Quick Answer
The Cherubim Super Touring is a Japanese handbuilt
touring bicycle crafted by master framebuilder Hitoshi Nago at Cherubim Cycles in Tokyo. Built to custom geometry with 650x38B tires, cantilever brakes, and a 130mm rear spacing, it blends classic Japanese craftsmanship with modern touring performance. It supports Rinko-style disassembly for train and travel use, making it one of the most refined all-world touring machines available today.
There is a particular kind of bicycle that stops experienced riders mid-stride. Not because it’s loud or covered in carbon fiber, but because every line is exactly right — balanced, purposeful, and clearly made by someone who understands what a bicycle is supposed to feel like. The Cherubim Super Touring is that kind of bicycle.
Built by hand in Tokyo by one of Japan’s most respected frame builders, the Super Touring occupies a rare space in the cycling world: a custom touring frame with the responsiveness of a road bike, built to carry you anywhere on earth and last a lifetime doing it.
A Brief History of Cherubim Cycles
Cherubim Cycles was founded by Hitoshi Nago in Tokyo, and over decades has earned a reputation as one of Japan’s finest custom frame builders. Nago-san builds every frame himself, hand-filing lugs, hand-brazing joints, and fitting each frame to the individual rider. Unlike production manufacturers, Cherubim produces a limited number of frames each year, and each one is a direct collaboration between builder and rider.
Cherubim is known for building across disciplines — road, track, randonneur, and touring — but the unifying thread in every frame is an obsessive attention to ride quality. Nago-san has spoken extensively about his belief that a bicycle should feel alive under the rider, not just structurally sound. That philosophy is present in every tube junction and dropout on the Super Touring.
The Super Touring: What Makes It Different
The name might suggest a traditional, heavy-footed tourer, but the Cherubim Super Touring is built around a modern interpretation of the category. The geometry is designed to give the rider a responsive, connected feel — closer to a road bike than the upright, sluggish ride associated with older touring frames. This is a deliberate choice, reflecting how long-distance touring has evolved toward faster, more efficient riding positions.
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Frame size and color are fully custom, meaning every Super Touring is built to the individual rider’s measurements and preferences. This is not off-the-shelf touring. This is a frame that fits you specifically. The 650x38B tire spec is particularly thoughtful — the 650B wheel diameter offers a more responsive, lively feel than 700c at wider tire sizes, with better low-speed handling when the bike is loaded. If you’re building around the 650x38B standard, Competitive Cyclist has the Hutchinson Override TLR 650B tire in stock — one of the most popular choices for this wheel size.
The 1-inch JIS head tube and 27.2mm seat post reflect a refined Japanese standard, pairing well with a wide range of classic and modern components. The 68mm BSA bottom bracket shell is universally compatible, giving the builder flexibility when speccing the drivetrain. Rear hub spacing at 130mm accommodates standard road hubs while remaining compatible with a wide range of touring wheelsets.
Cantilever brakes are a considered choice for a touring frame of this type. They offer excellent mud and tire clearance, consistent modulation under load, and the ability to run wider rubber without compromise.
For sourcing cantilever brake pads or replacement hardware, JensonUSA carries a solid selection of touring-compatible brake components including Shimano options that pair well with classic Japanese builds. The 38mm width delivers comfort and traction on varied surfaces without sacrificing efficiency on pavement.
One of the most distinctive features is the Super Touring’s compatibility with Rinko style packing — the Japanese practice of partially disassembling a bicycle to fit it into a bag for train or airline travel. For serious cycle tourists, this is not a footnote. It is a fundamental design consideration, and Cherubim builds the Super Touring with this use case fully in mind.
This is a bicycle built to take you around the world, then do it again.
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FAQs
What is a Cherubim bicycle? A Cherubim bicycle is a custom handbuilt frame made by Hitoshi Nago at Cherubim Cycles in Tokyo, Japan. Each frame is built to the individual rider’s measurements and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Japanese framebuilding craft available today.
What does Rinko style mean on a touring bike? Rinko is a Japanese term for the practice of partially disassembling a bicycle — typically removing the wheels and handlebars — so it can be packed into a soft bag and carried on trains or checked as luggage. The Cherubim Super Touring is designed to support this style of travel-friendly packing.
Why does the Cherubim Super Touring use 650B wheels instead of 700c? 650B wheels with wide tires offer a more responsive and comfortable ride than 700c at equivalent tire widths, particularly when the bike is loaded for touring. The smaller diameter improves low-speed handling and allows for greater tire volume without compromising frame clearance.
James Hickman is a former USA Cycling Expert coach, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team N Training coach and Masters category racer with podium finishes in So Cal events.
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