SimWorks by HONJO products are manufactured in a small factory located in Yokokawa, in Sumida Ward, in downtown Tokyo, not far from the Sky Tree. The Honjo area, from which the company is named, was one of the centers of Edo’s downtown culture, and a town where the Edokko spirit was cultivated.

As I was gazing at the various molds and old tools lined up in a corner of this factory, and digging around imagining how they were used, I came across something a little unusual: a short fender.

What are short fenders? I’ve looked into it extensively, but I can’t find a clear answer. Their function is to prevent the area around the rim brakes from getting dirty and to prevent bags from rubbing against them. They also apparently make handling easier, such as when packing your bike, and improve aerodynamics.

However, when looking at previous examples of touring bikes like randonneurs and sportifs, they often focus more on aesthetic style than functionality.

What if we shortened the fenders?

There’s certainly an aesthetic value to bikes equipped with full fenders. Their functionality suggests an intention to use them hard every day, regardless of the weather. But they do look a bit overkill at times. They’re a bit of a nuisance, so let’s cut them off! See, this one looks cooler! I felt like I heard Kip’s kind voice say that.

What kind of aesthetics can be found in basic things when the government forbade anything extravagant? Edo townspeople culture, where simplicity, boldness, and vividness were valued rather than superiority or inferiority, seems surprisingly to have much in common with modern street culture.

For many years, HONJO’s craftsmen have been quietly making and refining fenders, and they have a product lineup of traditional fenders. However, we sensed something in the short fender that evokes the history, passionate townsman aesthetic, and spirit of the place called Honjo and the name HONJO, and we wanted to take a look at it.

Even though it’s equipped with a fender, it’s light and beautiful. We’d love to see many bikes with well-integrated short fenders. We’re looking for someone to take on the challenge!

Short Fender

Size Compatibility : 700c
Recommended Maximum Tire Width
Turtle 44：approx. 32mm
Turtle 35：approx. 25mm
Smooth 41：approx. 30mm
Smooth 35：approx. 25mm
Front and rear pair, dovetails already attached