We were able to return to this land once again.
It has been nearly six years since we launched SimWorks USA. The vibes we carried—having leaped out of Japan on nothing but momentum and enthusiasm, moving around without sparing a moment—gradually began to infect this continent. While that part was good, it is true that in the midst of it all, another, completely unnecessary infection spread in the blink of an eye, blurring our vision.
However, in the end, the courage, patience, and efforts of people with their own internal momentum may have been what brought us together, gave us a stage, and solidified our resolve even further.
MADE HANDMADE BICYCLE SHOW
In the past, there was a celebration of bicycle enthusiasts known as NAHBS (North American Handmade Bicycle Show) (I have written about it in various places if you go back through my blog). Due to the impact of the pandemic over the past few years, it was repeatedly canceled, and as a replacement, the MADE Bicycle Show—a festival for bike geeks held for the first time in Portland, Oregon, a city famed as one of America's leading cycling hubs—has emerged.
The organizer is a local promotion company, but the director is Billy, also known as souphorse, a former messenger who has elevated numerous small brands with promotions that sometimes astonished even the big brands. The team surrounding him included Dylan and Kyle, who previously handled marketing and promotions for Chris King. Furthermore, they provided an open day for various large and small media outlets, including John Watson (John Prolly) and Josh Weinberg’s The Radavist, bikepacking.com, and Path Less Pedaled. It was a small but very powerful event, carefully prepared by people who truly understand the current landscape.
Of course, the exhibitors were also bicycle people who have formed their own philosophies through the act of riding; it is no exaggeration to say that for me, the best bicycle event has been resurrected, with each participant expressing their thoughts and maximal skills sometimes clearly, and sometimes inscrutably.
I would like to convey the atmosphere of the show through a subjective lens.
SimWorks
As this was our first big show display in a while for SimWorks, I was nervous even from the plane on the way there.
Even after arriving, our important cargo hadn't arrived, and our booth equipment didn't show up until after the scheduled time. But as we got on-site and handled the preparations one by one, I became convinced that this would be a fantastic exhibition.
And I am sincerely happy that it turned out exactly as I had hoped. The center of the show was three Doppo bikes, including new models, and the unique SimWorks products surrounding them—along with collaborations for this occasion from Paul Component and Randi Jo Fab—garnered a lot of attention, and the booth was constantly bustling. Thank you to everyone who visited. And, Good Job! Team SW USA!!!
Breadwinner
It was Breadwinner that allowed us to feel their enthusiasm for this local event pulsing from their booth.
The lineup models showcased in the front row of the venue were adorned with special paint, carefully expressing what it means to be a custom handmade bike manufacturer.
Breadwinner started with Tony and Ira sharing a workshop, as many other builders once did, but now they have established a proper shop (where Sugar Wheel Works is also currently based) and have become a mid-sized manufacturer. I visited their workshop after the show, and the production capacity within their organized and tidy factory is overwhelming. With their stable supply and the quality that includes their paint work, they can truly be called Portland’s premier frame shop, captivating countless people.
Retrotec Bicycle
I feel there is no longer much need to explain Retrotec given its rich frame shapes and structural strength, but the charm of this brand—always making people laugh and keeping the mood light—might be born from the deep-seated sincerity and kindness of its builder, Curtis. At this MADE show, they mainly exhibited their titanium bikes, which they began manufacturing under the guidance of Oscar from Simple, and showed a wide range of models including gravel and touring bikes.
What one can see from each frame is his meticulous work, and the level of trust, including his commitment to lead times, is immense. I have already pitched a unique project to him for Circles, so I am already looking forward to its completion.
Sycip Bikes
Jeremy Sycip is another one of my brothers in America. I have many brothers, but Jeremy is a brother. If Oscar from Simple, whom I mentioned earlier, is Oregon's finest, then Jeremy Sycip is the one with California's finest welding skills.
While his frame production has gradually shifted from steel to titanium in recent years, he carefully listens to anyone's requests, so even now he accepts any material and is a true "welding wizard" who correctly translates those requests into frames.
Because the frames he manufactures are always built simply and accurately, beyond his own custom production, he also works non-stop on OEM projects for other manufacturers (which means there are even manufacturers who don't actually do the production themselves).
Chris King
SimWorks USA actually has an office borrowed within the Chris King factory.
It is no exaggeration to say that the current SimWorks exists thanks to their hospitality and support, and their philosophy and world-view—continuing to believe in the love and creation of bicycles—has had a profound impact even on the philosophy of Circles.
