Orange Outside: Blue Lug X Velo Orange

Velo Orange recently had the pleasure of co-hosting the first "Orange Outside" event with Blue Lug, one of the most beloved bike shops in Japan. The ride kicked off from Blue Lug’s Hatagaya location, with a solid crew of about 30 riders rolling together through the city streets to Yoyogi Park. There, we were met by an incredible gathering of cyclists, many of whom were riding Velo Orange bikes or had their bikes decked out with VO components.

The energy was fantastic, with riders swapping stories, checking out each other’s setups, and sharing in the love of bicycles. Seeing so many people come together in Tokyo to celebrate the joy of cycling—and to do it with a mix of classic and modern touring, randonneuring, and city bikes—was truly special. The Blue Lug team were outstanding hosts, ensuring the ride was smooth and the stoke was high.

It was inspiring to see how VO components have made their way into the Japanese cycling scene, with riders putting their own spin on builds that blend timeless aesthetics with practical utility. From elegantly curated touring rigs to city commuters with a touch of retro charm, every bike at the event told a unique story. It’s clear that the VO ethos of blending tradition with modern performance resonates deeply with cyclists in Japan. The attention to detail and thoughtful component choices were impressive across the board, from polished stems and handlebars to carefully selected racks and fenders.

The Atmosphere and Community

What made the event even more special was the sense of community. Riders from different backgrounds and styles came together, united by a shared love of bikes and the craftsmanship that goes into each build. Conversations flowed easily, with riders exchanging tips on maintenance, swapping stories about long tours, and even geeking out over obscure components and accessories.

We were so thankful for how welcoming and engaged the Blue Lug crew was. They not only guided the ride with skill and ease but also took the time to chat with everyone, offer mechanical advice, and share insights about the local cycling scenes. Their passion for bikes was infectious, and it’s no surprise that Blue Lug has built such a loyal following over the years.

Featured Rides

Digi and Yahi's Family Piolet

This Piolet from Digi and Yahi means so much to me. It reminds me that a bicycle is much more than just a frame, components, and some accessories. A bicycle is a story builder - either with one’s own self, a community, or in the case of Yahi's Piolet, a family. 

Yahi came to Blue Lug to get an all-roader style bike for city riding and touring. There she met Digi and he helped spec out her new Piolet. Soon, they started dating, got married, and had a child. While it's a minor role, I’m just so honored Velo Orange has been a part of their family story.

Yu's Low Kicker

Such a beautiful and practical build! 

Mr. Kondo's Freshly Painted Polyvalent

We actually met Mr. Kondo when he was picking up his bike from one of the Blue Lug locations! He picked out the color and the gold logos and was over the moon when he saw it for the first time. He was stoked to take it on its maiden voyage to the Orange Outside meetup!

Mr. Kato's White Neutrino

Nagaoka-san's Custom Grey Neutrino

Nagaoka-san is the owner of the Hub Barbershop location and has one wicked cool single speed Neutrino. And he rides the sh*t out of it! Coming from a bmx background, the Neutrino platform was the perfect setup for his commute without being too aggressive.

Jag's Quill Stem Polyvalent

Jag is Blue Lug's bag designer and he and his Polyvalent have some HISTORY. As much as I love a brand new ride with fresh paint, give me chips and scratches that tell a story!

Suzuki's Low Kicker

I didn't get a photo of the owner, but this Polyvalent was really, really nice. Each detail was right on point.

Fu's Quill Stem Polyvalent in Rainbow Sparkle

Fu is a graphic designer and picked the color of the Pistachio Neutrino! 

What’s Next

A huge thank you to Blue Lug and everyone who came out to ride, hang out, and make it such an unforgettable event. If you missed this one, don’t worry—there’s more Orange Outside to come! Jump down below for a massive event gallery!