Hello, this is Yoshimoto from Circles Tokyo.
Typically, with a handmade bike, part of the joy lies in the "wait." The months or even years spent communicating with the builder, deliberating over geometry, and finalizing the paint job—that time is truly precious.
But what if a frame with specs and sizing that feels "custom-made for you" is sitting right in front of you? What if you could skip the long waiting list and hit the road as early as tomorrow? Wouldn’t that be destiny?
Today, I’d like to introduce four frames from our Circles Tokyo stock that capture the essence of American handmade bicycles. These are not merely "stock" items. They are frames filled with context, each one ordered with our own particular vision.
1. SEVEN CYCLES / “The Circle” Axiom Road Racer
First up is the Boston-based master, SEVEN CYCLES. With a production output of nearly 2,000 titanium bikes per year, their technical prowess and organizational strength are extraordinary in the handmade world.
While Seven is synonymous with titanium, this frame is "steel" by choice. And here is the crucial fact: "SEVEN has completely ceased the manufacturing and ordering of steel frames."
In other words, this is a "lost model" that can never be ordered again. A steel frame welded with the terrifying precision honed by masters of titanium. This is a genuine, last-chance opportunity to own one brand new.
A Pure Road Racer Drawing a “Circle”
The base model is Seven’s timeless masterpiece, the “Axiom.” We rebuilt it with geometry tailored for Japanese riders and let Seven’s designers run with the “Circles” theme for the paint job.
It features a bold "circle" graphic on the front triangle, exquisite color blocking, and—a rarity in this day and age—is built for rim brakes.
In this era dominated by disc brakes, choosing a lightweight and supple steel rim-road bike is a statement. It’s a build for the connoisseur who appreciates the "aesthetic of subtraction"—seeking the frame’s natural whip and the lightness that lets you converse with the road, rather than excessive rigidity. Constructed from Seven’s original “Origin™ Butted Steel,” this is one of the final iron frames left behind by the titanium magicians. I sincerely hope this finds an owner who truly understands its value.
- Size: 560 (Top Tube: 560mm / Seat Tube: 490mm)
- Spec: Rim Brake, 1-1/8″ Head, BSA Threaded BB
2. RETROTEC / 27.5″ FunDuro Twin-Top ATB
RETROTEC is created by the Napa, California legend, Curtis Inglis. His true calling lies in fusing seemingly contradictory elements: recreating the "cruiser style," the origin of American bicycle culture, with modern mountain bike specs.
Where Curves Meet Modern Standards, or a “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”
Look at that beautiful curve flowing from the top tube to the seat stays (Twin-Top). At first glance, it appears to be a classic beach cruiser, but underneath, it’s a modern trail bike through and through.
As the model name "FunDuro" suggests, while it certainly has the chops for a fun descent, it is actually tuned specifically for the unique terrain of Japan’s satoyama (woodland) trails. It was designed to let you cruise Japan’s narrow, undulating trails with maximum comfort and enjoyment.
Curtis arrived at these specs—a short rear end and a slack head angle (67.5°)—through his own rigorous testing. You get fantastic traction on the climbs, and the stability to charge hard on the descents. It’s an incredibly happy ATB; one that makes you feel like you can almost hear Curtis laughing, saying, "Playing in the mountains is what it’s all about, right?"
- Size: Effective Top Tube 607mm / Seat Tube 410mm
- Spec: 27.5 x 2.5″ Clearance, 148mm Boost, 44mm Head
3. SKLAR BIKES / 27.5″ MTB (Dusty Grey)
SKLAR BIKES, led by the young genius Adam Sklar. If you’ve been following his work, you may know that Sklar Bikes has transitioned its primary focus to "production models."
Consequently, the order window for custom handmade frames is currently closed, making it far more difficult than it once was to get a frame with Adam’s own hands on the torch.
In this transitional period, this particular frame is a handmade piece created by the man himself. Given the current state of the brand, encountering a frame personally built by Adam is a rare opportunity in Japan.
The Optimal Answer for Japan’s Satoyama
The concept is clear: "An MTB built to play fully in Japanese trails." The biggest point is that we chose 27.5-inch wheels rather than the currently dominant 29-inch.
Compared to Western trails, Japan’s satoyama trails are characteristically narrow and twisty. This is where the maneuverability and quick response specific to 27.5-inch wheels shine. With a tire clearance of up to 2.4 inches, you get both comfort from the air volume, and a frame ready for anything from bikepacking adventures to aggressive singletrack riding.
Built with solid, functional choices like post-mount discs and a 73mm threaded BB, this is a sturdy, pragmatic trail machine imbued with Adam’s own soul.
- Size: Top Tube 596mm (Effective) / Seat Tube 378mm
- Spec: 27.5 x 2.4″, 148mm Boost, 44mm Head, Post Mount Disc
4. BREAD WINNER / A-ROAD
Lastly, we have the Portland powerhouse, BREAD WINNER CYCLES, a brand founded by two talented builders, Tony Pereira and Ira Ryan.
While Tony now steers the ship, the philosophy established at the start—"to build beautiful, practical bikes that can withstand hard riding"—is perfectly carried on by their skilled team of artisans.
Within their lineup, the "A-ROAD" is the most versatile and perfectly fits the modern "RIDE & LIFE" ethos.
A True All-Roader That Blurs Boundaries
"A-ROAD" stands for All Road. As the name implies, it doesn’t choose the path—it takes them all. It possesses the nimble ride of a road bike while offering enough tire clearance to dive into gravel sections.
Built from lightweight Columbus steel tubing and beautifully TIG welded, the frame is characterized by high responsiveness and comfort that keeps fatigue at bay. Instead of the "rigid speed" of a carbon bike, you’ll feel a "living speed" that propels you forward with the rebounding force of a spring.
"Where shall we go today?" This bike will turn even that kind of indecision into excitement; it’s bound to be the perfect partner. From weekend long rides to daily commutes, if you are someone who truly wants to use your bicycle as a tool, I highly recommend this BREAD WINNER. (*Please ask our staff in-store for detailed sizing and specifications!)
- Size: Top Tube 530mm (Effective) / Seat Tube 490mm
- Spec: 700×40cClearance, 142mm , 44mm Head, Flat Mount Disc
Every "Encounter" is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience.
Handmade bikes possess a kind of "warmth" that specs sheets can't convey. What kind of scenery did the builder see? What were their thoughts as they held the torch? Tapping into that context is the true joy of becoming an owner.
The four bikes introduced today are machines with powerful individualities that strongly reflect each builder's philosophy.
If the size is right and you feel that "spark"—just accept it as destiny and give in (haha).
For details, please visit us at the Circles Tokyo shop or contact us directly. We’ll be waiting in the pit!