Words by @_paul_u from Slow Spin Society / Photos by @_3l05_
We are pleased to share this OMNIUM Nano review from Slow Spin Society, a cycling media outlet run by Paul from SimWorks EURO, who also joined us on the road for the recent WEIS POP UP.
Paul has a deep connection with the OMNIUM team and was one of the first to ride the Nano before its official release. If you are considering an OMNIUM cargo bike, including the Nano, we invite you to read his review.
OMNIUM bikes were undoubtedly born with the European market in mind. The cycling infrastructure developed in Western European cities shaped the lineup—Cargo, Mini-Max, Mini, and CXC—with each designed to fit into our lifestyles and living environments in one way or another.
And while cargo bikes are becoming increasingly important for getting around cities freely, the reality in these large metropolises is that not a single square meter of apartment space can be wasted.
At Slow Spin Society, we’ve introduced several compact cargo bikes in the past, but this time I’d like to share the smallest, and arguably the most agile, one of the bunch: the OMNIUM Nano.
In mid-February, OMNIUM sent me a Nano test bike. While I was excited to be among the first to try the latest model, it was a bit of a shame that my time with it was limited, as I was scheduled to leave for Japan just a few weeks later.
However, during my stay in Japan, I managed to encounter two more Nanos at Circles and Circles Tailored in Nagoya. I was even fortunate enough to take some photos while cruising around town with my friend Go.
First off, I want to mention the brilliance of the Nano's "one-size" design. According to OMNIUM, it can accommodate riders from 160cm to 190cm tall just by adjusting the saddle height. This means you can ride any Nano without issue, and it's easy to share with friends. The ease of use is further enhanced if you add a quick-release seat clamp or a dropper post.
In fact, Go and I were able to swap between the "Pastel Pink" (a new OMNIUM color) and "Bottle Green" Nanos with ease, despite our different saddle heights.
What I felt while riding in Nagoya is that the Nano is truly designed as a versatile vehicle. Thanks to its compact size, you can take it on the train without too much trouble. The combination of a sub-1-meter wheelbase and the new tilt-adjustable rack bracket makes it well-suited for public transport.
However, it’s not just the size that’s appealing. There’s also its somewhat "cute" appearance. People who saw and talked to us about the bike seemed curious and approached us rather than being intimidated.
Unlike full-sized cargo bikes, the Nano is very approachable. It features direct steering rather than a linkage system, and combined with a low standover height, it feels intuitive to ride from the first moment. It’s a bike anyone can get comfortable with immediately.
Despite the short wheelbase, there is almost no fear of it tipping forward when carrying a load on the front rack. You can naturally compensate with your body balance, allowing you to handle up to 40kg without any issues.
That said, you likely won't be using it fully loaded on a daily basis. This bike shines on short trips when you need to carry somewhat bulky items that you don't want to lug around on your back—be it a bouquet of flowers, quick shopping, bags, or even a full picnic set for Sunday.
In addition to its ease of use and low barrier to entry as a cargo bike, the Nano should also appeal to experienced riders who enjoy a playful ride. The 20-inch wheels (optimized for 2.15-inch tires) evoke a BMX-like feeling that makes you want to throw the bike around a bit. It’s interesting how it makes you feel that way, despite weighing about 16kg as a complete bike.
For those who want to be more specific with their build, a frameset is also available. The rear 142mm thru-axle dropouts can be swapped for 135mm quick-release, allowing for internal gear hubs or single-speed setups.
Touching briefly on specs, the combination of an 11–36T cassette and a 42T chainring is very well-balanced. You won’t feel like you’re missing anything in either the low or high gears, and it's clear that it was well thought out to function effectively, especially when loaded.
As for the brakes, even the entry-level hydraulic brakes—which I sometimes found lacking on a fully loaded Mini-Max—work more than well enough on the Nano. Other components are standard OEM, but they perform perfectly fine.
Most of all, because it’s built with standard components like a 68mm BSA bottom bracket and a 1 1/8-inch head tube, the potential for customization is extremely high. This is something I’m looking forward to quite a bit in the future.
A few years ago, I co-owned a Mini-Max with a friend in Tokyo. I didn't need it every day, but I really wanted one for carrying various things around the city.
In that sense, the Nano is an extension of that existence. However, it’s simpler, at a more accessible price point, and appeals to a wider range of people.
Ultimately, its compactness is its greatest charm, and it should be the push that people who are curious but hesitant about cargo bikes need.
In summary, I think the Nano is the perfect entry point into "urban mobility with style." It has enough cargo capacity for daily errands, and the lack of inertia typical of 20-inch wheels is more of an invitation to a new way of riding. Ride slowly, duck into narrow alleys, hop over curbs, and explore the city more freely.
It might not replace a full-sized cargo bike. But for many, it will be more than enough—in fact, it will be even better. It’s easy to handle, easy to park, easy to transport, cute to look at, and above all—it’s more fun than you might think.
The Good:
• Compact and agile. An ideal entry point for cargo bikes that many can share, but above all, a blast to ride.
• Direct steering (no linkage) provides intuitive, confident handling.
• Both colors have a high-quality finish; the green, in particular, looks stunning in the sunlight.
• Robust frame design that doesn't rely on proprietary standards.
• Ample customization options, including fenders, dynamo wheels, dropper posts, and rack platform extensions.
• Beautiful oval rear stays, giving it a somewhat Rick Hunter-esque vibe.
The Not-So-Good:
• Official tire clearance with fenders is 55mm. While some have managed to fit 2.3-inch tires without fenders, it’s a shame it doesn't quite reach the 2.4-inch size that dominates the 20-inch BMX tire market (apparently a chainline issue rather than a frame issue).
• The kickstand can be a little tricky to pull up, but it’s still better than something soft and unstable.
