There’s a little bike shop in Shibuya, Tokyo, called Blue Lug, who never cease to amaze with me the eclectic combinations of color and styles they apply to their bikes. You’ll find them in both subtle and multi-colored schemes but never without a respectful nod to tradition. They’ve just released a production frame, the Fairweather CX, created in association with Toyo Frame.
The Fairweather is a versatile, multi-butted chromoly frame that can be dressed in any number of combinations, already evidenced by Blue Lug’s flicker set.
We can see a navy blue townie, a traditionnel cork-gripped and Brooks-saddled pink tourer, and an eye-searingly colorful ‘crosser. With both horizontal dropouts and a mech hanger, the frame caters for either single speed or geared configurations and the rear 132.5mm spacing means both road and MTB hubs can be used.
Here’s another ‘cross bike, built up with Shimano’s 105 components, which are just as reliable as they were when first released. The White Industries hubs, cranks and chain rings will stand up to a vast amount of abuse, fitted alongside Paul Components and Thomson hardware. The handmade stems are supplied by Nitto and there’s even an expandable saddlebag available.
The deal includes the straight-blade fork. A completely custom paint job by Cook Paint Works requires an additional charge (a vast array of 80s inspired finishes is available), but a solid color is included in the price of ¥63,000.
The frames come in small, medium and large and to top it all off, you can choose one of three different brass head badges and decal designs. The Fairweather is sold in-store only, but you can see more products from the brand on the Blue Lug website.
