TOMII CYCLES is the brand of Nao Tomii, a Japanese frame builder based in Austin, Texas.
You likely remember the Faraway tire, recently released in collaboration with SimWorks.
Though Nao-san usually resides in Texas, he reached out to tell us he would be visiting Japan temporarily. We jumped at the opportunity, and thanks to his kindness, we are thrilled to host a POPUP at Circles Tokyo!
【Circles Tokyo】TOMII CYCLES POPUP
Dates: June 27 (Fri) – 29 (Sun)
Venue: Circles Tokyo
※Nao-san will be present at the shop on Sunday the 29th.
A refresher on TOMII CYCLES and Nao-san
Many of you reading this blog likely know him already, but for those who don’t, let’s reintroduce him.
TOMII CYCLES is the brand of Nao Tomii, a Japanese frame builder based in Austin, Texas.
Nao-san has a unique career path: he moved to the US to study fine arts, worked as a sculptor and fabricator in Boston, Massachusetts, and only discovered frame building after falling in love with cycling.
During his time in Boston, he learned fillet brazing under Ian of Icarus Frames, and TIG welding under Mr. Nishikawa of KUALIS CYCLES, who was a lead builder at Seven Cycles at the time.
Beyond the frames, his beautiful parts—which shine like Indian jewelry—are also a huge draw. Each piece is hand-engraved by Nao-san, so no two are exactly alike.
Every part is finished with a patina (chemical color treatment) and waxed, allowing you to enjoy the way the brass ages over time.
It is rare to have the chance to meet Nao-san in person and hear his stories while he is based in Texas.
To mark this occasion, we have prepared items and content exclusive to Circles Tokyo!
THE FAT CANVAS Frame Custom Colors Order
First, the highlight: TOMII CYCLES’ stock model, the "The Fat Canvas"—an all-road, fast all-rounder. We are hosting a pre-sale of the stock frames we had requested from Nao-san specifically for Circles.
Naturally, the frames feature Nao-san’s signature detailed engraving throughout and come with a matching rear rack and bag.
You can inspect the frames in their raw, pre-painted state and discuss paint plans directly with Nao-san to choose your favorite colors.
We currently have 50cm and 52cm sizes available, though other sizes can be ordered as well. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to plan your dream bike with the man himself. On the day Nao-san is in the shop, Shige from our Nagoya store will also be there to help facilitate communication regarding your order.
TOMII CYCLES The Fat Canvas Special Custom Frameset
Sizes: 50cm / 52cm
(Orders for other sizes are also accepted)
Included:
ENVE Adventure Fork
Rear Rack
ANDREWS THE MAKER Box Bag
Custom Engraving Details
Custom Machined Patinated Bolts
Price: 990,000 JPY (Tax included; does not include paint costs)
RAL JEANS by TOMII CYCLES: Limited to 20 pairs
The RAL JEANS are a fan favorite at Circles Tokyo. One of the unique features of these pants is their top button.
We collaborated with NITTO to customize the top button using a NITTO bar-end cap. This modification has been a massive hit with dedicated cycling enthusiasts.
For this event, Nao-san has created 20 exclusive Tomii Cycles original top buttons (bar-end caps) for these jeans!!
The JEANS come in two colors: Raw and Washed. They will be sold as a set with your choice of JEANS and the top button.
※ The top buttons will not be sold individually.
This is perhaps—no, definitely—the most luxurious pair of jeans in the world. Cycling fans, this is limited to 20 pairs, so get them while you can.
Worldwide pre-launch of original parts planned in secret
For this POP UP, we are also unveiling a project Nao-san and I have been planning under wraps.
We are reviving the "Magic Beans" cable hangers for cantilever brakes, which Tomii Cycles used to make. They will be available for purchase here ahead of the official release.
TOMII CYCLES Original Products & Handcrafted Bicycle Jewelry show
It sounds like Nao-san has hand-picked some incredibly rare items and works to bring with him from Texas!?
We haven't even heard the full list ourselves, so it’ll be a surprise for us all on the day.
Circles Tokyo Morning Ride with Nao-san
We hold the Circles Tokyo Morning Ride every month.
This time, Nao-san will be joining us for the ride!
The details for this ride event are currently in the works, and we’ll follow up with more info soon.
【Circles Tokyo Morning Ride】
Date: June 29 (Sun)
Meeting point: Toranomon Hills Station Tower Plaza (Please check the map below!)
Meeting time: 9:00 AM
Capacity: 10 people (first-come, first-served)
How to apply: Send a message to the Circles Tokyo Instagram! (Please let us know if you would like to reserve a test bike.)
What to bring: A bicycle (if you don't need a test bike), drinks, a helmet (we can lend you one upon request), clothes suitable for cycling, and a pure heart that obeys traffic rules.
Participation fee: Free (Please cover your own expenses for food and drinks during the ride.)
※ Cancelled in case of rain.
Stay tuned!
With so much to offer, our staff is already getting excited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride with Nao-san and hear the stories and thoughts behind his creations straight from him.
Make sure you mark your calendars now!!