Le routard vigoureux de Marc
Marc came to us with the desire for a cyclosportive bike made in France that could offer him simplicity, comfort and performance to accompany him during his outings on the road. We then created Victoire n°506, a stainless steel road bike equipped with disc brakes that combines a classic aesthetic with modern components.
Stainless steel is a material of choice for sportive bikes like Marc's one. Derived from steel, this material is extremely solid due to its mechanical characteristics and allows the creation of a light, dynamic and comfortable frame. It is also durable as it is not susceptible to corrosion.
Marc has chosen to keep the cables of his derailleurs external to his frame. In addition to presenting a classic aesthetic, this allows quick adjustment of cable tension thanks to the olives screwed on the stops. Only the brake hose passes inside the frame in order to purify the visual line of the bike.
The group mounted on Victoire n°506 comes from Campagnolo, an Italian equipment manufacturer with whom we work closely. This is a Super Record groupset, the flagship of the manufacturer's road range.
The combination of a double chainring in 50 - 34 with a 12-speed cassette in 11 - 29 allows Marc to face all types of profiles thanks to the versatility of this staging.
The Victoire n°506 headset comes from the American supplier Chris King, whose bearings are guaranteed for life. Chris King parts, renowned for their rock-solid durability, reflect our desire to make bikes designed to ride for a lifetime.
The fork is an Enve Road Disc. Its clearance accepting tires up to 32mm in section and its internal passage of the brake sheath make it a product that met Marc's expectations.
The wheels of Victoire n°506 are French, supplied by the manufacturer Mavic whose factory is located near Annecy. This is their Cosmic SLR 32 reference, compatible with a disc braking system.
They were mounted with some Continental Grand Prix 5000 tires in 28 inches, manufactured in the manufacturer's factory located in Korbach, Germany.
Seatpost, handlebar and stem all come from Deda, a manufacturer of components and steel tubes located in Italy. Marc chose their Superleggero range, made of carbon except for the stem which is in forged aluminium.
The saddle also comes from Italy: it is the SLR model from the manufacturer Selles Italia.
The paint of Victoire n°506 consists of a metallic color which alternates with stainless steel aspect that reveals itself at some places of the frame.
Indeed, stainless steel is not subject to corrosion, it is possible by the simple passage of a varnish to leave it visible, which is not possible with a frame made of steel.
As for the majority of Victoire projects, the fork of this project has been painted, allowing it to be integrated into the visual line of the bike and to make a whole with the frame. The last coat of glossy varnish applied to the frame and the fork was then polished by hand for an irreproachable and durable finish over time.
We use a thermo-lacquered varnish as a transparent undercoat. This varnish, heated at 180° for half an hour, acts as a protection. After completion, this first layer is completely frosted to receive the paint details. Once the masking has been carried out, the frame receives a final finishing varnish which is polished by hand to ensure shine and a perfect finish.
Marc has chosen a metallic fir green for its finish, which covers the entire frame with the exception of part of the rear triangle left in raw stainless steel at the wheel arch, allowing you to appreciate the finishing work carried out by our framers in the workshop.
The markings are not painted but also reveal the material of the frame transparently.
I wanted to get back on cycling in a more regular and regular way, so I needed a more comfortable bike and above all with a better position (I have back problems) : I discovered Victoire on the internet, I thought their custom steel bikes looked very nice.
My wish was for a classic bike with the latest innovations, but without the electronic transmission. Made in France with a majority of European components was also important to me.
I opted for disc brakes after reflection, even if I don't drive much in the rain (we have a lot of sun in the Gard !), it allows to mount great carbon wheels without hesitation.
For the paint, I chose a fir green with the rear triangle in raw stainless steel : we discover Marc's perfect work {Marc is one of our framers}. The end result with Campagnolo groupset and Mavic wheels is a very nice and very light bike.
My assessment after several 60 and 80 km rides: the bike is lively, it springs back well, it allows you to maintain a good rhythm on the hills and you can accelerate easily without having to pay for it afterwards. It is easier for me to fight against the wind, the mistral becomes softer.
With this bike I will be able to extend my rides and return to the club, I can't wait to try it in the mountains when the weather is nicer. I see that the steel is getting really good again.
