The SKLAR Super Something Titanium was released just the other day.
A demo bike has arrived at Circles Tokyo, and I finally had the chance to take it for a spin. As someone who rides the steel "Super Something" on a daily basis, I, Yoshimoto, am here to share my review based on personal experience and opinion—so please, read on.
So, how does the weight hold up?
While titanium is known for being rust-proof and having a certain "springy" feel, its lightness is undoubtedly its greatest feature.
I’m sure many of you have been curious about this!
So, I actually measured the frame weight myself. I compared the size 54 steel model with the M-L titanium one.
When weighing just the frames without the forks, the difference was a staggering 850g! That’s roughly a 35% reduction in weight for the frame alone.
Since many people upgrade their steel models with carbon forks, I focused on the frames, but when I weighed them with the forks included, the titanium model came in at about 2.3kg—meaning a total weight difference of about 1.6kg!!
It’s so, so light...
I was excited before I even started riding.
The moment you've been waiting for: the test ride!!
Now, for the part you've been waiting for: the test ride!
First, I headed straight to the Palace Cycling event held in front of the Imperial Palace on Sunday! The way it accelerates the instant you step on the pedals is truly unique to titanium. The steel "Super Something" is by no means a slow bike, but the acceleration provided by the overwhelming lightness and stiffness of the titanium model makes it feel as though the harder you pedal, the faster it goes.
While the steel model has a springy acceleration—a slight "bounce" as you push—the titanium model feels like your input is transformed into forward motion without any interruption, in a crisp "tap-tap-tap" fashion.
Titanium's characteristics go beyond just weight; its excellent vibration absorption makes for a smooth ride that doesn't cause fatigue even over long hours. Riding the paved roads around the Imperial Palace, I could sense the surface changes while maintaining incredible comfort—a hallmark of titanium. Even when crossing rough patches or small bumps, the flexibility of the material ensures that the rider can keep pedaling with confidence.
And of course, I took it on gravel!
I couldn't just keep such a fun bike on the pavement.
My initial concern—that the snappy acceleration I felt on-road might lead to instability on gravel—was easily dispelled. It provides immediate feedback on road conditions while quickly damping vibrations on bumpy surfaces, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead.
While I didn't get to fully test it this time, I expect great handling on descents and uneven terrain, letting you carry speed with confidence. Especially on steep descents or rough terrain, the bike's stability really stands out, giving the rider the freedom to enjoy the view at their own pace. This only adds to the joy of riding.
As is standard with all Super Something frames, the center of gravity is shifted toward the rear thanks to the tightly tucked rear triangle and the curved seat tube. This means that even in tight, single-track sections, the handling is precise, allowing you to trace your chosen line exactly as intended.
It’s not just about speed! The charm of the Super Something.
This model, which can be seen as an optimal solution crafted by Adam—the man who has designed hundreds of custom bikes—is not specialized solely for going fast.
Among the titanium bikes I’ve ridden, such as SEVEN or PANA Titanium (depending on individual specs), this one offers a ride quality that balances excellent vibration absorption with comfort for long-distance riding. It feels like an all-around upgrade, perfect for anything from light-footed single-track sessions to long hauls.
Then there’s the titanium itself—a non-corrosive material. Plus, it features a UDH-compatible derailleur hanger. It maintains the thoughtful engineering that makes me love the Super Something: it’s a bike that can grow and change with you, allowing for component swaps and long-term ownership, making it truly worthy of being a "bike for life."
The "Super Something Titanium" embodies the essence of a titanium bike, combining lightness, stiffness, and comfort. Whatever the ride, it delivers top-tier performance that will give you confidence and bring a smile to your face. It is guaranteed to be a long-time companion for all your future adventures. Experience the wonders of titanium for yourself and enjoy a new kind of riding. I hope your next journey is something truly special.