Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Anyone ride a Velo Orange Rando

Friends,

I am ready to build my randonneuring bike. I am strongly considering a Velo Orange Rando.

The frame is $750 and I have a total budget of $2200. I will not be including a generator hub and lighting system in the initial build.. that will be added later.

I am interested in opinions from owners of this specific bicycle.. Likes and dislikes ?

Thanks in advance,

Jesse

Have you taken your question to the google group Randon, or the Bikelist group BOB? Someone there can probably help you.

They have a really good deal on the Polyvalent, throwing in some wheels and other basics. Can you go this way?

I would also consider the Salsa Casseroll http://salsacycles.com/bikes/casseroll_double/ and the Soma Extra Smoothie http://www.somafab.com/extrasmoothie.html

The money you will save will allow better wheels and drivetrain parts.

I have the Soma Double Cross set up as my hilly Century bike. It's superb on long days.

Michael

The Double Cross is a fantastic, comfortable ride, I've only had it for a few weeks at this point but am in love.

Friends,

I am ready to build my randonneuring bike. I am strongly considering a Velo Orange Rando.

The frame is $750 and I have a total budget of $2200. I will not be including a generator hub and lighting system in the initial build.. that will be added later.

I am interested in opinions from owners of this specific bicycle.. Likes and dislikes ?

Thanks in advance,

Jesse

I have a friend who has an earlier-model VO rando, which he loves. But ... the new model has only been available for the last few months (2?). Your best bet might be to ask VO to put you in contact with a couple of recent customers. Maybe they have someone in your area who has bought one that you could take a look at.

That said, if what you want is a low-trail (high fork offset) randonneuring bike that is optimized for carrying a handlebar bag, then I don't know of any current vendor who has a better price than VO. Kogswell used to, but I don't see their website anymore.

Nick

I have a friend who has an earlier-model VO rando, which he loves. But ... the new model has only been available for the last few months (2?). Your best bet might be to ask VO to put you in contact with a couple of recent customers. Maybe they have someone in your area who has bought one that you could take a look at.

That said, if what you want is a low-trail (high fork offset) randonneuring bike that is optimized for carrying a handlebar bag, then I don't know of any current vendor who has a better price than VO. Kogswell used to, but I don't see their website anymore.

Nick

That older model, of which only a few were built, was essentially a custom frame and cost a lot more - not a valid comparison. It's more in the league of a Boulder or a Coho.

Kogswell used to, but I don't see their website anymore.

From what I hear from my brother-in-law in SF, Kogswell is no more, though someone else may have gotten the license for the P/R frame.

That older model, of which only a few were built, was essentially a custom frame and cost a lot more - not a valid comparison. It's more in the league of a Boulder or a Coho.

That would be why I said "But ... the new model has only been available for the last few months ..."

My New VO Rando Bike

I recently finished building a VO Rando bike. I bought the 53 cm frame in April and finally got it done on the 11th of June. So far in the 1st week of riding I have put in over 200 miles, two long rides 90 miles each and two short rides. This bike really rides nice! Smooth, stable and it feels fast too. Both wheels are using Ultegra's hubs, 32 hole Mavic Open Pro rims, Panaracer 28 mm Pasela Tg Road Tires, 8 spd 26-13 cassette, Suntour deraileurs, Diacompe "Silver" D/T shifters, Nitto's Noodle Handlerbar, VO saddle. I plan on using this bike on this coming weekend's 600 K ride!

Bob

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Nice! I have been thinking of buying the same frame for several months. If memory serves me, two other forum members were doing the same. I look forward to hearing their reports as well as a follow-up report after your 600 K ride. It seems like you get a lot of bike for "only" $750 if you get the VA Rando frame.

Very nice. How is the alignment of the frame and the weight?

I did not get a chance to weigh the bike yet, but in regards to alignments, it is right on the money! So far I am very impressed with this frame. The bike does feel light on climbs, especially on the long ones. When the fwd bag is loaded I do feel it but still after a while I kind of forgot the bag was full.

