The growing popularity of cycling in Japan, and perhaps the popularity of cycling-themed manga and anime such as Yowamushi Pedal and Long Riders!, has inspired a new concept bar and training gym in the Kanda neighborhood of Tokyo, just minutes away from Akihabara Station, called CYCLE:HOLIC.

Open since May 20th, 2018, CYCLE:HOLIC bills itself as a new concept space for cycling enthusiasts, a place where you can "ride, drink, chat and get to like cycling even more." Combining a training gym equipped with the latest technology, lockers, shower rooms, as well as a bar where you can unwind afterwards, CYCLE:HOLIC offers a healthy new alternative entertainment space. It could also be the perfect solution for office workers torn between wanting to hit the gym and wanting to grab a drink at a local bar. Both needs can be met at CYCLE:HOLIC!

Training Gym

At the road bike training gym, you can enjoy a virtual bike ride with the online gaming platform Zwift hooked up to a giant TV monitor. You can participate in races while getting a full workout adjusted to your level. Cycling jersey-clad staff are on hand to show you how the equipment works and encourage you during your race.

Their cutting-edge cycling simulator adds to the realism of the experience, adjusting pedal resistance on uphill and downhill tracks and simulating unevenly paved roads through vibrations.

Since training shoes and cycling jerseys are available for rent, and there are locker rooms and showers for you to use, you don't even need to bring a gym bag to CYCLE:HOLIC. Everything you need is there! If you don't feel comfortable using their bikes, you also have the option to bring in your own and they'll hook it up to the Zwift system for you.

As an extra service, the staff will gladly pump up your tires free of charge. If you find yourself in a pinch when you're biking around town, you can even stop by without needing to use their facilities. When all bike shops have long closed, you can still stop by until 10:30 PM.

Cycling Concept Bar

After a good workout, you can come down to the 6th floor and unwind at one of the 13 counter seats of the bar. Bicycle racks are available if you opted to bring in your own bike for training on the 7th floor gym or if you simply want a safer alternative to parking outside if you're biking to CYCLE:HOLIC.

Four different protein shakes (whey, casein, soy, BCAA) are also on the menu, including an all-you-can-drink option.

Naturally, this being a bar, cocktails and other beverages are also available, and the jersey-clad staff will gladly take your order. Some of them are die hard road bikers and others only ride once in a while, but all of them share an interest in bicycles and cycling, so you can feel free to talk about cycling with them to your heart's content. Light meal items such as pizza and appetizers are also available.

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Opening Campaign

For one month between May 24th and June 23rd, you can use the cycling training gym at the following discounted rates:

• 30 minutes: 2,250 JPY ➔ 1,980 JPY
• 60 minutes: 4,500 JPY ➔ 3,960 JPY

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Make your reservation online here (Japanese only)

CYCLE:HOLIC information

• Name: Cycling Fitness Bar CYCLE:HOLIC
• Hours: Weekdays 17:00-22:30 (Bar L.O. 22:00)　Weekdays/Holidays 13:00-22:30 (Bar L.O. 22:00)
• Address: 6F Akebono Bldg., 2-17 Tsukasacho Kanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 東京都千代田区神田司町2-17 あけぼのビル6F
• Access: 2 mins. from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Awajicho Sta., 4 mins. from Toei Shinjuku Line Ogawamachi Sta., 7 mins. from JR Yamanote Line Kanda Sta., 12 mins. from JR Yamanote Akihabara Sta.
• Website: CYCLE:HOLIC
• Twitter: @cycle_holic03

Model: Chamomile