magazine 2017
van nicholas magazine introduction
02
03
van nicholas magazine
contents
c on t e n t s
What inspires you? What gets you out of bed every day? For us the answer is simple: Titanium.
Naturally, the desire to design perfect bicycles and deliver a lifelong cycling experience to all our customers drives us forward day by day, but Titanium is what started us on this journey in the first place, and it continues to fuel our passion for innovation and excellence.
discuss the design of their top-of-the-range Dura-Ace R9100 groupset. And we talk to legendary coach Eugène Janssen about his unique, multi-disciplinary approach to performance training and nutrition. We also meet inspiring Van Nicholas riders, who share their most memorable riding experiences, and present a selection of cycling and lifestyle products – perfect should you be looking for gift inspiration. And, of course, you’ll find our entire range of Titanium bicycles, components and Van Nicholas accessories.
In our 2017 magazine, we take a look at how a few other people have been inspired to surpass expectations and break new ground. Like the team behind the Icona Vulcano, the world’s first Titanium supercar, We hope you find something to and a one-off example of auto- inspire you within these pages. motive engineering genius. Happy riding. Or the team at Shimano, who ©2016 - Van Nicholas Bicycles Tinweg 9, 8445 PD, Heerenveen, the Netherlands
phone web social
+31 (0) 513 435040 vannicholas.com facebook.com/VanNicholas instagram.com/vannicholasbicycles twitter.com/Van_Nicholas Van Nicholas is part of Accell Nederland BV.
design copywriting photography 04
Mærke - creatie en communicatie (maerke.nl)
Mærke - creatie en communicatie, Charles Thurlow
Henk Bruyns Beeldproducties, Marco van Buren, Dan Milner
32
Best Groupset Yet?
Shimano’s latest Dura-Ace under inspection.
46
Recipe for Success
The unique methods of renowned coach Eugène Janssen.
07
A Lifetime of Cycling Passion
Former pro Ralph talks about his love of cycling.
18
Beautiful Beast
What inspired the world’s first Titanium Supercar.
44
08 12 74
The Considered Choice Engineered Allure The Obvious Choice
22 36 50 60 66 70
ROAD bicycles TOUR bicycles MTB bicycles Titanium accessories VNT accessories Van Nicholas apparel
30 44 58
Fan ROAD Fan TOUR Fan MTB
10 16 64
#Philosophicycle Choice - Cycling Choice - Lifestyle
Tour Fan - Kevin Burrett
Tackling Taiwanese hills on Titanium.
05
WWW.PINION.EU
THE HEART
A Pinion gearbox is the centerpiece of a thoroughbred travel bike. Centrally integrated into the bicycle frame it provides a perfectly balanced riding experience. Inspired by sophisticated automotive transmission technology each Pinion provides outstanding shifting performance and lifetime durability. Extra strong steel gear wheels ensure optimal function without wearout or adjustments, even under the most challenging conditions. Explore Pinion.
MADE IN GERMANY
column
A Lifetime of Cycling Passion a column by Ralph Moorman
A love of cycling runs in my family: my father and older brother would be racing while I had to play soccer as a young boy. At the weekends I would cheer for them by the side of the road. Of course, I also wanted to cycle, but I had to partake in a team sport first. When I was thirteen years old, my true loveaffair with cycling began. What intrigued me the most was the individual aspect. Unlike in soccer, you do not depend on others who might not take the team sport as seriously. You only depend on yourself and the more effort you put in, the more you will be rewarded. Any success belongs to you alone. The physical side, pushing one’s body to the limits, also appealed to me – as did the speed! At a later stage, I became interested in the materials and craft. I studied ‘fine metal’ at a technical school to became a framebuilder, just as Willem van der Kaaij from RIH Amsterdam had done – my first road bike was a RIH. At first my brother was my idol, but later on this became Gerrie Knetemann, from Amsterdam (just like me), a good time trialist. I was very lucky to race with him when I became a professional cyclist in 1989. What I remember like it was yesterday was 1986, the year my father (my biggest fan and trainer) passed away, and I rode the World Championship in Colorado and the World University
Championship in Moscow in the same month. In the latter, I won a bronze medal on the track in the individual pursuit behind Ekimov, on a bike I’d borrowed from the Russians. I had only planned on competing in the road race! Another vivid memory is my last year as an amateur in 1988. I won three classics in 10 days; ‘Ronde van Zuid-Holland’, ‘Dorpenomloop’ and the ‘Omloop van de Glazen Stad’. Unfortunately, I never rode a Grand Tour, but my ‘résumé’ still includes ‘The Omloop van het Volk’, ‘Gent-Wevelgem’, ‘ParisRoubaix’, ‘Paris-Brussels’, ‘E3 prijs Harelbeke’, ‘3 daagse van de Panne’ and different stage races in France and Spain. Now my professional riding days are over, my passion for cycling has been channeled into Van Nicholas.
