2026 Bespoked Osaka: Equilibrium Brutalist 32 Gravel Bike

The Equilibrium Brutalist 32 is an unconventional approach to bicycle design and performance and was one to turn the most heads at this year's Bespoked showcase in Osaka, Japan. 

Below, Vlad from Equilibrium Cycle Works offers up a detailed explanation of the design and construction behind this stunning and unconventional machine. 

Designed and crafted in Tokyo by Equilibrium Cycle Works, the Brutalist 32 is an experimental titanium gravel bicycle built around 32-inch wheels. Inspired by brutalist architecture, its angular frame is intended to express the structure and metalworking rather than conceal them beneath decoration: a functional sculpture designed to be ridden. 

A key goal was to avoid the cumbersome feel people might expect from such large wheels. Instead of scaling up a conventional frame, I developed relatively compact geometry around an approximately 54 cm (medium) frame cause most of my customers in Asia and I wanted to build as small frame as possible for the test. A specially shaped seat tube allows the rear wheel to sit closer to the bottom bracket, creating a compact rear triangle despite the wheel size. The distinctive top-tube structure and carefully selected titanium tubing profiles aim to balance responsiveness with vertical compliance and helps with standover height. Smaller-diameter rear-triangle tubes are designed to contribute controlled flex and comfort. The custom titanium fork and handcrafted cockpit complete the integrated design.

I had a chance to ride the bike myself, and several people tried it at Bespoked Osaka. The response was remarkably consistent: everyone was surprised by how easy, fluid, and natural it felt. Steering is direct and relatively quick, without the sluggish sensation that its oversized wheels might suggest. The bike responds immediately when you put power into the pedals, yet once rolling it carries speed beautifully.

Most striking is the comfort: the titanium structure and large, supple tires combine to produce an almost suspension-like sensation over small irregularities while preserving a connected, lively feel. These are initial real-world impressions rather than comparative laboratory test results, but they made the project especially rewarding.

The raw titanium finish, exposed fabrication details, angular joints, custom fork, and cockpit are all part of the same design language. The goal was never simply to fit the largest wheels possible; it was to see how proportions, geometry, and titanium’s structural qualities could come together in an unconventional bike that still feels completely intuitive to ride.

I also want to give special credit to the SILCA tires. I genuinely love the way they feel. They have generous volume, yet the casing feels remarkably soft, supple, and light even to the touch. On mountain roads, they seem to glide over uneven surfaces effortlessly, giving the bike a beautifully smooth, planted feel without taking away its responsiveness.

They made a real contribution to the exceptional ride quality of the Brutalist 32, and I'm delighted with how well they complement the frame.