tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post829041363675101438..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Van Nicholas: 'Dutch Bike' RedefinedVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69367011272781060142014-01-05T18:55:37.428-05:002014-01-05T18:55:37.428-05:00Ti can't be mass produced like carbon can. Bec...Ti can't be mass produced like carbon can. Because of the specific requirements of ti, It has to be hand welded by highly skilled welders. The tubes themselves are much more expensive than steel or carbon. So yes, it's pretty much a boutique product out of necessity, and at $3000+ for a handbuilt frame there isn't even that much of a markup.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12954979269312326032012-07-31T01:52:08.221-04:002012-07-31T01:52:08.221-04:00FYI, the Metropolis handlebar can be flipped over....FYI, the Metropolis handlebar can be flipped over. Results in a more relaxed riding position, but perhaps making the bike less photogenic.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55003772380672124402012-04-17T18:08:31.520-04:002012-04-17T18:08:31.520-04:00We are now setting up dealers in the US. Edgartown...We are now setting up dealers in the US. Edgartown in MA are coming on board....you can also buy directly through me so save on the customs hassles. I can also get you the bells and hip flasks etc.... Niall n_mcara@eucycleimports.comNiallhttp://www.eucycleimports.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3770000685187057762012-01-24T13:52:02.708-05:002012-01-24T13:52:02.708-05:00Regarding the lack of modulation of the front v-br...Regarding the lack of modulation of the front v-brake, I remember when the first v-brake came out and I put one on the front of my mountain bike. Unknowningly to me, they required a compatible brake lever with more cable pull. I experienced the same performance and lack of modulation that you described. It was downright scary to put on the front brake, as the rear wheel would lift even with moderate lever pressure. Once I changed to levers that were v-brake compatible, braking was not an issue anymore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-13473853005200341262012-01-24T12:05:51.416-05:002012-01-24T12:05:51.416-05:00Hi Everyone
Our site is undergoing maintenance at ...Hi Everyone<br />Our site is undergoing maintenance at the moment. Please email me directly at n_mcara@eucycleimports.com There were a lot of options and extras on the bike that was tested. $4999 is direct retail from us for that standard model.(one of our most expensive) There has been concern about proper sizing.........we are looking for dealers in the US. They will be be able to do a a proper fit and from there we can supply the proper size stem, bars etc...<br />The bikes are made in Taiwan. Van Nicholas make Ti bikes for quite a few other companies. A lot of the "American Made" ti bikes are made in China or source cheaply sourced Chinese Titanium. Van nicholas use aircraft grade Ti only. VN have to pass the rigorous CEN testing which a lot US compoanies do not<br />Regards<br />Niall (Neil) McAra<br />EU Cycle Imports<br />724-940-9341Niall McArahttp://www.eucycleimports.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27741291883555311692012-01-23T14:09:48.586-05:002012-01-23T14:09:48.586-05:00Right, this is why I did not actually quote pricin...Right, this is why I did not actually quote pricing in the post. Unfortunately I have no idea how much the US distributor will be charging for these bikes, but I invited him to list pricing in the comments.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14788593760151425272012-01-23T14:07:13.628-05:002012-01-23T14:07:13.628-05:00Yes, I will be posting a review of the Freeload ra...Yes, I will be posting a review of the Freeload rack soon! I quite like it.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19924315584726805332012-01-23T11:02:47.981-05:002012-01-23T11:02:47.981-05:00Didn't see it mentioned -- Van Nicholas does s...Didn't see it mentioned -- Van Nicholas does sell the parts individually, including the bell and the seat tube (as well as some other interesting things like eating utensils and a hip flask), on their web site: http://www.vannicholas.com/0/components/accessories.aspx.<br />Also, I noticed you quoted a price including VAT -- you wouldn't pay this ordering from them here. This makes a big difference in the price, BTW, easily covering shipping etc.Jon Webbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02944939117507730995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28220420998634401072012-01-22T20:54:29.548-05:002012-01-22T20:54:29.548-05:00The bikes are customisable, so you could get diffe...The bikes are customisable, so you could get different handlebars if you want. Or get just the frameset and get everything built up just as you like from scratch. <br /><br />Aside from being too leaned over I did not find my hand position uncomfortable for <20 miles.