【WEIS MANUFACTURING Tracklocross Prototype】 A track bike from NY designed for riding the streets of Japan

WEIS MANUFACTURING

Messengers weaving through the city streets.

In the densely congested urban environment of New York City, the messenger profession evolved as a way to transport goods rapidly using highly maneuverable bicycles. Their style has also become deeply rooted in the lives of those living in the city.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, is the handmade frame brand WEIS MANUFACTURING (hereinafter referred to as WEIS).

Their lineup is not limited to track frames; they also produce various models including road and gravel bikes.

The brand handles everything from frame fabrication to painting in-house at their Brooklyn studio, and their unique frame designs and bold color schemes have captured the attention of cyclists around the world. Another major characteristic of the brand is that they possess the equipment to produce not only frames but also parts such as stems and handlebars in-house.

What first catches the eye on a WEIS frame is the asymmetrical stay structure. The drive side is designed with rigidity to firmly handle pedaling torque, while the opposite side is engineered to adjust the overall flex and balance of the frame. It is a functional design that not only makes an impact visually but also efficiently converts powerful pedal strokes into propulsion.

Even more distinctive is their paintwork. The unique color schemes and graphics, different for every single frame, are more than just paint—they are an essential element that expresses the individuality of the frame. Like the frame fabrication, it is all done at their Brooklyn studio.

Incidentally, the name "WEIS" is derived from the workshop name of a wagon manufacturer—a builder of "wheeled vehicles" like carriages and carts—that the founder’s family once operated. Even as times change, the craftsmanship of building vehicles lives on within this brand.

One bike that perfectly captures the philosophy of Weis is the prototype we are introducing today.

Weis Tracklocross Prototype

This bike is a prototype designed with an eye toward riding not just in New York, but in Japanese cities as well. Considering Japanese traffic conditions and riding styles, the frame and fork are equipped with brake mounts.

In particular, the rear brake mount that straddles the asymmetrical seat stays creates a distinctive style.

The geometry is also planned to be slightly more relaxed, rather than the aggressive style typical of track racers. It is crafted as a bike that can be enjoyed in a wider range of situations, from light city riding to riding on rougher road surfaces.

By the way, Tracklocross is a riding style based on a fixed-gear track bike that is enjoyed not only on paved roads but also on gravel and unpaved paths. It is gaining attention as a way of riding that maintains the nimbleness of a track bike while expanding the freedom of where you can ride.

Another eye-catching detail is the brake setup. It features center-pull brakes, a design that evokes a classic atmosphere while ensuring tire clearance that can accommodate up to 700c x 40mm tires.

The brakes installed here are Racer Medium by the California-based parts brand PAUL COMPONENT. These brakes are known for their high stopping power and beautiful machined design. Naturally, the brake levers are also from PAUL—the Canti Levers.

Many SIMWORKS products are also used in the build. The bike is equipped with the Still Cruisin’ Bar for the handlebars, the Froggy Seatpost, and Volummy 700c x 38mm tires.

The handlebar shape, which allows for a relaxed position, and the tire volume, which can handle rough roads without issue, make this bike perfectly suited for comfortable city riding while also being ready to boldly tackle unpaved paths in the suburbs.

The crank is a SUGINO SG75 DD2, and the hubs are from PAUL COMPONENT, creating a well-balanced assembly of high-quality Japanese and American products.

It builds on the nimbleness of a track bike while ensuring practicality and peace of mind in the city. Considering this frame was designed with riding in Japan in mind, the brake specification is a point that clearly illustrates the concept of this bike.

It is a prototype born from the desire to adapt a frame rooted in New York culture to the Japanese riding scene.

In fact, this bike is currently on display at Circles Tailored. At this stage, this is the only place you can see this frame. We are eagerly awaiting its final release, but if you are interested, please come by and visit us at Circles Tailored.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Weis Manufacturing(@weismfg)

Also, we have decided to hold a WEIS MANUFACTURING POP UP STORE on the first weekend of April. We are planning to invite the brand's builder from the home office for parties and rides, so please look forward to it.

Of course, you will also be able to see other WEIS models besides the Tracklocross Prototype. This will be the first opportunity in the Tokai region to see them in person. If you are a fan, or even if you just learned about them for the first time through this blog, don’t miss this opportunity!!!

It has already been announced on the WEIS MANUFACTURING account, but we will provide details again on our blog and social media.