"BROTURES CREATORS VOICE" is a project launched to promote Japanese manufacturers of fixed gear bikes to the world.

The second installment is in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture. An interview with Aiba Kenichiro, representative of RUNWELL , a tool brand for track bikes.
How are RUNWELL's tools made in Tsubame-Sanjo, the mecca for metalworking? We will share Aiba's attitude towards manufacturing and his thoughts on fixed gear bikes.

Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colorist :
Kouta Ogawa ( birds and insects )

Cinematographer: Kyo Kuboyama

Music: Go Hiyama ( ECHOES BREATH )

Creative Director: SHIN-ICHI SATAKE (BROTURES)

From here on, Fujimoto from BROTURES OSAKA will talk about his perspective on manufacturing and his relationship with BROTURES, which were not mentioned in the interview video, based on the contents of the interview.

Tsubame-Sanjo, a metalworking town

Tsubamesanjo, Niigata Prefecture, is a town that has been involved in metalworking since the Edo period. It is the processing technology capital of Japan, with headquarters, factories, and craftsmen of brands that are active around the world, such as SNOWPEAK, an outdoor goods manufacturer, and THERMOS, a stainless steel tumbler. RUNWELL is a brand launched in this area by a long-established tool manufacturer that specializes in bicycle tools. One of the attractions of the brand is not only its processing precision, but also its flexible manufacturing that puts the user first.

Regarding manufacturing

As the name suggests, "Run Well," many of RUNWELL's products are made with a mechanic's perspective in mind.
Rather than creating products based solely on his own ideas, Aiba personally visits cycle shops and race venues around the country and incorporates feedback from local mechanics to create products that are more easily suited to the hands of mechanics.

This is unique in the industry, and there are not many tool manufacturers like this. Of course, we do not realize all requests, but we do express the unique design of RUNWELL.

Aiba's ideas about design seem unique to me.
"I value the question, 'How can I convey this to my sensibilities?'"
This is the real appeal of RUNWELL tools; even a single wrench is not an ordinary shape, but is designed to give a comfortable grip when held.

As a result, it has been praised by the world's top mechanics and has spread to many people.

In the area of ​​tools, other manufacturers make tools simply because they are easy to use , and the shapes and designs of the tools are often fixed. In the past, Aiba said, "If we make tools like that, it's not RUNWELL, and it's not interesting."

In the interview, he said that when making tools, he "incorporates the story behind the design, cutting-edge technology, and cultural elements," and that some of his products were inspired by armor. The more you listen, the more you realize that they are all packed with stories. Rather than imitating existing tools, he comes up with ideas from seemingly unrelated places and incorporates them into the design of his tools.

I think, "Aiba-san is already a designer, isn't he?"

Collaboration with BROTURES

In the RUNWELL gallery, there is a wide selection of products that have been made so far, including tools made in collaboration with BROTURES.
Looking back, I think it's been more than five years since we started our relationship, and as I mentioned earlier, he has traveled to various places and come to BROTURES OSAKA.

This 15mm wrench was the first collaboration we created.
They listened to our requests as much as possible, paying attention to even the smallest details such as adjusting the size and color. When I asked them about it now, they said, "It was hard to create the 'black' that BROTURES wanted." I'm really grateful that they understood our intentions and reproduced them.

We later collaborated on anniversary items for the Osaka store.

Fixed gear bikes can become nothing

Mr. Aiba has a unique aura that is hard to read even when talking to him, perhaps because of his craftsman-like appearance. He says, "When I'm facing my bicycle, I become nothing."
I can relate to this feeling, and when I'm building a wheel I remember feeling very relaxed.

This may sound pushy, but when Aiba and I talk at the gallery or share drinks, it's all about bicycles.
There are so many things to hear, such as stories about materials and the history of things, that you never get bored.

"Quality and precision are a given"

This word.
That may be true from the perspective of the craftsmen and people in this industry, but it's really cool to hear someone state that so definitively, and it makes me happy as a user.

RUNWELL does not manufacture products that can be used on any type of bicycle, but rather manufactures products for fixed gear bikes and track bikes.
Just as BROTURES is a store that specializes in fixed gear bikes, RUNWELL is also a specialized and cutting-edge tool manufacturer.

That's why if you ride a fixed-gear bike, I want you to know about it and get your hands on one.

FUJIMOTO

Kenichiro Aiba Born in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture. Graduated from Pratt Institute. Representative director of Aiba Sangyo Co., Ltd. and Mitsuwa Metal Co., Ltd. In 2005, he assumed his current position after the previous president passed away. In November 2011, he founded Runwell. In 20xx, he went on a pop-up and cycling trip to clients across the country. In 20xx, he opened a shop in the Metaverse where he could communicate with users from all over the world.

RUNWELL