Hello! This is Otaka from Circles Tokyo!
In this post, I’d like to introduce two bikes that have really caught my attention lately: the SKLAR Super Something and the PBJ.
I hope to share with you what kind of riding each of these iconic SKLAR models is best suited for and what makes them different.
A Versatile Bike for Everyone: The Super Something
Designed and planned by Adam Sklar and manufactured in Taiwan, this model incorporates the vast experience Adam has gained through his custom frame-building work.
It was created as a "gravel bike for everyone"—one that allows riders to enjoy SKLAR BIKES to the fullest, while also offering performance and a price point accessible to more people.
With its ability to be built up in a wide variety of ways to suit the rider’s style and terrain, it truly lives up to its title as an all-road gravel bike.
The beauty of this bike is that you can build it with flat bars, drop bars, or even set it up like a klunker.
The V1 featured rocker dropouts that allowed for a singlespeed build, and with a tire clearance of 700x55c or 27.5x2.1, it was a frame with strong monstercross roots.
With the update to the V2, tire clearance has been slightly reduced to 700x52c.
However, the design is now more focused on drop-bar assemblies, the frame and fork have been lightened through updated tubing, and it includes UDH compatibility, making it a model that plays to the strengths of a gravel road bike.
V1 coaster brake assembly: Image courtesy of The Radavist
The tubing also varies by frame size, and original components are used for the head tube, dropouts, and yoke—all reflecting Sklar’s concepts and commitment to detail.
While the update makes it harder to build as a singlespeed, there’s no doubt that it remains a deeply capable frame that welcomes a wide range of gravel builds.
Accessible Geometry and High Expandability
This is the geometry for the Super Something.
The first thing that surprises you is the incredibly short chainstay.
Achieving this figure while maintaining such clearance is on par with cyclocross bikes. In my last ride, I didn't feel any sluggishness when starting from a stoplight or climbing hills, which is likely a direct benefit of this design.
Other aspects of the geometry follow modern gravel bike standards. Since the head angle, fork offset, and BB height are not vastly different from other brands, there are no awkward handling traits, and it felt purely comfortable.
Additionally, another feature alongside the chainstays is the higher stack, which allows for a comfortable position.
The stack is set higher to achieve a comfortable position, excellent handling, and a leverage-friendly posture. Adam, with his extensive experience building handmade bikes, intentionally opted for a higher stack to provide stability and comfort.
Furthermore, beyond just great geometry, this bike boasts high expandability.
It accommodates full fenders, the front fork can be swapped for a carbon version, and it handles rack mounting with ease. With just one bike, you can cover everything in Japan from city riding to long touring—just about anything except for hardcore trails.
It truly is the definition of a "gravel bike for everyone."
The Dirt Tourer with Versatility and Stability: The PBJ
PBJ stands for Performance Basket Jammer, a term that originally referred to the multi-purpose bikes Adam built during his custom, handmade-order days.
Categorized within SKLAR as an ATB (All-Terrain Bike), this frame was born after Adam went through trial and error to create the perfect touring bike.
Of course, the definition of "perfect" varies from person to person, but this bike is designed to be as capable as possible in any situation.
Through his prototyping, Adam discovered that equipping a rigid fork with wide 2.4–2.6" tires creates a high-performance, comfortable bike-packing touring bike, and the PBJ is the embodiment of that philosophy.
Of course, you can also tear through trails or enjoy cruising the city without any bags or racks at all.
It also supports suspension forks and dropper posts, allowing you to build it into a high-performance XC MTB. The sliding dropouts enable singlespeed or geared operation, and even allow you to experiment with different chainstay lengths, making it a bike truly specialized for capability and touring.
Geometry Designed for Fun
Now let's take a look at the PBJ's geometry.
Like the Super Something, the PBJ is designed with very short chainstays.
With this tire width, that shortness, and a 74° seat tube angle similar to modern XC bikes, acceleration, pedaling ease, and a sense of direct feedback are enhanced, making its gravel performance truly excellent.
You can also see from the slacker head angle and lower BB drop that the center of gravity is lower, providing stable handling during descents.
It's easy to assume this is just a laid-back bike because of all the braze-ons and tire clearance, but in reality, it’s a bike that combines agility and stability while still handling touring duties with ease.
Whether on-road or off, for those who want to ride with wide tires not to chase speed, but to constantly seek out fun, this will surely be your most reliable partner.
If I were to build these two bikes...
After reading this far, do you have a better idea of which one might suit your own riding style?
Now, let me indulge in a little daydreaming about "how I’d build them" and "how I’d like to use them."
I see the Super Something as a bike that can comfortably and quickly zip along on-road sections and head right into the gravel.
When enjoying gravel in Tokyo, there are quite a few paved sections, so first, I’d swap the front fork for the SKLAR BIKES Sklarbon Fiber Carbon Gravel Fork.
Since it’s painted to match the frame, it creates a seamless look, much like a custom handmade bike, and it’s a change I’d want to make for the lighter handling only a carbon fork can provide.
With semi-block tires around 700x50c, you get stability on the road and reliable capability on the gravel.
With this build, I think I could speed through the concrete jungle of Tokyo and still really have a blast on the gravel.
The PBJ is an all-terrain bike that can handle everything from asphalt to forest roads and trails.
There are so many things I’d love to do with this bike, such as long-distance gravel touring or camping, but personally, I’m in the mood to build it as a singlespeed, klunker-style play bike.
This setup, which Adam built for himself, looks just too cool, and honestly, I really want one.
Since the PBJ also supports a suspension fork, swapping that out to hit the trails sounds like a lot of fun, too.
Both are fantastic bikes packed with Adam’s dedication, and I think what makes SKLAR so attractive is that the choice of build is left entirely to the rider.
I hope you can use this blog as a reference to pick out your own unique SKLAR.
