Blast, Bernard's metallic
Bernard is a member of the Suicidal Urban Riders, a club for lovers of fast riding and metal music. He and his band of speed freaks heat up the asphalt in the Paris region, notably around the Longchamp ring and in the Chevreuse valley. Bernard likes it when things go fast, when the legs hurt and you have to push hard on the pedals to lead the group or stay with the pack without being left behind. Already the owner of a carbon road bike, he contacted us to design with him the Victoire n°578, named Blast, a pure rouleur without concessions!
Bernard came back to cycling late in life. It was in his fifties that he discovered the pleasure of speed, of cycling as a gliding and piloting sport. As he approached 70 years old, he wanted to equip himself with a custom-built bike that would enable him to continue to indulge his passion for effort, while providing comfort and performance. The aerodynamic bikes of the major brands only deliver their gains at speeds that few amateurs can reach. Bernard wanted a machine he could ride at 35 - 40 km/h around Longchamp, with his pack of metalheads all dressed in black.
Bernard also enjoys longer outings (but still at speed!) in the Chevreuse Valley. Agility on hilly stages and comfort on long outings were also part of his needs.
Like all our bikes, Blast's frame is made of handcrafted Columbus steel. While the tubes can't be profiled like carbon aero frame components, this disadvantage doesn't penalize Bernard in its use. The aerodynamic benefits only start to be felt at fairly high speeds, rarely reached by amateur cyclists (even the best!). On the other hand, the disadvantages of carbon are present at all speeds. The rigidity of the frame transmits the irregularities of the road to the cyclist, and carbon deforms less to accompany pedaling movements, resulting in greater fatigue than on a steel frame.
As is often the case on our bikes, we've integrated the seat tube clamp with the seat stays on Blast. This completes its clean, uncompromising appearance.
To equip Blast, Bernard chose to fit his steel bike with modern components designed for speed. The SRAM Force AXS groupset offers precise shifting, with a gear ratio adapted to the high speeds he loves. Like metal band amps, Bernard's cassette goes up to 10!
The entire cockpit is integrated thanks to the use of the Trittico, which you've already seen on Victoire n°500 and n°571. Designed specifically by our Italian partner Colombus for use on road bikes, it allows brake cables to pass through the head tube. The cockpit is aerodynamic and unadorned, entirely dedicated to its owner's quest for speed.
To complete this equipment, Bernard chose Enve SES 3.4 high rim wheels and a Reform Tantalus saddle, particularly comfortable as it is thermoformed to Bernard's anatomy.
Among Suicidal Urban Riders and metal enthusiasts, the dress code is quite strict. That's why we designed Bernard in shades of grey. The Suicidal Urban Riders logo is featured on the top tube, and their motto (“Doomed”) on the fork, in a gothic font found on many classic black metal albums. Finally, the inverted cross on the inside of the fork recalls the imagery of this branch of extreme metal.
The two-tone black and white Supacaz bar tape completes this sober and unique package.
Bernard picked up his Made in France bike at Cartel Cycles & Café, our store in downtown Clermont. He was pleased to send us his impressions after his first rides (1500 kilometers in 30 days, a flying start!), and a few differences with his previous bike.
It was against the Cartel wall, poorly lit and therefore inconspicuous. So I didn't spot him immediately. When I looked at it, I knew it was him. It's beautiful and I'm very proud of it. As a fellow Longchamp cyclist said the first time he saw it, “this bike is you, it looks like you”.
After almost 800 km, it's perfect. Adapted to my body shape and riding style, efficient, fast, fun, safe and so comfortable. I just want to ride it. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you again, and your team. I regularly look at the names of the three craftsmen painted on the fork tube. I'm glad I came across them. I'd never have done that with a brand-name bike. Even with their personalized paintwork, they're not unique. Here I have a unique, original bike that combines tradition (frame steel and geometry) with modernity, carbon components and wireless electronics.
As the proud owner of Victoire N°578 for the past month and 1,650 km, I'm delighted every time I go out that I made the right choice. I'm no longer young and have been riding carbon bikes for 10 years, notably a Trek Madone 9. My old body appreciates the incomparable comfort of the Victoire. It's as lively and fast as my Trek. I lose nothing in performance. In the bumps, it's a pleasure. It's a sport bike that calls out the watts. On the other hand, the gain in comfort is really significant and allows for longer outings. Last but not least, its highly personalized and unique paintwork has won me many rave reviews. On two occasions, I was told that it represented me well. So, more than any other bike, it's My Bike.
In conclusion, you've given me what I've been looking for: a fun, dynamic, fast and comfortable bike that's different from Trek, with an unmistakable look, as evidenced by the feedback I've had, like this one posted on Strava by the owner of a magnificent Tarmac SL8 Sworks in Sram Red AXS: "If I'd been able to follow you, I'd have inspected the details on the frame... In any case, from a distance it looks great! "
