SPORT IS ART: an app for 24 hours

We made an app for our friend Toni as he rides from Tokyo to Osaka on a bike with no breaks.

518 km in under 24 hours.

No gears, no brakes.

Link: eltoro.appstar.world

Art by Alehsy Lambo.

TONI

Toni, AKA El Toro, is one of the fastest street cyclists in the world. From the Bronx, NYC, he has been riding fixed-gear bikes for 15 years, building a reputation as an elite alleycat racer, known for his style and bespoke bicycles. He has won multiple alleycat races, including Monster Track NYC in 2023. Over time, he started falling in love with the idea of ultra-distance riding, drawn especially to doing it on a fixed-gear bike for the added challenge.

During his last time in Japan, he heard about this race and decided to go for it on three days of preparation. He finished in 28h 9mins with the last 80 miles ridden in freezing rain at 34°F.

After crossing the line, Toni heard about a local legend: a rider named Yuki had done the same route, brakeless on a fixed gear, in 22 hours.

ROUTE

The Tokyo to Osaka Cannonball is one of Japan’s most iconic efforts, very rarely attempted in a single day and almost never on a fixed gear bike.

The route follows Route 1 across Japan, starting or ending at the Japan National Highway Milestone in Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward. It covers 318 miles (512 km) with over 11,000 feet of elevation.

The most challenging parts of the ride are the climb up Hakone Mountain, the relentless red lights, and some confusing turns along the way.

BIKE

For this ride, Toni is on his custom red steel bike built by Weis, running a 49x16 fixed-gear ratio.

The wheels are Weis Wheels laced to Raketa hubs.

The cockpit features an ENVE stem paired with aero bars and TT clip-ons.

The drivetrain is built around a Sugino Japan chainring and cranks, paired with a Selle Italia 3D saddle.

He rides in a full MAAP kit.

No gears. No brakes.

Welcome to Season 6. Back to dropping apps like songs.