Friends,

I picked up my completed VO Rando last thursday.... I will have impressions and photos in the next few days

Jesse

Here are some images of my new VO Rando.
Shimano 105 components with a 50/39/30 up front and a 10 speed 12/27 rear. Mavic wheels. Continental gator skins 28 tires. Brooks seat. VO front rack. VO fenders. Salsa short and shallow bars. VO leather bar tape. Sigma wired computer. Acorn Rando Bag. Acorn Large saddle bag. Kinesis frame bag.

Only two short rides so far, but I like the ride. Very fast and holds the steering line very well

I am very pleased

Jesse

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Jesse,

Nice build! Your description of being "very fast and holds the steering line very well" was my first impression as I was leaving my house of my fist ride. My first ride was almost 90 miles and throughout the whole ride I notice that I was riding one gear bigger compare to a other bike that I was riding the week before, my Trek 950. I also noticed that on climbs and in false flats my cadence was not bogging down and my legs was feeling fresh even in the later miles. In my last ride I rode with the front bag installed and carrying items in it so I can simulate a longer brevet, the total miles was a little over 90 rolling to hilly route and it still felt fast but a bit slower on the climbs.

I just want to make it clear that this bike feels fast and can be fast but it will never be as fast as one of my lighter road bikes. The purpose for this bike is to have a fast and comfortable bike in really long rides, either doing brevets, light touring or some fast club riding like with a "B" pace group. And maybe some commutes to work. This bike is clearly faster than my current commuter which is a Trek 950 mountain bike converted into a road bike which I have done a 200k ride on it. I also feel that this bike climbs better than my old Trek 420.

Trek 950 156489

Trek 420 156492

I have received my VO Rando also. Only 35 miles on it so far. I like it. Pictures soon.

low-trail?

My new Rando Bike now has 640 miles since my first ride on June 12th. I have also completed over this past weekend the Cranbury 600K in NJ and it gave me a great ride! The ride really amazes me, the wheels/tires and frame combination really makes this bike feel like it floats on the road and without much effort, even if the road has some cracks or bumps it takes the buzz away from the handlebar. I wish I have made a bike like this years ago.

Below are some photos of how the bike was set up for the ride. I swapped the VO saddle with my 11 year old B-17 since it knows me better. The VO saddle needs more time to break in which I did not want to endure during the 600K. But in the VO Model 3 saddle's defense, it does feel like the B-17 when it was new.

Bob

seems like a great bang for the buck........ i too am looking at this bike....also at the gunnar sport and salsa casserolle.....but it will prob come down to this or the gunnar sport (but latter option is $400ish more)

sure sure: it's not a custom coho or weigle (etc etc) but if it can do 80% of what those bikes can at 1/4 the cost, then...

ps: to those who supplied those bike porn pics of your OV steeds: for shame! ;)

seems like a great bang for the buck........ i too am looking at this bike....also at the gunnar sport and salsa casserolle.....but it will prob come down to this or the gunnar sport (but latter option is $400ish more)

sure sure: it's not a custom coho or weigle (etc etc) but if it can do 80% of what those bikes can at 1/4 the cost, then...

ps: to those who supplied those bike porn pics of your OV steeds: for shame! ;)

I have a Gunnar Sport, and it's a very nice bike, but I'd sure prefer to have the VO Rando bike because it would ride better with a h'bar bag. Before buying a Sport, check posts on paint quality. Mine ('07) flakes paint if you look at it too hard.

thanks for the imput...from what i've researched, however, the last few yrs have shown alot of paint quality improvment in the gunnar line...so don't know if this (oft repeated paint chip theme I've read of) is still relevant (any one else...esp those who've purchased recent gunnars?

I'm also considering their fast lane bike
http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/fast-lane/
http://www.gunnarbikes.com/board/viewtopic.php?p=2022&sid=756fc8d1dfa3824d603d3b10f4243393

...i emailed richard asking for an ''allrounder'' model (for both loaded touring and also fast randonneuring/brevets (sure i'd swap out wheel sets/remove the racks to lighten the load) and he suggested either the gunnar grand tour or their fast lane.

decisions decisions decisions....still thinking of jeff lyons (lyonsport) doing a more reasonably priced custom for me...he might be able to help out after all...

we'll see...in the meantime tinkering with my riv atlantis (a bit too long in top tube) so hoping with moustache bars or north bars (aka albatross) that i can bring them back a bit to shorten such...or could use those really weird looking but practical butterfly/trekking bars.


