Hey guys, I've just purchased an unknown Vitus.
I've been wanting to do a build for awhile now and the frame was a good price. I wanted to paint but not sure if I should.

I have done my head in trying to research this bike and coming out with nothing.

It has a 7005 Columbus Aluthron framing, components are 105 and has Vitus carbon forks.

Just curious about the year and model. The only similar paint/decal schemes I have seen on vitus' are 1999 lotto and Movistar team bikes anthough the frames don't match up. I've notice where the rear fork(?) Meets the seat tube is lower. Also the down tube almost an oval shape.

The serial is i959006 which also doesn't match to any I have seen documented on various forums.
(will get pics up soon) any help is very much appreciated!!

A Vitus with Columbus tubing??
That would be unusual.......

Yeh it seems unusual.
So I'm only new here so unfortunately I can't post any pics

Maybe someone could upload for me if I email some pics.
Or I'll just have to get to 10posts tonight.

Do the 10 posts, so at least you can link pics from pic servers like Flckr or imgur to keep for posted threads going....

You should be able to upload directly from your device. If you on a desk or lap top click on the "Go Advance" tab at the bottom. Then click the paperclip on the top.

If your mobile scroll down and select "View Full Site" and follow about.

Or you can email me pics and I'll try and upload them. BianchigirLL@yahoo.com

I'm getting there, shouldn't be too much longer. Maybe I'll have some pics this afternoon.

Thanks bianchigirll, I just tried though although it still won't work. I'll make a few more posts so I'm eligible to upload pics and what not.

So.. after taking the seat post out, which also has VITUS painted/printed down the sides. I found a date which dates it to April 1999 so probably not "vintage". It also had worldwide patent marked on it.

Thanks bianchigirll, I just tried although it still didn't work. I'll make a few more posts to be eligible for post pics and what not.

This thread is such a tease! We want to see it please!

I can't help on the model, but was able to confirm that Aluthron was available at least as early as 1999, as it was spec'd on some Cinelli models that year and was offered through at least 2003. It was Columbus' base aluminum tubeset and was plain gauge, using a 7005 alloy. There were three downtube options, one round and two oval sizes (40/30 & 36/19).

The discrepancies noted by the OP could be due to several factors. First, the team frames were reportedly custom built by Cyfac. Second, the team frames would almost certainly not have used Aluthron, given that 147g lighter , triple butted, Altec2 was commercially available. There is also the distinct possibility that the team was testing even lighter Altec2 Plus or Starship tubesets and/or the Carve carbon fibre mono-stay, all of which became commercially available in 2000. Finally, the team would have had several styles of frames available, depending on the discipline (i.e. flat road,mountain, time trial, etc.). Any or all these factors could be responsible for variations from a consumer replica model, using an Aluthron tubeset.

FYI, here is an actual Lotto-Mobistar team frame that has been rebuilt. It is Cyfac manufacture and utilizes an aero seat tube with wheel cut-out, that was a common trait on time trial bicycles of the era. This seat tube was only an option on Altec2 and Altec2 Plus, though being custom, it may not even be a Columbus tubeset. It illustrates the extremity of variation possible due to custom build, tubeset and application and almost certainly has little in common with the OP's frame other than livery and oversize, aluminum tubes.

Wow, certainly some great info there! Thanks Amit for the input.


The livery is close to the same and the bottom tube looks similar. But very different otherwise.

I have managed to find only ONE exactly the same for sale in France around 2006 for quite a bit of money.

Really hoping to get some up today! This 5 posts in 24 hrs limit is killing me!

Ok, hope these pics work and I also hope they aren't a let down.
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Also a link to the only similar frame I have found
Velo De Route Vitus Columbus Aluthron Basic 450,00 € ŕ MARSEILLE 6EME ARRONDISSE 13006

I will put some more up once they upload to photo bucket.

Looks really nice! looks to be in pretty good condition!
Maybe the Columbus frame decal on that bike would not be so strange after all, as, by that time it was made, Vitus transitioned into more a bike company that did not use proprietary frame materials like companies that it competed with did...... unlike in the 80's and early 90's when Vitus frame meant Vtus frames always had Vitus made steel or aluminum tubing. IIRC, Vitus was already using CF tubing made by an outside company for their Carbone bikes in the mid 80's.....

Thanks, it is in ok condition although the paint has many chips and and small dent with some paint missing from when I chain came off and got between the frame and chainring.
Luckily I didn't rush into repainting the bike. I think it's best kept original with a touch up here and there.

I am still wondering if anyone else seen one of these vitus'?

Jdell88,
Looks like Photobucket had cut off your pics......
They want you to pay them so you can use their pic hosting services.
Just go over with your pics to another hosting service like imgur or Flickr instead like most other people in this board did, where they will host your pic for free.
Sorry I cannot identify your Vitus, as my knowledge on the brand only extends from the 70's to the
early 90's. Hope somebody else here can recognize your bike.

Thanks for the heads up chombi!
Here's the pics again.

I will get better pics this weekend, might even throw in a pic of new Columbus frame project!!

Hey man,
I acquired one of these bad boys today from my uncle and couldn’t find any info. Anyone know how many were made?
-Lachie