Some things remain chosen by many, no matter how times change.
In a world where we are often distracted by trends and new releases, I felt like looking back to the basics and re-examining their appeal.
Among them, this time I would like to focus on "THOMSON".
THOMSON: The Trusted Aluminum Parts Brand
THOMSON is an aluminum parts manufacturer founded in Georgia, USA, in 1981. Originally, the company handled precision parts for the aerospace industry, possessing reliability and high-level technical expertise recognized by the world's two largest airlines.
THOMSON as a bicycle component brand was born from this background.
In the mid-90s, when the founder developed a groundbreaking one-piece seatpost for his daughter, who was an MTB racer at the time, it triggered the creation of one high-precision, CNC-machined part after another.
The design philosophy rooted in aerospace engineering has remained the brand's core to this day. THOMSON stems and seatposts have gained high acclaim for their balance of light weight, rigidity, and durability. As a benchmark in the industry, they are supported by many riders.
As a complete aside, THOMSON even built a bike in the past for former NBA superstar "Shaq," Shaquille O'Neal.
The custom titanium frame, built with custom heavy-duty tubing, was naturally paired with THOMSON cockpit components. It’s an assembly that only THOMSON could provide—capable of supporting an extraordinary physique of 216cm (7'1") and 147kg (325 lbs) while maintaining an excellent balance of strength and light weight.
Beautifully Sculpted Designs with No Excess
The beauty of CNC machining is also one of the charms of THOMSON. Their simple, streamlined design fits naturally into both classic and modern builds, blending in regardless of the bike's style. Their high rigidity and precision perform remarkably well not only for MTBs but also for ATBs and gravel bikes, in all-terrain applications.
Because of this performance and high design quality, we have often adopted them for Circles’ concept bikes and when making proposals to our customers.
Elite Seatpost
THOMSON Elite Seatpost
SIZE: Φ 27.2 / 250mm ・330mm
Color：Black / Silver
Price：¥14,000（tax in）
THOMSON Elite Setback Seatpost
SIZE: Φ 27.2 / 250mm ・330mm
Color：Black / Silver
Price：¥14,000（tax in）
The Elite Seatpost, in particular, achieves an exquisite balance of weight and rigidity through its unique oval internal section. It softens road vibrations while maintaining a solid pedaling feel—it truly is a piece of functional beauty.
X4 Stem
THOMSON X4 Stem
SIZE: Φ 27.2 / 250mm, 330mm
DEG: 0°/10°
LENGTH: 32mm/Φ35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm, 120mm, 130mm
Color：Black / Silver
Price：¥14,000（tax in）
At Circles, we carry a wide range of lengths for the 4-bolt X4 stem, which can withstand hard riding from cyclocross and mountain bikes to modern gravel bikes.
And what’s worth noting is that even amid rising prices today, THOMSON remains an "accessible high-end" choice.
For instance, the popular X4 Stem is actually priced more affordably than the SimWorks Rhonda Stem, making it an incredibly attractive option for riders looking for high-quality CNC parts. Of course, we also appreciate the beauty of slim chromoly stems and their supple handling, so you can choose the best part for your intended use.
Sturdy, reliable, and refined functional beauty.
THOMSON will continue to be a brand that brings definite confidence to every rider's experience.
