[Fresh!!!] SimWorks Volummy 26×2.3

2024/5/11 木村まさし

The 26-inch scene is buzzing quietly but surely.

Keywords like "Rebuild" and "OLD MTB" are flying around on Instagram, and the wave is truly hitting Nagoya too.

Our sister store, CULTURE CLUB, is currently overflowing with 26-inch bikes. The used frames that Aron from SimWorks USA sources from Portland have serious taste. (They’ve got quite a few 90s BRIDGESTONE USA frames in stock, which is really hot. Please come by and take a look.)

I’ve been feeling that heat, and timely enough, the long-awaited tires from SimWorks by Panaracer have just landed.

Fat, tough, and fun!

When you hear "Volummy," you think of the SimWorks slick tire.

Although they have a bit of weight, they are fantastic tires that roll smoothly despite their plump, voluminous profile.

The sidewalls feature a special recipe called "Peanut Butter Sidewall," a reliable ally that protects your tires from side cuts.

I think tire weight is pretty important, but personally, for a bike used as a daily commuter or for long rides in unfamiliar territory, I’d rather choose something with fewer risks. It’s easy to see why this sturdiness is so popular with American tourers.

They are tubeless compatible

Well, the 26-inch version of that tire has arrived. When it comes to OLD MTB options, there are usually a lot of knobby block tires, but I recommend these plump, slick ones too. Especially for those who mainly ride in the city or want to head a little further out, switching from block tires to slicks might change the ride quality even more than changing the frame.

Of course, you can also build up a nice, modern new bike.

How about building up something like the BASSI HOG’S BACK with 26-inch wheels?

Since they are tubeless compatible, riding them tubeless is also a great choice.

The SimWorks Fun3 Bar is a perfect fit for ATB-style bikes.

Add a SimWorks OBENTO Rack to the mix, and you’ll have the perfect setup for a one-day trip.

For that neo-classic styling, I personally love the combination of a BROOKS B67 saddle and a NITTO SP59AA seatpost.

BASSI restocks are also coming soon, so keep an eye out.

People call this an endangered species of specs, but that’s just talk from the bicycle industry, which is always chasing races and the latest trends.

26-inch bikes are still alive and well. It might be tacky for a bike shop to say so, but something a bit old actually comes back around and looks cool again.

Besides, OLD MTBs are built to last, so they’re still usable. With a bit of ingenuity, you can use various standards, and they can even be repaired if they break. I feel like they’re packed with all the best things about bicycles.

The fact that bikes with those qualities are being supported feels less like just a trend and more like something inevitable amidst various currents in the world.

So, with that said, the three major SimWorks tires—Homage (semi-slick), Super Yummy (block), and Volummy (slick)—are now all available in 26-inch.

Please choose the one that suits your preference and purpose!