I just noticed that VD has released a full-on track bike. I've always liked this company but with certain reservations- they had a line of luke-warm commuter bikes that my shop used to sell that never seemed quite right. Then they got rid of those and reimagined the Country Road Bob(ss/fixed CX bike, my all-time favorite of their line) into a dramaticly better form with straight oversized tubes and der hangers on the track ends so that it could be set up with gears as well. Since then they have completely turned their line around with a stable of high-end racers, the "Drag Strip Courage" included. Sharp decals, rectangular chainstays look like they could take some hammering, and designed by an Olympic champ. The build they offer seems race-worthy, notice that it is spec'd with the CC Volos wheels even though they are not shown in the picture.

http://www.vandesselsports.com/bikeN...agStrip_lg.jpg

It's cool looking but that Drag Strip Courage decal would have to go. Yeck.

I don't mind their names, although they are kinda whimsical...

The CX bike is called "Gin and Trombones" which I can't help but think of as the "Rusty Trombone"
:p

I thought tis thread was about another sequel to XXX. It looks like a nice bike, but not really to my taste.

It's not really my style but looks like a good off the shelf race bike. I don't like the way the top tube tapers where it joins the head tube and can't think why its a good idea - wouldn't it just add some flex?

Yeah they have one here in the window at Cambridge Bikes. Looks pretty sweet to me, though I think they should make it a bit cheaper for the built-up bike. $1800 seems steep when compared to a new Pista Concept going for $1500.

actually, the tube is probably squished the other way to make it laterally stiffer. Lots of bikes do that in the BB cluster.

My guess is that it flattens rather than tapers, providing lateral stiffness. I haven't seen it irl though.

For lateral stiffness wouldn't it need to flatten in the other direction, however? Perhaps the tubes are different sizes and they did it to make them fit.

that bike should be called "me 2" or some random number from a taiwanese bike
catalog.

A bike named after that really ko0L actor do0d
in The Fast and Furious ? Too hip, y0 !
The older style Country Bob was the kool one...
Like one of those Biachi Rollo's gone bad.
Probably the only good thing to ever come out of Jersey, tho.

That's what reload pads/electrical tape is for :D

"Drag Strip Courage" reminds me of the Bomex slogan: "I hope your speed over rival."

To be laterally (not vertically) stiffer, it would need to be wider. If it's just flattened, that's what they did.

CC Volos wheels? Can someone enlighten me? Also, I can't believe that they'd take the photos with the stem up like that.

^^^^ Front fork too......whooof !!
Fugly !

It's a feather-light race bike, not retro steel, what do you expect? You mentioned that you like the old CRB better, so we clearly have a difference in aesthetics. I don't think the stem looks goofy either, look at the pictures of Carney riding it, he's in a perfect position.

I'm not saying this bike is beautiful, but it's clearly well thought out. Everything about that frame says "stiff" and "speed"- Oversized tubing, the way it ovalizes in key places, the rectagular chainstays. On top of that, the decals are clean and attractive.


http://www.vandesselsports.com/rider...arney_DSC2.jpg http://www.vandesselsports.com/rider...arney_DSC1.jpg


Cane Creek Volos

^^^ I didnt elaborate...I like this bike. Especially the paint.
Even the fonts / graphix look good. I just cant warm up to the fork.
Oh yeah...I would take this over the new Country Bob anyday :p

Whoah, thanks ira in chi. Those wheels are sick.

It's interesting to see them put out an actual high-end track bike, rather than just a half-assed/entry-level SS/fixed bike like most companies that are throwing their hats into the proverbial ring. Especially for a company with such a small lineup.

They don't seem to do half-assed. Most of their bikes are REALLY expensive. The CRB comes with full cable routing and a der. hanger that slides so you can keep the der. in line with the axle, which is pretty badass if you ask me.


I also think their old line was awesome. There really haven't been too many companies out there willing to sell internally geared bikes as a main part of their line. I wish there were more.