witness the world uniting around Japan at this devastating and crucial time. Chris King and his Cielo brand have collaborated with their Japanese distributors, Sim-Works, on a limited edition cyclocross bike, with all profits from their sales directed to support of the relief effort.
Chris King needs no introduction: many of the world’s bikes are equipped with his hubs or headsets, but less well known is the fact that he’s also a frame builder of the highest quality, applying the same high standards of engineering to his road and cyclocross frames as his Precision Components. You’ll notice the prominence of the date, 11.3.11 on the frame and forks, a poignant reminder of not only the catastrophic day but also as a call to action to the great and resilient people of Japan.
Only 5 of these frames have been made: the Extra Small size has been sold already, and, at the time of printing, there are only 2 models left in Small and 2 models left in Medium. Secure your chance to contribute to Japan’s relief effort and own a finely tuned and specified cyclocross bike from a legend of cycling, Chris King: contact Cielo in the United States or Sim-Works in Japan.
