Yann's rapid and furious rim brake bike
Thanks to his dad, a cycling school educator, Yann started cycling at a very young age with a road and cyclocross orientation. Then, he moved to a national level in swimming before entering the international level in triathlon, all of that while studying for school ! Being a great athlete, he now rides in La Rochelle on coastal, flat and windy roads. Yann wanted a resolutely efficient and reliable road bike mounted with rim brakes. Together, we produced a timeless bike whose key words are absolute sobriety and efficiency.
Victoire's goal is to meet the expectations of our customers. Yann's bike is a good example of this desire of ours : at a time when the big brands tend to abandon rim brakes, we continue to offer high-performance and light road bikes incorporating rim brake systems that many riders do continue to appreciate.
This is the case for Yann, who wanted a fast bike, but equipped with technologies that have been working for years. His bike is the antithesis of exuberance: unlike a bike equipped with the latest electronic components, Yann's one is consistent, reliable, simple and efficient.
It will also be easily repairable over the years.
Yann decided to favor the frame over the group, and did not hesitate to select the best options for it: internal cable routing, saddle clamp integrated into the seat stays, hydroformed Columbus HSS tubes, T47 bottom bracket and stainless steel cable guards are on the menu for this piece of work.
There are many available options for our frames. They will allow the development of a bicycle perfectly suited to the customer's specifications. The stainless steel cable guards, for example, will preserve the paint normally deteriorated by the friction of the cable housing on the head tube when the handlebar is being turned.
Yann's groupset of choice is Shimano Ultegra. It is a proven performer. This assurance of reliability and this attractive price allowed Yann to focus his budget on the options for his frame as well as on the wheels.
The technical configuration of this bike is unusual at Victoire. Indeed, because of his past as a high level triathlete and his outings located in La Rochelle, Yann pulls big ratios. We therefore mounted an 11/25 cassette and a 53/39 double chainring. Yann wanted to reduce as much as possible the gap between the teeth ratio of his transmission. As always with us, the goal here is to make smart choices and in line with the practice and the wishes of the customer.
Still in terms of components, Yann has chosen a Chris King headset, flawlessly functioning and featuring a lifetime warranty. The fork is a Columbus Futura Caliper which was painted in our workshop to match the frame. The other components come mainly from the Italian parts supplier Deda.
The paint of the Victoire 415 is understated, discreet, and pays a certain attention to detail. Yann has chosen to let us paint the stem and fork of his bike, allowing us to offer a completely successful project. The whole bike wears a very light metallic gray, with a pearl effect. The logos, fully painted, are in glittery dark gray to provide contrast and detail. Finally, the clear coat has been polished for an impeccable result.
Here are a few words from Yann, who told us about his desire to participate in a few road races as soon as possible.
"The specifications were considered for a very long time and were rather based on the frame (rigidity, sportiness, elegance). My decision was made later on the components, in particular the gears, the handlebars and the wheels. However, I have not yet had the opportunity to ride with it due to the bad weather and the lockdown. It is actually on display in my living room while waiting to get baptized ... "
It is gorgeous, the single-color paint allowed the perfect balance between sportivity and elegance. The finish and the care brought on details is impressive. Each day, I'm surprised by a new part of the frame !
We wish Yann some nice rides and long years of complicity with the company of his Victoire 415 !
