Nicolas's nacred exclusive
Nicolas was looking for an understated, comfortable and fast bike, without disc brakes or electric derailleur. Uncomfortable with series frames, he thought of turning to craftsmanship and tailor-made to find a frame that would suit him perfectly. Impressed by the rigidity and lightness of the Italian Columbus Cento tubes, he wanted to become the owner of the latest Victoire Cento. This very limited series of tubes with exceptional qualities will no longer be produced.
Once the postural study was completed, we offered Nicolas a geometry that was a little different from those he was used to. Nicolas is 1.85m tall but he has longer legs than most people his size - and therefore a higher saddle height. He therefore needs an extended head tube and shortened top tube to retain the very sporty characteristics he desires. With a more substantial drop than on the majority of bikes we have made so far, Nicolas' position is more aerodynamic, thus responding to his desire for performance.
Nicolas was very keen to ride a "traditional" bike. Pad brakes, mechanical derailleur, its new frame is for us the ultimate evolution of this type of architecture. Efficient, easy to maintain and efficient, this classic configuration still has a very bright future ahead of it.
Nicolas wanted to push with us the logic of a bike that is as ecologically responsible as possible. In addition to the choice of steel and French craftsmanship, we thought together about the choice of components with this in mind. Except for the headset and the bottle cages, his bike is made up of European peripherals. The pedals, the wheels (Campagnolo Bora WTO), the tires (FMB) and the groupset (a Campagnolo Super Record).
On all Victoire frames, small stainless steel bars are attached to the steering sleeve, in order to protect the paintwork from the friction of the hoses and cables.
The internal passage of the hoses and cables requires meticulous work from the cameraman, who must insert very small guides in the frame tubes.
On a custom-made bike, the saddle height does not have to move regularly. Nicolas' Cento is therefore equipped, like most of our creations, with a seatpost clamp integrated into the seatstays. This solution accentuates the sobriety and lightness of the whole.
On a custom-made bike, the saddle height does not have to move regularly. Nicolas' Cento is therefore equipped, like most of our creations, with a seatpost clamp integrated into the seatstays. This solution accentuates the sobriety and lightness of the whole.
A Flanders lion logotype has been added to the top tube of the bike, a nod to Nicolas' very first bike, a Peugeot "semi-racing".
Each victory frame has a hallmark that identifies the cameraman who made the frame. Olivier's Daruma (a Japanese figure that brings luck) was therefore affixed as a signature to one of Nicolas' Cento hits.
From the first laps, what sensations! I was initially very surprised by this impression of slipping, of floating on the road, the vibrations, the irregularities of the road are erased.
The second nice surprise is the performance: the bike is lively, playful, it responds directly to requests. It is also very safe and precise downhill. And what comfort! Well positioned, the position of the hands in the hollow of the hanger becomes pleasant again.
For the moment, I'm still in the discovery phase because a lot of things have changed since my old bike: position, gear ratio and the way of pedaling too, more fluid and rolled up, I'm less subject to the demands of my previous bike.
A craftsman's bike takes time. So when you come to pick up your precious, you know, you feel that the moment is going to be exceptional, special, there is emotion, the moment and the bike are unique and it's for you.
