MOUNTAIN BIKING
‘Equipt’ and ready for Nepal’s iconic trails
A Japanese cyclist, entrepreneur and adventurer reveals how his passion for mountain biking and an expanding brand are leading him back to Nepal.
A Japanese cyclist, entrepreneur and adventurer reveals how his passion for mountain biking and an expanding brand are leading him back to Nepal.
Mountain biking isn’t just something I do—it’s a way of life. It’s my passion, my profession, and in many ways, my philosophy.
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of cycling, particularly in Japan, where I’ve been importing bike parts and components. But my connection to the sport goes far beyond business. I ride at least three days a week. I’ve had the privilege of competing in numerous enduro races, not just in Japan, but across Asia in countries like Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Korea, and Sri Lanka.
This year, I’ve set my sights on the Pokhara Enduro, a race I’m particularly excited about for several reasons. First, my deep love for Nepal draws me back. This will be my fourth visit to the country for mountain biking, and each trip has been memorable. My first experience in Nepal was back in 2018 when I raced in the Asia Enduro Series (AES). That trip wasn’t just about the race, though—it included a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that I’ll never forget.
We took a helicopter up to Thorong La Pass, at a dizzying altitude of 5,416 metres, and descended on our bikes. The air was so thin, with just about half the oxygen I was accustomed to, making it both thrilling and frightening. The sense of adventure was heightened by the extreme elevation, but the breathtaking four-hour descent of 1,600 metres into Muktinath made it all worthwhile.
Muktinath is a sacred town for Tibetan Buddhists, and staying there overnight added a spiritual layer to the experience. We continued our journey through Jomsom and Tadapani, before finally ending in Beni. The trip wasn’t just about cycling but also about exploration and cultural discovery.
This year, I’m coming back for the Pokhara Enduro for more than just the thrill of riding in Nepal. A big part of my motivation is my friendship with Sunil, the race organiser. I first met him last year during another trip to Nepal. We ran into each other again earlier this year in Sri Lanka. We’ve become not only great friends but also fierce competitors, racing in the same age category.
Normally, I visit Nepal to race in AES events. But this time, I’m choosing to join the Pokhara Enduro, both to support Sunil and for a change of pace. The enduro format is exciting, with its focus on technical downhill sections and stamina-testing climbs, but the connection to a friend makes it even more meaningful.
Another reason this race is important to me is that my personal and professional life has been evolving over the past few years. In late 2022, I launched my own brand, equipt, which specialises in bicycle gadgets. The idea behind equipt is to create innovative tools that solve everyday problems for cyclists—things that riders have always wanted but perhaps never realised existed.
So far, we’ve released three flagship products: the Sardine multi-tool, the Cucumber pedal/axle wrench, and the Clutch drink holder.
The Sardine is a small but mighty tool, weighing just 38 grams, with a unique swivelling head that makes torquing and spinning effortless. It’s light, efficient, and something I’m incredibly proud of.
The Cucumber wrench, with its swivelling head, is designed for both pedals and axles, making it highly versatile for bike maintenance.
And the Clutch—well, that’s a personal favourite because it solves a problem I often encounter on rides. It’s a drink holder that can be installed under the stem’s top cap, so you can enjoy your coffee while riding.
These products come directly from my own experiences on the trail, and they allow me to share my passion with others. When people purchase something from equipt, they’re not just buying a tool—they’re buying into a philosophy of making every ride a better, more enjoyable experience.
Since launching equipt, we’ve gained a global presence, with dealers in countries like the US, Singapore, the UK, Canada, Korea, the Netherlands, and Chile. It’s been incredible to see the brand grow and connect with riders around the world, which was one of my personal goals. The business isn’t just about sales for me, it’s about building relationships within the biking community. Through equipt, I’ve expanded my network of bike friends globally, turning what began as a business into a shared experience with like-minded riders.
One of my hopes for this trip to Nepal is to establish equipt in the local market. I’m looking to connect with dealers and riders in the region and expand the brand’s reach. Nepal is a growing hub for adventure sports, especially mountain biking, and I believe there’s a lot of potential to introduce innovative products to the scene.
With the Pokhara Enduro on the horizon, I’m excited about the race, but also about the possibilities it holds for expanding my brand and building even more connections within the biking community. So, to everyone joining me at the Pokhara Enduro this year—see you there! Let’s have fun!
Koh Kitazawa, a former English instructor and development aid consultant, now leads Alternative Bicycles, specialising in off-road biking gear. A dedicated mountain biker, he organised the 2015 Single Speed World Championship. He is a brand ambassador for the US footwear company KEEN and advocates for the elimination of child labour. Koh enjoys craft beer and spending time outdoors with his family.
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