Caterina’s Feline
Caterina lives near Mont Ventoux, the legendary mountain in Vaucluse known to both amateurs and professionals. She usually tackles this challenging ascent on an ageing steel bike. She contacted us to build a modern version of her machine: a blend of tradition and modern components. Below, we present Victoire n°579, which you might spot on France’s steepest roads this summer.
Caterina wanted a frame in the direct line of her previous bike, made of steel and fitted with rim brakes, while using modern and lightweight components.
Thanks to her light build, we were able to design this new bike with significant lightness and appropriate stiffness in mind, both to facilitate climbing and to better match Caterina's physique.
We don't consider the physical characteristics of a frame as absolute values to be maximised, but rather as parameters to be adapted for each cyclist.
We chose Colombus XCr stainless steel tubing to guarantee the best durability for Caterina's frame. Her previous bike was made more than 25 years ago, and we hope she'll be able to ride her Victoire for even longer!
We used a 31.7mm diameter downtube, much narrower than the 38mm ones we use for heavier cyclists. Besides saving weight, the frame has an elasticity that is much better suited to Caterina's pedalling style.
Let’s remember that to truly benefit from a very stiff frame (a property often sought after by carbon fans), you need a pedalling power that few amateur cyclists can claim.
As a bonus, the refined aesthetics of the bike are a much better match for Caterina.
The build of Victoire no. 579 is centred around a Campagnolo Record groupset, the mid-range option from the Italian manufacturer. This only differs from the Super Record, the most expensive group, by a very small weight difference.
The rim brake version, lighter than its disc-brake cousin, is both suitable for Caterina's build and her desire for a bike with traditional looks.
We’ve already told you about Darimo components, handcrafted in Spain. Lightweight and made from carbon fibre, they bring a modern touch to Caterina’s bike.
To complete this build, the Colombus Minimal carbon fork is an ideal choice: Italian, timeless and modern.
The Chris King NoThreadSet headset is a classic for Victoire bikes: durable and efficient, ensuring that Caterina’s bike will last for many years to come.
The choice of stainless steel tubing keeps the raw steel colour visible, especially at the rear of the bike. For the main body, we opted for a deep green highlighted with glitter.
Finally, a cat silhouette on the top tube reminds Caterina of her mount’s feline agility, even on the toughest climbs.
