Bertrand‘s practical hybrid, 2020
Some customers come to us with unique projects. Bertrand took up cycling rather late. He rides daily from 15 to 25 km along the Atlantic coast. Being physically diminished following a stroke, Bertrand wanted a very comfortable bike, with an upright position, easy to use and allowing him to carry groceries and personal belongings.
The first priority was to create a bicycle that is easy to step over. In order to lower the center of gravity, we used smaller diameter 650B wheels, and the bottom bracket is positioned low. We also paired a sloping top tube with a dropper seatpost, an accessory usually found on a mountain bike. This allows Bertrand to start pedaling easily, then raise the saddle to the right height by simply pressing the remote lever on the handlebar.
Both the frame and fork are made of stainless steel, with Columbus XCr tubes for the frame, and Reynolds 953 for the fork. Bertrand was amazed by our manufacturing process, so he wanted a finish that leaves the brazing work visible. This is why only clear coat was applied to the frame and fork, with the exception of the headbadge and markings painted in blue.
For the drivetrain, the Gates Carbon Drive belt was a no-brainer. It provides foolproof reliability, silence and requires no maintenance. This is why this solution seems perfect to us for a hybrid bike. It is paired here with a Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub.
Bertrand rides every day, and rain showers are quite common by the ocean. So we equipped this Victoire bike with carbon fenders manufactured by Cyfac.
The comfortable Brooks Cambium saddle was matched to Ergon anatomical grips. The saddle’s blue color echoes the Carbon Drive belt.
Bertrand gave us free rein for the design of the custom rear rack. Luka designed and built the whole thing from scratch, after he manufactured the frame and fork. This stainless steel rear rack also houses a rear light.
My bike is gorgeous, the work of the cameraman is magnificent. The fork and the luggage carrier are perfectly designed and built. It is a discreet and suitable hybrid bicycle, ideal for my type of riding.