Regarding the parts they currently manufacture, their exhibit content strongly reflected how the focus has gradually shifted—perhaps reflecting the times—from headsets, which once boasted overwhelming numbers, to bottom brackets, hubs, rims, and wheels.
You can understand their brilliance in more detail if you read Kimura's wheel review blog from a while back, but for me, when it comes to bicycle bearing parts, I have been with Chris King for over 20 years. The more you correctly understand not just their looks and specs, but their history, manufacturing process, and philosophy, the more you just end up saying, "This is it!" If you'd like, please feel free to dig through past blogs.
Sklar Bicycle
My first encounter with Adam from Sklar was when he was still in his early 20s.
His wonderfully cool stage, where the strong will to become an adult and absolutely mature was evident, welcomed us warmly along with many friends. With prototype hardtail bikes, the Tall Tail and Super Something, he might have his eyes fixed on the great Master Ritchey, but I believe he is one of the few fantastic builders who has understood and put into practice so many important things in these short years. As an aside, it seems he will be moving to the Bay Area this autumn, and the thought of having more chances to hang out together makes me excited. Maybe "Meet Your Maker" first?
Tomii Cycle
It feels like such a long time ago that Tomii-san contacted SimWorks without any prior notice at the beginning of this year, and even went out of his way to come to Nagoya when visiting home—perhaps because his gentle personality makes him feel like an old friend to us.
Since then, we have exchanged emails, and this MADE was our reunion after a long while. It was impressive that the bicycle he built was also displayed as one of the main bikes at the Chris King booth. Perhaps because he has a background in sculpture before becoming a frame builder, the bicycles he creates have a delicate and nostalgic atmosphere like Indian jewelry, while also being a rare frame builder who can properly fuse in cutting-edge imagery. I hope you will pay attention to his future joint efforts with SimWorks.
La Marche
I actually met the builder, Tom, eight years ago at the Stinner workshop.
A street cyclist at the time, he drew his own path as his thoughts changed, took action, and created one culmination: La Marche. We went bike-camping together after the show, and the bicycles Tom built, alongside old cyclist friends, were covered in dirt and dust. These tools becoming beautifully dirty shone like jewels, as if to say that this is the true meaning of a handmade bike. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for consciously and well-balanced use of many parts manufactured by SimWorks. Thank you very much.
Velocity
In fact, Velocity recently had a change in ownership, and while some of you might feel anxious hearing that, it was the employees who bought the rights.
I first crossed paths with the current president, Matt, at the booth of the first Interbike I ever attended, and our relationship has now spanned 17 years. At MADE, we were able to talk at leisure for the first time in a while, discussing everything from current situations to future prospects. They also seem to feel that change is necessary, and they are very cooperative regarding collaborations with SimWorks. I have received their commitment that we will continue to work firmly together, and we have already had a meeting about the details of the next Standalone project, so please look forward to that as well.
Paul Component
As some of you may already know from the SimWorks blog, a collaboration item with SimWorks was released this year for the first time in a while (it was successfully released last weekend).
As for Paul Component, reuniting with the great President Paul, and my friend Travis since the Fresh Air days, was truly moving. In a world increasingly filled with "technology," they strive to create sturdy, highly functional, and beautiful products based on a belief in safety—these are the parts absolutely necessary for building a "truly easy-to-use bicycle." I’d love to discuss the meaning of this with you all at another time.
Bike Friday
Bike Friday. Their booth was certainly not as flashy as other manufacturers, but I believe society is finally beginning to understand the innovative imagination they have fostered for so long.
Founder Alan was also the founder of Burley, the bike trailer manufacturer whose usage rate is currently skyrocketing. Unlike the methods and philosophies of other companies, his imagination was seemingly driven by how to best fit the bicycle into society. This led to the creation of small-wheeled bikes. Many small-wheeled bikes were on display at this show as well, and while it's true I felt they haven't quite reached the experience level that Bike Friday possesses, I feel that beginning to think about the purpose of making them will lead to the formation of a better society.
Ultra Dynamico & Ron’s Bikes
Ronnie and Patrick—All about LOVE, lovable cyclists, and bicycles and parts overflowing with love.
The contribution they’ve made to the American bicycle industry in recent years—the proposal to merge bicycles with lifestyle—is, in my personal opinion, more important than recent technological advancements, and something that cannot be replaced by anything else. I often drive this point home to the Circles team: the excitement provided by consumables, especially tires, is actually just as valuable as frames and wheels; it is incredibly important. That’s why I believe how a store perceives and approaches consumables is key to becoming a good bicycle shop.