I have a Gunnar Sport, and it's a very nice bike, but I'd sure prefer to have the VO Rando bike because it would ride better with a h'bar bag. Before buying a Sport, check posts on paint quality. Mine ('07) flakes paint if you look at it too hard.

I have a Gunnar Sport, and it's a very nice bike, but I'd sure prefer to have the VO Rando bike because it would ride better with a h'bar bag. Before buying a Sport, check posts on paint quality. Mine ('07) flakes paint if you look at it too hard.

Another Gunnar Sport owner here. I got mine a little over a year ago. Indeed, the paint seems to chip a bit easier than other bikes I've owned although I wouldn't say it's a huge issue.

I've also been covetting the VO Rando. Seems to me the Gunnar Sport and VO Rando are very different bikes. It's mostly aesthetics I suppose, but the VO is lugged, level top tube, low trail design, while the Gunnar is a much more modern looking design with tig welding and sloping top tube.

I've been pretty happy with my Gunnar as far as performance and feel are concerned. It's a very nice bike. But lately I've been much more into the aesthetics of more traditional looking bikes, so I'm loving that VO Rando. Ultimately I don't think you could go wrong with either frame.

I have a Gunnar Sport, and it's a very nice bike, but I'd sure prefer to have the VO Rando bike because it would ride better with a h'bar bag. Before buying a Sport, check posts on paint quality. Mine ('07) flakes paint if you look at it too hard.

I've got 2 Waterfords and as nice as they are the paint sucks. Richard Schwinn said they will powder coat frames for you instead of paint them. Powder isn't as pretty as paint but lasts a whole lot longer.

I've been pretty happy with my Gunnar as far as performance and feel are concerned. It's a very nice bike. But lately I've been much more into the aesthetics of more traditional looking bikes, so I'm loving that VO Rando. Ultimately I don't think you could go wrong with either frame.

How about one of the RSE Waterfords. They're lugged and really nice looking bikes.

http://waterfordbikes.com/now/models.php?Model=644

From what I hear from my brother-in-law in SF, Kogswell is no more, though someone else may have gotten the license for the P/R frame.

Longleaf bicycles is going to continue the line, www.longleafbicycles.com (http://www.longleafbicycles.com).

Longleaf bicycles is going to continue the line, www.longleafbicycles.com (http://www.longleafbicycles.com).

An even better or at least different link: http://www.longleafbicycles.com/2009/11/650b-frameset-news-part-1-of-2/

Seems that Kogswell is producing a 26" bike and dropped the 650B.

How about one of the RSE Waterfords. They're lugged and really nice looking bikes.

http://waterfordbikes.com/now/models.php?Model=644

...and about three times the price of the VO Rando.

or the new 'boulder bikes' Rene Herse randonneur looks very interesting:
http://renehersebicycles.com/Randonneur%20bikes.htm

I may have to see if VO has a Rando Kit in a size I can use ... the fork looks better on a complete bike than it does on a bare frame.

As I had mentioned previously, I'll add some fuel to the fire. Here (http://tinyurl.com/3yjka6j) are some pictures of my VO Rando. The light is a bit dim, but they should suffice for now. Enjoy. :)

...and about three times the price of the VO Rando.

New yes. I picked mine up for $450 shipped, frame only, on ebay a few years ago. The point being there are a lot of used high quality bikes comparable to the VO. I was just giving another option.

A few items:

1) I spoke with mike flanigan of ANT bikes http://www.antbikemike.com/ (mike used to be a senior builder at the esteemed company 'independent fabrication' before starting his own great bike building company ie see his Website) because I was thinking of him to do my rando... and he told me he uses the same geometry on his own sport tourer/rando as is on the vo rando...heck he even told me its a good deal...very nice guy to talk to).