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37266327315520098082012-01-22T19:43:47.315-05:002012-01-22T19:43:47.315-05:00You tested this bike for 55 miles. The aggressive ...You tested this bike for 55 miles. The aggressive stance from the static hand grip and bent position must have been more than annoying. What can you say about aches and pains? How long Miles/Minutes did could you ride before first hint of pain? The cockpit on a bike seems like a deal breaker. I would not want to spend $4500 and have to change a thing.dfwmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13796063938713087601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57146359083556019522012-01-22T17:18:25.011-05:002012-01-22T17:18:25.011-05:00Damn you! I was drinking tea when I read that and ...Damn you! I was drinking tea when I read that and almost did a spit take all over my computer! :)nowherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12125582590094636085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68244748562556739692012-01-22T15:03:32.256-05:002012-01-22T15:03:32.256-05:00I'm not trying to start a war; you are entitle...I'm not trying to start a war; you are entitled to dismiss my opinion as such.<br />But the threaded/threadless debate is settled. Winner: threadless.<br />-m.m.r.kittynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33746769459258885122012-01-22T14:26:22.235-05:002012-01-22T14:26:22.235-05:00On a bit of a tangent, any thoughts on that Freelo...On a bit of a tangent, any thoughts on that Freeload rack?Matt DeBlasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17666227904684289223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-48099596673758366822012-01-22T11:14:20.948-05:002012-01-22T11:14:20.948-05:00V, Heather & Anonymous 01-21-12 03:14,
I woul...V, Heather & Anonymous 01-21-12 03:14,<br /><br />I would not presume to speak for Van Nicholas, but here's my take on the issues you've mentioned....<br /><br />Re the frame design, Van Nicholas is clearly trying to optimize function in their tube shapes and other frame characteristics, rather than meet any particular aesthetic. Personally, I notice and care a great deal about the look and overall elegance of bicycles; but not to the exclusion of function, and the Amazon frame performs superbly as a versatile road bike that can carry things but still mix it up well in aggressive group rides. That level of versatility is unusual and has a lot to do with the frame design, in my opinion.<br /><br />Country of manufacture. Van Nicholas frames are designed in the Netherlands, manufactured in China, and shipped to the Netherlands, where the bicycles are assembled and shipped to dealers. The rationale is simply to make Ti bikes more affordable--The Amazon Rohloff/belt that was reviewed here is about half the cost of a Moots Co-mooter, a comparable bike which is manufactured in Colorado. <br /><br />High quality, durable Ti forks do exist--I happen to have one on my Van Nicholas Amazon rando bike--it's made in Colorado by Black Sheep. It's the best long distance road fork I've ever owned, and even though it was built custom, the cost was about the same as a custom steel fork, or an off the shelf carbon fork--roughly $450.msrwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16405671873250914126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18943565139076931742012-01-22T07:08:39.234-05:002012-01-22T07:08:39.234-05:00Not anymore than steel -v- carbon, threaded -v- un...Not anymore than steel -v- carbon, threaded -v- unthreaded, etc. though. <br /><br />Underscores one of the wonderful things about bikes: simple as they are, relatively slight variations have a big impact on user reaction.<br /><br />I know the guy who bought my custom Rohloff. He loves it. The fact that it was not right for me does not make it bad. Now people who prefer white over red wine ...Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27209339344105122012012-01-22T03:55:30.178-05:002012-01-22T03:55:30.178-05:00As an option Van Nicholson produce the Van Dyke wi...As an option Van Nicholson produce the Van Dyke with speach technology.