The Homage is the foundational tire that started the history of SimWorks By Panaracer.
The initial release of the 700x43C / 650x43B lineup was truly shocking. I have really been helped by this tire. Back then, I used to squeeze them onto my CX bike and just barrel down every road that looked like a road. It’s no exaggeration to say that I wouldn’t have found some of my favorite routes today if it weren't for this tire.
The Homage was released in 2016, and it’s already been 6 years. Looking around, I’m deeply struck by how many options we have now for wider tire sizes. This is especially evident with the 650B (27.5″) wheel size, and at the same time, more people are riding bikes that can accommodate even wider tires.
In this climate, SimWorks has added a new size to the original The Homage tire: 650x55B. It’s slightly narrower than SimWorks’ own Super Yummy and wider than the existing The Homage—a perfect size that I’m sure many of you have been waiting for, right?
Following the initial release in the US at the end of last year, domestic sales are finally starting here as well.
– THE RADAVIST
– BIKEPACKING.COM
It seems this was a highly anticipated size in the US as well, and it’s already receiving great reviews. According to Riebo from SimWorks USA, CRUST also loves this size and has placed quite a few orders. That makes us happy!
Actually, I got my hands on the first sample and immediately put it on my own Doppo ATB. For this bike, which sees the most action between my daily commute, gravel rides, and "Bike To Fishing" trips, The Homage is a versatile all-rounder that handles any surface. And this 55mm size, which I personally had been waiting for, fit just like it was measured for it—it’s been performing perfectly.
Having used the 43mm version myself, the benefits of the increased air volume from the larger 55mm width are tremendous. The increased comfort is, in my opinion, this tire's greatest strong point. That said, I didn’t feel that the rolling resistance was much of an issue despite the width, and I didn’t notice any of the negatives typically associated with larger tires.
With the added width comes improved rough-road capability, yet thanks to the tread pattern, the excellent rolling quality is not lost. The Homage 55mm is truly that kind of tire. The maximum air pressure is 3.5bar/50PSI, so please try experimenting with your preferred pressure depending on the road conditions and your bike setup.
Its unique semi-slick pattern takes cues from the golden age of 26-inch tires and has been refined for modern gravel and all-terrain bikes. Being able to handle any road surface as mentioned earlier means you can go anywhere you want, and it will surely become a reliable partner that pushes you further.
Because of its width, it won’t fit every bike, but if it falls within your bike's tire clearance, you should definitely consider it as a candidate for your next tire.
【SIMWORKS BY PANARACER】 The Homage
Colors: Black x Skin / Green x Skin
Size: 650x55B(584-55)
Weight: 625g
Price: 6,820 yen (tax included)
Oh, and the 650x55B size itself is really the key point—when you look around, surprisingly few manufacturers offer tires in this size. If they do, they’re often knobby MTB tires, or if the pattern is milder, they’re designed for cross-country with a focus on lightness, leaving one with some concerns about durability.
Additionally, manufacturers that understand the "all-terrain" playstyle—like gravel and dirt touring—are making bikes that can comfortably clear these tire sizes. I’ve felt for a while now that this 55mm size is a sweet spot, as it can be installed on those bikes and allows for a free-spirited build without being overly specialized.
I’ve been daydreaming about all sorts of things: how great this tire would be on a SURLY Midnight Special built as a flat-bar multi-player, or putting it on an ALL CITY Gorilla Monsoon to give it a bit more of a lively feel, or definitely putting it on a CRUST Bombora... and so on!
