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natashaduman
Reviews
Minami Kamakura Kôkô Joshi Jitensha-bu (2017)
Surprisingly Immersive
(Note: I don't know if I would consider my post a "spoiler," but to be safe I am labeling it as such since I delve into what makes this show stand out to me compared to similar genre Anime, such as "Long Riders.")
I was surprised when I came across this Anime, and I am glad I gave it a chance.
What appeals to me most about this show is that it gives real tips regarding bicycling--from riding styles, to merchandise purchases, and the episodes I watched had life footage of tips for newbies as a helpful guide (such as finding the hole in a flat tire).
Because I had watched this show first, it was a letdown for me (from the first episode) when I tried to watch "Long Riders." (which, the show may be okay for some people--but I liked the realistic edge that "Minami Kamakura Koukou Joshi Jitensha-bu" set up in their series).
This is a show I would recommend for almost anyone who has an interest in Anime, bicycling, is a girl, and who is lighthearted about shows with a simpler plot (such as this one).
Honestly, some of the tips at the end of the episodes actually taught me some skills...and I am an adult woman. But that is why I like this show.
Long Riders! (2016)
Fondness for the show now...
(Note: this review may contain elements that could be considered "spoiling," but I will not try to delve into the details too much).
When I first began watching this show, I was not very impressed. I had just finished watching "Minami Kamakura Koukou Joshi Jitensha- bu" (another recent bicycling anime series geared towards the female audience) and immediately compared the two since their plot similarities are so close.
However, I kept watching this series and I am glad I did--it is perfectly enjoyable in it's own right.
If you are interested in a series peddling more direct bicycling information/tips with a mild plot--"Minami Kamakura Koukou Joshi Jitensha-bu" is very fitting.
But "Long Riders" made their approach to bicycle facts less on- point at the beginning of the series, mellowed into the plot of the story more, and had me laughing much more often than when I had watched the other show. All-in-all this show was more engaging of a plot, whereas the other show is more engaging with it's facts (if you are a relative bicycle newb).
The other point to mention is this show focuses around College age characters and the other show focuses around High School aged characters. The latter show seems to walk you through the bicycle information, but this show lets the bicycle facts float to the surface...eventually.
Either way, this show is an entertaining watch for bicycle-anime enthusiasts (who don't mind soft plots).