The Most Beautiful Bicycle Is the One You Ride — My Partner, Sig.Rando [Staff Bike Feature #02]
After riding more than 40 bikes, this one is the last one standing
I've ridden more than 40 different bicycles over the years.
Road bikes, MTBs, gravel bikes, mini velos, mamachari (city bikes). Fast bikes, beautiful bikes, niche bikes. Each time, I thought, "This is the best."
But if someone asks me, "What's your best companion?", I would unhesitatingly choose this one.
Sig.Rando.
It's an original chromoly touring bike planned, designed, and sold by grumpy.
In the previous Staff's Favorite Bike #01, I introduced the ORBEA OIZ (MTB). If that's my companion for "speed and mountains," then the Sig.Rando is my companion for "travel and daily life". It has an appeal on a completely different dimension.
▶ Previous #01: ORBEA OIZ | Staff's Favorite Bike #01
What is Sig.Rando — a chromoly touring bike made by grumpy
Sig.Rando is an original chromoly touring bike planned and designed by grumpy.
It wasn't born for racing. Nor was it born for fashion.
It was designed to be a bicycle that people who ride every day can continue to ride for a long time. That's the design philosophy of Sig.Rando.
※For details on Sig.Rando and stock availability, please contact us.
A bicycle like rice
If I had to describe Sig.Rando in one word, it would be a bicycle like rice.
Not a fancy meal, but plain white rice.
You never get tired of eating it every day. It can be transformed into ochazuke or fried rice. It's an indispensable bike for daily life, whose flavor changes depending on customization and use. This is the concept of Sig.Rando.
A bicycle that is used is the most beautiful
My favorite type of bicycle is one that is actually "heavily used."
Among them, I was once moved by seeing elderly people riding their mamachari (city bikes) for over 50 years. A bicycle that becomes a companion as you repair and customize it. Even though it's used every day, it runs well and smoothly.
A shiny, decorative bicycle is nowhere near as beautiful as a scratched, everyday bicycle. I felt that instinctively. How wonderful!
It's still a long way to use my beloved Sig.Rando for 50 years, but I hope we can continue our journey together.
My Sig.Rando, broken down by use
"Just right as a tool for travel and daily life." This is the current customization policy.
There are many parts, so I'll introduce them grouped by their purpose.
Loading & Carrying
WALD Front Basket
A long-time favorite that perfectly fits the WALD basket. The balance between size and storage capacity is exquisite, sufficient for day trips or even an overnight stay.
The front basket has been a standard feature on the Sig.Rando for many years. It's used for everyday shopping, of course, and on long rides, I toss in "items I want to access quickly" like snacks and mobile batteries.
By using a basket net over it, I can secure items even if they protrude from the bag, which is incredibly useful.
Swift Industries Sugarloaf Bag
Lighting — Dual front and rear lights for Audax
SON Edelux II (Dynamo light)
The main light is the classic dynamo light, Edelux II, from German company SON (Schmidt's Original Nabendynamo). It stays on continuously while riding, so I can focus on night riding without worrying about battery drain.
Cat Eye VOLT800 (Battery light)
An overwhelmingly popular battery light among long-distance cycling enthusiasts. I'm currently challenging myself with Audax/Permanents, which involves a lot of night riding, so I'm using a robust two-light setup.
※Audax is an ultra-long-distance cycling event where participants must complete a set course within a time limit.
Rear Lights — Cat Eye 2-light setup
This is still under consideration. Whether to run the dynamo from the front or use another battery-powered light, I'm in the midst of trial and error. I want to mount it in this position a bit more cleanly — such concerns are also a dialogue with my companion.
Controls — Friction as "the latest analog"
microSHIFT 8-speed Bar-end Shifters
Currently using the friction specification. Friction means that instead of clicking into each gear, you manually adjust the shifting amount.
I consider it the "latest analog" lever that can be used freely, unbound by the number of gears. The smooth shifting sensation is pleasant, and once you get used to it, you can't go back.
Tektro Brake Levers
These levers have been used for so long that I can barely remember when I started using them. I think they were originally installed when I bought a Surly/Cross-Check a long time ago.
Their small grip fits my small hands well. I'd like another set, but the problem is they're hard to get now.
Bell — PDW × VIVA Custom Combination
A bell mounted on the steerer spacer. I rarely ring it, but atmosphere is important. The base is PDW, and the bell itself is VIVA, customized to my taste down to the smallest detail.
Drivetrain and Brakes — Choosing items that last
Sugino Mighty Crank + TIOGA 8-speed Chainring
I've combined Sugino's Mighty series, representing Japan, with a TIOGA 8-speed chainring.
This chainring is also a custom piece, polished by myself to a silver finish. Its cost performance is excellent, so I use it without hesitation. The rust on the chainring bolts is a charming side effect of continued rainy rides.
Growtac EQUAL Brakes (Front & Rear)
Among mechanical brakes, these are my favorite. They are highly effective, easy to maintain, and come in a wide range of colors. It's a product I genuinely "love."
Chris King Rear Hub
I've been using this Chris King hub from America for many years. It's a quality component that lasts regardless of changing trends, and I even feel like its rotation improves the more I use it.
I absolutely love Chris King's philosophy of valuing "long-lasting, easily maintainable products." I believe choosing such components is important for the environment too. It's a product I want to keep using forever.
Attention to Detail
Brooks B17 Standard (Leather Saddle)
The classic leather saddle from British brand Brooks. I've been using it for about 10 years, and it's still going strong. Leather saddles become more comfortable as they conform to your body, making it a perfect match for the Sig.Rando's long journey.
Swift Industries Zeitgeist Saddlebag
Swift's masterpiece saddlebag. It's already battered, but for some reason, I don't mind it and I repair it myself with stitching. A tool that can be repaired and used even when broken is truly a companion for a long journey.
PDW Full Metal Fender (Polished Finish)
It usually comes in black, but being a silver enthusiast, I sanded and polished it myself. However, I found the industrial look with some unpolished areas unexpectedly cool, so I left it as is.
Double-leg Center Stand
It's indispensable for daily life, of course, and also extremely convenient for taking photos during cycling trips. Its high stability allows it to stand even when loaded, making it a reliable presence.
Noguchi Double-leg Stand CL-KA56
Audax, Rainy Days, Daily Life — How it's actually used
Currently, I'm challenging myself with Audax/Permanents. The other day, I rode it through heavy rain.
Beyond its performance as a touring bike, it's like an extension of my own legs, used extensively and without hesitation in daily life. On rainy days, on days with a lot of cargo, for quick trips to the store. Because it's used so frequently, it develops that "well-used" character.
The Sig.Rando feels more and more like my own bike the more I ride it.
Here's to many more adventures, my friend.
If Sig.Rando interests you
Since Sig.Rando is an original project, quantities are limited, but you can consult with us at the grumpy store for touring bikes chosen with the same philosophy, or for the parts introduced here.
If you're looking for "a bike like rice, one you can ride every day," please stop by.
- Previous #01: ORBEA OIZ | Staff's Favorite Bike #01
- Contact grumpy
- View used bikes and special parts
- About grumpy Loans — No interest/fees for up to 24 installments, covered by the store
- grumpy YouTube Channel — Latest test ride and custom videos
Next, in Staff's Favorite Bike #03, we'll introduce staff member Shimizu's gravel bike.
This gravel bike was assembled by an off-road rider known as the MTB Boss. Many of the detailed customizations are things you wouldn't notice unless they were explained to you!
Stay tuned!