Patrick's anachronistic
Patrick contacted us with a very simple request: he wanted a bike that was lightweight, high-performance and simple. Contrary to the current trend that associates performance with disc brakes and electronic groupsets only, he wanted his bike to be equipped with traditional components. We worked with him to design the Victoire n°573, a sporty bike that may be a little anachronistic, but is devilishly fast.
Opting for pad brakes and a mechanical drivetrain isn't just an aesthetic and nostalgic choice. Of course, the professional peloton no longer counts a single machine equipped in this way, but many cyclists nonetheless enjoy the undeniable advantages of this configuration. Maintenance is greatly simplified, weight is more contained, and there's no need to check the bike's battery level.
Aware of these choices, and with a dose of anti-conformism, Patrick wanted us to build him a machine that was sporty, efficient and bucking the trend. Efficiency, sobriety and a rebellious attitude - this is the very essence of the Victoire bicycle.
For the frame, as is often the case, we used steel tubes manufactured by our Italian partner Colombus. The Omnicrom alloy of these tubes is ideal for frame builders: very good behavior during the welding phases and very good performance when the bike is in use.
To maintain a consistent appearance, we paint the fork in carbon, also supplied by Colombus.
Rim brakes may have been used on bicycles for as long as people can remember, but that doesn't mean that manufacturers haven't continued to perfect them. Even if several major equipment manufacturers (Shimano, SRAM) have lost interest, some continue to offer top-of-the-range models (Campagnolo).
Other, smaller manufacturers also offer bluffing performance components. Such is the case with Cane Creek and eeBrakes. The weight of the front & rear package is minimal (less than 170 grams in total) and the braking power unequalled in the rim brake world.
To complement these ultra-light brakes, we equipped Patrick's machine with Darimo components from Spain. Hand-built seat tubes, stems and handlebars are also designed to keep weight to a minimum.
To complete the configuration of this sporty bike, what better drivetrain than the Campagnolo's Super Record rim brake version ? Lightweight and uniquely ergonomic, this high-end groupset illustrates the Italian manufacturer's commitment to performance and cycling tradition.
Low rim Bora WTO wheels mounted on 28mm tires complete this light, agile, fast and timeless bike. Wanna bet Eddy Merckx would have won a few more Monuments on this machine?
We painted this sober, elegant bike in a gradient of two deep metallic blues. The Victoire and Columbus logos and our gold medallion on the head tube are highlighted by contrast.
After picking up his bike, Patrick took it out for a spin on the roads he regularly rides, either alone or with his club. He did us the honor and pleasure of sharing his impressions of his new bike.
It's much more comfortable, of course, and you feel much safer going downhill. As far as I'm concerned, it's just as rigid as it should be. You can push it, it responds, and you get the impression that once it's started, nothing can stop it. It's certainly a package, frame and wheels, but it's top-notch. After a few outings with my club, I'm really enjoying it on the flat and on small uphills. It may be less nervous, but I think I'm going faster. I've also found that I finish club rides much fresher than many others, and it's less demanding than carbon bikes.
