When choosing a bicycle, I imagine many people start with a complete frame and build it up into a machine that is uniquely their own.
I was the same way.
Without knowing things like the frame geometry that suited my riding style, I gathered tons of information, listened to stories from experienced riders, and constantly returned to the theme of how I wanted to ride this bike while choosing and assembling the frame and parts.
And as I spent more time riding that bike, I would revisit my riding posture and fit after every ride—changing the stem length, adjusting the headset spacers, swapping out the handlebars.
I made it my own through continued trial and error.
There is joy in finding your own "optimal solution" through trial and error, and it is true that this process was indispensable for me to find mine, but as you keep riding for a long time, what you seek changes little by little.
Even if you think, "This is it," there remains a lingering sense of something being "just a little bit missing."
In the world of handmade bikes, there is a way of thinking like this:
"You don't adapt to the bicycle; the bicycle adapts to you."
Your physical characteristics.
Your style of riding.
The scenery you love.
The parts you want to use.
The time you want to spend.
The blueprint is not born in the head of a frame builder, but from the rider's lifestyle.
Just recently, Yoshimoto also spoke about the appeal of handmade bikes—specifically SEVEN CYCLES—on the blog. I have ordered handmade bikes myself, such as BIKE FRIDAY and BREADWINNER, and the feeling of riding a machine made for you is irreplaceable. Once you know that feeling, you can't help but dream of the next one.
"I can ride forever."
"It feels like the bike has become a part of my own body."
The lack of stress is so surprising that it makes you feel just that.
A position that naturally suits your body, handling that responds exactly as you intend. The time spent riding becomes something special, and before you know it, it becomes the time you look forward to most in your life.
That is the charm of handmade bikes.
Even when we say "handmade bike," there are many different builders and brands in that world.
SEVEN CYCLES, RETROTEC, SYCIP, BREADWINNER, BIKE FRIDAY—brands that we at Circles Tokyo often get asked about—each have their own philosophy and commitment to craftsmanship.
It is entirely up to you which brand you choose to entrust with your build.
Some are drawn to the personality of the builder; others are captivated by the beauty of the frame. Some choose based on their own riding style or how they want to engage with cycling.
There is no "right" way to choose.
Out of all those handmade bike brands, I would like to focus on one in particular this time.
It is a builder that radiates a unique presence in the world of handmade bikes and continues to fascinate many cyclists.
The Presence of TOMII CYCLES
Tomii Cycles, a custom frame builder based in Austin, Texas.
The builder, Nao Tomii (hereinafter referred to as Nao-san), has a unique background, having studied fine arts and sculpture before becoming a frame builder. That is precisely why his bikes possess a distinct atmosphere that goes beyond mere transportation.
(For those who want to know more about Nao-san, Kimura-san has written an introduction, so please check it out ⇩)
The frames Nao-san creates are somewhat nostalgic, yet new.
While evoking the beauty of traditional frame building, the design naturally fits modern riding styles like gravel and bikepacking.
Furthermore, his frames—which coexist with a delicacy akin to Native American jewelry and modern functional beauty—exude a charm that cannot be measured by performance alone.
Just recently, we held a POPUP at Circles TAILORED, but we will also be hosting a POPUP at Circles Tokyo this time.
【TOMII CYCLES POPUP】
Dates: July 7 (Tue) – July 12 (Sun)
Location: Circles Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Unfortunately, Nao-san won't be in the shop for this event, but we have managed to gather plenty of TOMII CYCLES bikes, framesets, parts, and goods.
It is rare to see this many TOMII CYCLES items in one place, so I hope you take this time to see them in person and feel the beauty and charm of the products for yourself.
Of course, we will also be accepting consultations for custom handmade bike orders.
A new way of engaging with cycling that lies beyond ready-made products.
As a gateway to that world, please take this opportunity to experience the world of TOMII CYCLES.
TOMII CYCLES Lineup
In this event, in addition to showcasing our signature model "Fat Canvas" and the new "Flat Bar Fun Bike," we will also be displaying and selling small parts created with his technical expertise.
Flat Bar Fun Bike
The Flat Bar Fun Bike is an ATB designed exclusively for 27.5-inch wheels, with clearance that accommodates up to 2.4-inch tires.
With a longer top tube and a relaxed head angle, it adopts geometry that looks like an MTB at first glance, but it is a fully rigid bike without any suspension.
As a result, it demonstrates high stability on dirt and forest roads while offering a light and pleasant ride on paved roads.
Compared to the brand's standard model, the Fat Canvas, this is designed with rougher surfaces and unpaved roads in mind. That said, it is not so much a full-fledged trail bike, but a machine built to enjoy riding forest roads and gravel paths comfortably.
The bike displayed this time is a sample and not for sale, but orders for the same specifications are possible.
While taking a close look at its form and build, please imagine your own one-of-a-kind machine.
FAT CANVAS
Nao-san’s namesake, the "Fat Canvas."