Aside from that, the two polished aluminum bikes Ron brought along are exactly the kind of bikes that are hard to make these days, but in this world, being able to make them is the correct answer.
Desalvo Cycle
Mike was doing very well, too. He spent his time fervently apologizing to his customers waiting in Japan for the long time he was unable to weld due to a broken arm from a snowboarding crash last winter (though he also admitted he just had too much fun playing in the snow to stop). When I asked for details, he said his waiting list is piling up so much from his promotional work with Bicycle Crumbs that it’s almost concerning.
Of course, Circles (and CWD as well) is always accepting orders for him, so please rest assured (it may take a little time). Mike, who left the show earlier than anyone else saying he wanted to go bike packing but had to get back to work, is someone I hope to reunite with soon in his hometown of Ashland.
Black Cat Bicycle
Perhaps the greatest achievement was that Todd came to this year's MADE. Everyone has different thoughts on bicycles, but I really love Todd’s philosophy toward them.
Craftsmanship, imagination, chance, experience, a bit of eccentricity—balance is important in everything, and how you place that balance changes the expression. I believe Todd’s sense of balance and expressive power are in a realm no one else can imitate, and perhaps they shouldn't even try.
Also, whenever I meet Todd, I end up thinking a little about Rick, but that's a story for another time. He mentioned he’s starting to take orders little by little, so I hope to announce the reopening of order acceptance once everything is fully ready. But first, I’ve already put a new offer to him, so please look forward to that as well.
Simple Bike
You may have heard me mention "Oscar from Simple" earlier, but many of you may not be familiar with Simple Bike.
The builder, Oscar, is the very father of the Doppo Racer (an aluminum all-road bike), a masterpiece that was perhaps a bit too ahead of its time for me. He’s a small, rumored-to-be-exclusive maker where only those who know his skills, personality, and character order directly from him, but what he excels at most is OEM manufacturing and jig production.
At the MADE venue, there were works here and there that appeared to have been made by him. Well, not caring too much about that or prying into it is also a part of their way of life; if you properly untangle the history of the cycling world, there’s no need to fuss over such things, so don’t worry. Getting back on track: his jigs are incredibly easy to use! They are the same ones used by Seven Cycles, so Japanese builders, please take note.
White Industries & Astral Cycling
White Industries, the titan of West Coast component manufacturers alongside Chris King, which I always count on when building Doppos—this booth setup gave the feeling that they are gaining even more strength now that the generational business succession has been carried out smoothly.
While cranks and BB sets are becoming the standard for handmade bikes, what actually deserves attention is the wheel manufacturer positioned behind them: Astral Cycling. It’s a new rim and wheel brand that Circles plans to start carrying this autumn. Like Velocity, it is a rare manufacturer that produces everything from aluminum to carbon rims domestically. Back when White started rim manufacturing and had to give it up due to equipment failure, they luckily acquired them through an M&A. They are a high-quality manufacturer with a proven track record, originally stemming from the Rolf Wheels lineage. Many of you might have noticed the orange decals at MADE, and I think the high rate of use at the venue speaks for itself. Please stay tuned for the announcement.
This article has become quite long, but I actually intended to keep it concise and quick.
Conversely, that just means there were so many things to see and talk about that I’m having trouble narrowing it down. Considering the situation over the past few years where we couldn't interact with people, I had been worried about an industry divide, but looking at the faces of the people gathered here, I felt saved.
Of course, there are still old friends I couldn't meet or who couldn't come here for various reasons, but as a fan who loves bicycles, what I want to tell you all is that if you love cycling, you should definitely join us next year. And while it is natural for values to differ regarding what one should see or do, I think it's good to take a moment and really look at the people who are there.
I wrote quite poetically on the SimWorks blog, but I believe that meaning only emerges when people and bicycles meet.
There are times when I think it's synonymous, or perhaps not entirely different, from the way people meet people. (People sometimes tell me that's creepy, but there are times I can't help but think so.)
That is why we try to convey what we want to communicate through various things, using every metaphor we can, though things don't always go as planned.
But I learned from cycling that it is important to keep moving and keep believing, so I will continue to broadcast that from the practical platform that is Circles.
People gathering once again in this beautiful world of bicycles that I love so dearly, pedaling, rejoicing—not just competing for business, but sometimes helping one another. This beautiful, messy world, where the words that make you cringe when spoken aloud are the most fitting, may have healed my thirst and saved me.
I, and Circles, always believe in bicycles and the power of cycling.
Let’s all meet again next year.