<br /><br />It says "Mary Poppins" in a dodgy cockney accentCaptain Scarlethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07413586049140745543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-64746474784049574302012-01-22T03:51:36.432-05:002012-01-22T03:51:36.432-05:00I've trusted my life to carbon fiber quite man...I've trusted my life to carbon fiber quite many times(not that the gliders I fly are quite as exotic as an ASH-25): <br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ivFAO54GE<br /><br />The only fork I've ever had fail was of lugged and brazed steel construction.nowherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12125582590094636085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26603017665044597572012-01-21T19:25:48.710-05:002012-01-21T19:25:48.710-05:00China is a large country, and all the soil and wat...China is a large country, and all the soil and water is not polluted. Sure there are scary-toxic places there, but there are also areas where organic practices are very much possible. <br /><br />But regarding the bikes, perhaps Van Nicholas will chime in here re where exactly the frames are manufactured.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-50720286652171296682012-01-21T19:21:16.040-05:002012-01-21T19:21:16.040-05:00I asked and it tried to bite me.I asked and it tried to bite me.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30873920097123606322012-01-21T18:59:16.498-05:002012-01-21T18:59:16.498-05:00Of course, that goes without saying. The Mistral i...Of course, that goes without saying. The Mistral is a classic roadbike and has completely different geometry than the Amazon all around. The Yukon s a roadish alternative that might not have TCO judging by the geometry chart. At least Van Nicholas provides the front-center measurements.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5767472707391232752012-01-21T18:14:20.335-05:002012-01-21T18:14:20.335-05:00Heather, I think you mostly answered your own ques...Heather, I think you mostly answered your own question re: titanium forks. Yes, for some reason titanium forks never caught on. And maybe too flexible, or maybe the weight savings don't justify the expense. So, since nobody wants to put a good old steel fork on a space-age frame, most Ti bikes end up with carbon forks. But it certainly doesn't have to be that way, and you usually have a choice to order a steel fork, if you feel that a carbon fork is undesirable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74236012764305152362012-01-21T16:21:38.346-05:002012-01-21T16:21:38.346-05:00Hmm, I find the sloping top tube distracting, and ...Hmm, I find the sloping top tube distracting, and also dislike the 'ladies' mountain bike slope tube. Why is it it that it comes with a carbon fork? Why do most titanium bikes come with carbon forks? The nearest bike shop is very pro carbon fiber and my husband was trying to argue the merits of steel or titanium the other day. We went home and looked at the busted carbon site again.....eeeks! If I had a titanium bike, it would definitely have a steel fork. Is there something about titanium that makes it unsuitable for forks?<br />I do think the country of origin is relevant if only for the health and safety of the manufacturers in mind. Is the frame made in a country with strong environmental and safety standards, or is the bike being made in a country with lax laws to make it cheaper to build? Are the materials toxic or made in a dirty way? I deal with organic grains,nuts, seeds, dried fruits from China all the time, but if all the soil and water in China is polluted, then all the organic certification and practices in the world do not make it better. And the customers wouldn't buy it if they knew it was from China, so my boss won't label it as such.<br />If a bicycle brand touts itself as being dutch or american, shouldn't it be built there?Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28242138448676440222012-01-21T15:35:34.335-05:002012-01-21T15:35:34.335-05:00Just a note of caution if anyone is thinking of ta...Just a note of caution if anyone is thinking of taking Velouria's experiences and applying them to other Van Nichols bikes. The geometry of their bikes varies enormously between models. A similar sized Mistral (I think that's what it was) has considerable toe overlap for a size 8 (UK) foot. The more relaxed audax style model, can't remember the name, had none with no mudguards, but I think would have been pretty close with. Nice bikes though.Tim Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-538999333929038562012-01-21T15:34:57.927-05:002012-01-21T15:34:57.927-05:00Paul, what kind of frame and set-up do you have fo...Paul, what kind of frame and set-up do you have for your Rohloff? I'm especially curious about the commuting version. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-83274949094063555672012-01-21T14:30:55.151-05:002012-01-21T14:30:55.151-05:00Rohloff gears certainly divide opinion. I have rid...Rohloff gears certainly divide opinion. I have ridden Rohloff bikes for six years and have used them for touring, day rides and commuting and I just love them. However, the frame and set up must be right for this type of hub and not to consider one if your priority is speed and a light frame.Paulnoreply@blogger.com