Tsubasa Bicycles is a boutique, full‑carbon framebuilder based in London. The name “Tsubasa” (Japanese for “wing”) captures the brand’s aspiration: to create bikes that embody feather‑light weight and responsive performance.
From the very first idea to the finished product, Tsubasa emphasizes the individuality of each rider — “fresh pieces of paper” rather than re‑using templates — and builds frames that respond to the rider’s spirit.
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The ethos is highly artisanal: each bike is meticulously handcrafted in the workshop, layer by layer, often in a single continuous carbon layup with minimal joints or seams. Aesthetics also play a central role: raw carbon surfaces, textured finishes, and restrained design elements are part of what gives Tsubasa its character.
Why choose Tsubasa?
If you're seeking a truly custom, hand‑crafted carbon bike that stands out from mass‑produced offerings, Tsubasa offers a compelling option. Because each frame is built to the rider — geometry, tube profiles, layup, and finish — there’s no compromise to fit, feel, or aesthetics.
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One of the standout technical features is the seamless or near‑seamless construction: Tsubasa uses continuous carbon layering to minimize joints or lamination boundaries, which helps improve structural continuity, reduce weak spots, and produce a purer carbon aesthetic. They also avoid heavy paint layers by employing UV‑resistant resins and subtle clear coatings (or even raw finishes), thereby shedding “appearance weight.”
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Tsubasa’s dedication to detail is evident in its component integration, choice of exotic materials (e.g. titanium dropouts or brake bridges), and control over the finishing textures.
Moreover, the small scale and hands‑on build process allows for flexibility in customization and tailored finishes that larger manufacturers find hard to replicate.
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For those who demand a unique, lightweight, performance-oriented machine with character and engineering depth, Tsubasa offers something rare in the cycling world.
Tsubasa Bikes: Range & Specifications
Tsubasa currently offers a small but thoughtfully conceived lineup of models. Some of the known models include:
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Tsubasa Crow — The flagship road model aimed at high performance, speed, and minimalism.
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Tsubasa Bee — Inspired by the “working horse” or endurance concept, combining a continuous carbon frame with additional reinforcement (e.g. kevlar/honeycomb) for durability and stiffness.
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Takhion / Tsubasa MASS (Prototype) — A more radical or experimental model, with sharp lines and “single piece” construction themes.
Key Specifications & Technical Features
Here are some representative specs, especially for the Crow, along with features common across Tsubasa’s builds:
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Feature: Crow Model
Frame weight: 820‑860 g for size ~56 (rim version) In some custom builds, claims go under ~700 g for large sizes
Max rider weight: ~95 kg
Fork / Options: Enve In‑Route, Columbus Futura Disc, Columbus Tritico Multiple fork options
Routing: Fully internal or semi‑internal cable routing
Bottom bracket shell: T47 titanium option
Seatpost: 27.2 mm or 31.6 mm T
AxlesThru‑axle: 12×100 mm front, 12×142 mm rear
Head tube: Full or tapered 1‑1/2” to 1‑1/2” or semi‑internal 1‑1/8” to 1‑1/2”
Maximum tyre clearance: 28 mm
Dropouts / brake bridge: 3D‑printed titanium or titanium parts in structural joints
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The design philosophy extends across the models: many utilize single-piece or continuous carbon layups to reduce joints, improve strength continuity, and create a distinctive textured finish — especially in raw or minimally coated versions. In the Bee model, additional reinforcement (e.g. kevlar over honeycomb cores) and dimpling is used to boost durability and aerodynamic behavior.
