Yan's confortable road bike
Yan wanted a comfortable road bike to accompany him on his asphalt outings. A former road racer, his riding has evolved towards a more relaxed approach: he wants to be able to go far, in all weathers, and not be bothered when asphalt gives way to gravel.
In search of a beautiful machine designed for the pleasure of riding, he contacted us to design the Victoire n°556, a high-performance, comfortable bike for all roads.
An All Roads bike is first and foremost a bike designed for the road, with a geometry that puts the rider in a position to ride at a steady pace. However, the goal of covering long distances requires a high level of comfort: it's much easier to put in the effort when you don't feel any physical discomfort.
The geometry can also accommodate wheels a little wider than those found on conventional road bikes, to be able to cross white paths and improve comfort on the road.
Victoire n°556 is equipped with our favorite Campagnolo groupset, an Ekar 13-speed. Although featured in the Italian manufacturer's Gravel range, we love it on road bikes. Its main assets are its lightness, and the range of cassettes that can be fitted: from a tight 9-36 to a 10-44 covering the same range as a conventional 2 chainring system. The 4 options available for the front single chainring are the perfect complement to this choice: from 38 for climbing the toughest passes to 44 for the most demanding sprinters.
Campagnolo Bora Ultra carbon wheels are lightweight and aerodynamic, perfect for road use. Fitted with 36" tires, they remain comfortable and absorb asphalt irregularities and gravel.
Ritchey components complete the package on Yan's bike.
Longer outings require to bring everything needed to be autonomous. The Victoire n°556 can carry 3 water bottles, and a What Happened saddlebag will hold a snack and small tools: the man with the hammer will stay out of the way.
Yan picked up his bike at Cartel Cycles & Café, our bike café in the center of Clermont-Ferrand. It was an opportunity to chat over a good espresso, and admire the Distance and Victoire bikes on display in the store.
A few weeks after his visit, he wrote to tell us about his impressions after a few rides.
The first thing I noticed when I got on it was the position! I immediately felt at ease, and since I've had the bike I haven't adjusted anything. No muscle pain, apart from 2 fingers that go numb regularly, but that's minor. The finish and paintwork are exceptional and beyond reproach. As for the bike's handling, it's also extremely comfortable. Of course the 36 tires help, I feel like I'm on a rail, and side winds are never a problem despite the 45 rims, the frame filters out the roughness, it's a joy. I'm sure it's a little less nervous than a carbon bike, but that's not what I was looking for. I'll pass quickly over the wheels, which are incredible. Dynamic, responsive - and beautiful, what a kick. I'm just as convinced by the Ekar groupset, very pleasant to use and efficient. I'd be hard pressed to have anything else. Special mention to the braking power, 1 or 2 notches above what I had with Shimano (Ultegra).
To sum up, I've never ridden so much or had so much fun. The machine wants more and so do I. And it's a well-known fact that the more you love your bike, the faster you go :) Yes, a Victoire takes time, it's not cheap, but it's a bike for life. I'd like to see the consumer cyclist become more aware of what craftsmanship is and what it brings, at every level. I'd like that same consumer to understand that the norm shouldn't be an industry with 15 models per brand, manufactured/delivered in a few weeks, and changing every year.