TOMII CYCLES’ Fat Canvas is an all-rounder bike built on Nao-san's vision of a gravel/all-road machine.
It is designed to balance the speed needed to ride lightly on paved roads with the toughness required to venture onto gravel and forest roads.
Its appearance makes you want to go on a trip, and it comes complete with mounting points for gear. It has a depth of character that makes you naturally want to turn your handlebars toward the unpaved roads beyond the pavement or those side paths you’ve always been curious about.
"Fast and tough on all terrain."
The FAT CANVAS is an all-rounder that handles everything from daily rides to bikepacking and long touring.
The freedom to ride anywhere may be the greatest appeal of this bike.
TOMII CYCLES The Fat Canvas
Size: 54cm
Price: ¥1,375,000 (tax included)
And, as a special occasion, we are selling one more Fat Canvas.
Actually, this Fat Canvas is one that an owner, completely bewitched by the charm of TOMII, had to part with in tears.
The previous owner has ordered four TOMII CYCLES bikes to date. Upon consulting with Nao-san about wanting to pass this Fat Canvas on to someone who would ride it to various places, we decided to sell it specifically here at Circles Tokyo.
I hope to share more later about what kind of scenery the previous owner saw with this Fat Canvas and how they ordered this bike to be ridden.
TOMII CYCLES The Fat Canvas
Size: 54cm
Price: ¥1,089,000 (tax included)
*This is a used bike.
Custom Bikes
Of course, Nao-san builds custom bikes other than the Flat Bar Fun Bike and Fat Canvas.
Nao-san was selected for third place in the "Builder's Choice" category at the MADE show held in 2024.
At that time, the bike he exhibited as a show bike was the X-Frame.
It’s too beautiful... Overwhelming presence.
A one-of-a-kind machine inspired by the 1980s MANTIS "Valkyrie X" frame.
Actually, this bike was born from a customer's order.
Bringing a dream bike to life with your own vision.
The fact that such a dream-like order can be realized is yet another charm unique to TOMII CYCLES.
Carefully picking up the rider's ideals and story, and responding with flexible craftsmanship that is not bound by conventional thinking.
"Truly realizing one of a kind."
Isn't that the greatest appeal of TOMII CYCLES?
The Fat Canvas Stock Frame
The Fat Canvas, which can be called an all-terrain, fast, all-rounder.
We have specially prepared some stock frames this time.
Azure Blue, size 50cm, and
(It was sold while I was writing this guide 🙇♂️)
Beaver Brown, size 52cm.
Of course, details of Nao-san's signature engravings are generously incorporated throughout.
Furthermore, a dedicated rear rack and bag are included!
The bag that comes with the detachable custom rack is also the perfect size for added convenience.
We are currently offering two sizes: 50cm and 52cm. Of course, it is also possible to order other sizes.
Specifications
- Steerer Tube: 1-1/8″ to 1.5” Tapered
- Max Tire Clearance: 700 x 48mm or 650B x 2.2″
- Bottom Bracket: T47
- Seat Post: 27.2mm
- Brake: Flat Mount Disc
- Front Derailleur Clamp: 28.6mm
- Seat Post Clamp: 29.8mm
- Dropout Spacing: 142 x 12mm TA Rear / 100 x 12mm TA Front
- Rear Derailleur Hanger: Paragon Machine Works / Replaceable
- Fork: Enve Adventure
- Rear Rack Dimension: 7-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
- Head Badge: Hand sculpted, molded, and cast pewter in-house
You can check the details of the stock frames here.
TOMII CYCLES The Fat Canvas Special Custom Frameset
Size:
50cm/ 52cm
(We also accept orders for other sizes)
Price: ¥990,000 (tax included)
Beautiful Small Parts
Beyond the frame itself, the beautiful parts, which shine with the brilliance of Indian jewelry, are also a major highlight.
We will also have spacers, bells, and bar ends available.
These are carved by Nao-san one by one, and no two are exactly alike.
All parts are finished with a patina (a chemical treatment to change the color) and waxed, allowing you to enjoy the aging process of the brass.
And,
we will also be showcasing and selling the recently released Circles 20th Edition Top Cap.
It's too beautiful... The finish is so detailed that you can't help but admire it.
By incorporating stainless steel, it forms the "C" for Circles.
Circles is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. All models of this special Top Cap, produced by Nao-san, will be gathered at Circles Tokyo.
Also, we will have a wide variety of TOMII goods available on the day.
The masterpiece ”FARAWAY” tire in sand beige color is also back in stock at this time!
We will also have a rich selection of items rarely seen, including caps, bandanas, bottles, T-shirts, as well as decals and keychains.
TOMII CYCLES stands out among the many handmade builders.
This event is a must-see for those considering a handmade bike, as well as for those who have not yet experienced that world.
Even among the many existing builders, TOMII CYCLES stands out for its unique aesthetic and craftsmanship.
Please come and experience their worldview in person at the store.
【TOMII CYCLES POPUP】
Dates: July 7 (Tue) - 12 (Sun)
Location: Circles Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