2) for those who do know things about tubing ie perhaps you're a framebuilder, would the higher steel tubing you'd get say in the boulder bicycles 650b Rene hershttp://www.renehersebicycles.com/( built by waterford using xo platinum in a number of areas) or a gunnar or similar $1300 "ride or feel" differently from the lower price point tubing used on the vo rando?

Maybe a framebuilder could chip in or direct my to some relevant links....there is the "you get what you pay for" motto too that must have some truth ...but at what relation to value/bang for the buck and at a certain point your $$ gets diminishing returns...which is why boulder bicycles Rene herse is well priced too @ $1200ish vs $1800.

This all said however I just may have scored as a fellow randonneur of similar height/standover who has a new naked custom bike and is selling her marinoni ciclo 2002 campy groupped for $800...says is 8/10 condition although wheelset might need replacement in 2 seasons..it hasn't been ridden in 2 years since she and hubby got their Sam whittingham naked customs....and ive heard great things on marinoni ciclos.

Add me to the list of proud VO Randonneur owners. I had been sort of dreaming about the new VO Rando frame for a while and then this thread sent me over the edge about a month ago. I just finished building mine up with a mix of some new and some old parts stolen from my Surly Cross Check. Here's what it looks like:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5092501152_bf4a862c3a_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5091902601_0000182364_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5092498300_4cd24ce08f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5091901767_b05b78e556_b.jpg

I took it for it's first ride this afternoon. 20 miles of mostly flat, so it wasn't much of a test, but so far I'm very happy. This is my first time on a bike with the classic rando low trail front-end geometry and I'm still getting used to it. It takes a bit more input to get it turning than other bikes I've ridden. I can see how this might make life easy when you're 20 hours into a ride and trying to stay awake and keep the bike moving in a straight line at the same time. It also handles riding no-handed better than any bike I've ridden. With a handle bag (not much in it though) I could easily ride no-hands at speeds down to about 8 mph before I started getting too wobbly.

I'm still too deep in the honeymoon phase to give any more of a review than that. I'll report back after we've finished at least a 200k together.

For those who are interested in the nuts and bolts, here are the build details:
Front wheel: Mavic Open Pro/Schmidt SON 28 hub
Rear wheel: Mavic Open Pro/Ultegra hub
Crank set: Sugino Alpina 48/34
Front D: Shimano Tiagra
Rear D: Shimano 105
Cassette: 10 speed 11-28
Stem: Nitto Technomic Deluxe
Handlebars: Nitto Noodle
Brakes: Tektro R538
Brake levers: Tektro
Headset: VO Grand Cru
Seatpost: VO Grand Cru
Saddle: Brooks B17
Front Rack: VO Rando rack
Fenders: VO hammered alu 45mm
Tires: Panaracer Pasela 28mm
Front bag: VO Campagne
Headlight: B&M IQ Cyo

http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2007/cc...llins0407.html
my newly built up Riv Atlantis
in process of tweaking.

http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2006/cc...llins1206.html
my Surly X-Check in retro mode

riv rambouillet i bought/had built up an sold...
http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2007/cc...llins0807.html

I really like your bikes.

lonesomesteve, that bike looks to be one gust of wind away from being in the lake!

lonesomesteve, that bike looks to be one gust of wind away from being in the lake!

Ha! Good point. I thought about that at the time but if you look at the water you'll see the wind was very calm, and it's actually a lot more stable there than it appears in the pictures. Besides, it's nice to have a little tension in a photograph, right?

lonesomesteve,
Your bike looks great


Expect the Rawland Drakkar frame I ordered to arrive tomorrow. It was $600 +$25. Had the option of a 50 offset or rake or 70 for very low trail.

http://www.rawlandcycles.com/_uls/section/Drakkar.pdf

lonesomesteve,
Your bike looks great


Expect the Rawland Drakkar frame I ordered to arrive tomorrow. It was $600 +$25. Had the option of a 50 offset or rake or 70 for very low trail.

http://www.rawlandcycles.com/_uls/section/Drakkar.pdf

Although I'd love to see more thoughts on the VO Rando, that Drakkar looks pretty awesome for a modern low-trail frame. Disc brakes? Why yes, thank you.