“Any success belongs to you alone”
It was my dream to make a profession out of my hobby, first as a pro cyclist and later on in the cycling industry. I just love to surround myself with anything cycling related. After 12 years in General Manager Van Nicholas, Ralph Moorman the industry, I got the chance to become a Product Manager and now I’m managing a beautiful brand. I have a fantastic job, which is very diverse. You never stop learning and have to keep up with the new developments, products and techniques. Now I cycle for fun, for health and for relaxation. It feels good to get on my bike and recharge myself – and trying out new products is a lot of fun, too!
07
van nicholas magazine
titanium - the considered choice
t he
c onsid e r e d
choice
At Van Nicholas our goal has always been to design and build the best bicycles possible for their intended application, and deliver the ultimate lifelong cycling experience for every customer. We believe Titanium is the material best suited to helping us achieve this goal, so Titanium is the only material we use for our bicycle frames. And we are not alone in recognising Titanium’s unparalleled qualities. From aircraft frames to car engine components, propeller shafts to oceanic equipment, surgical implants to wheelchairs, jewellery to sports equipment, and even nuclear waste storage, Titanium is the material of choice.
simply beautiful
Timeless allure. Natural lustre. The elegant lines of our frames accentuate the rare beauty of Titanium. Irresistible. We simply brighten its natural colour by lightly brushing.
powerfully agile
A great ride lies in the perfect balance of lateral stiffness for power transfer, and vertical compliance to absorb feedback from the road surface. Titanium has an unparalleled strengthto-weight ratio which ensures rigidity, and just enough give to make you feel like you’re floating on air.
2x
stronger than aluminium
immutably tough
Titanium won’t give up when you are depending on it. It boasts superior fatigue life and impact resistance, and a natural coating of Titanium Dioxide ensures that no matter how punishing the conditions, it will never succumb to rust, decay or corrosion.
08
aerospace Withstands extreme conditions
The comparison between the three metals are displayed in a diagram with a nominal range, from 05 to 01, where 05 is the highest score.
titanium
aluminium
steel
It was discovered by William Gregor in 1791. The name refers to the immortal Titans of the Greek mythology: descendants of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth), who symbolize incredible strength
Titanium is the chemical element with atomic number 22. A hard, silver-grey metal of the transition series, used in strong, light, corrosion-resistant alloys.
600Ëšc
47,867
∞
45%
lighter than steel
high tolerance
endless durability
marine High corrosion-resistance
medical Biocompatible and durable
consumer goods Lightweight, high strength
09
philosophicycle
van nicholas magazine
#
“ I t ’s n o t t h e d e s t i n a t i o n, i t ’s t h e r i d e”
“It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels” – Heinz Stucke
Dream big. Pedal hard.
#Philosophicycle “Good morale in cycling comes from good legs” – Sean Yates
“No, your legs aren’t that tired. Ye s , y o u c a n b r e a t h e . Keep going”
Gone riding. Be back whenever.
10
“You’re only a bike ride away from a good mood.”
“Feet on the pedals, head in the clouds”
It’s just a hill, get over it.
“It never gets easier, you just get faster” Why do we ride? To be free? To relax? To think? To escape? For work? For exercise? For pleasure? For the challenge? To feel alive? People have been cycling – and obsessing over cycling – for all these reasons and more since the bicycle was invented 200 years ago. We’ve assembled a collection of thoughts and wisdom inspired by this humble machine and the highs and lows of cycling.
– Greg LeMond
“A l o n g r i d e is the answer to a question you will soon forget”
What inspired you to start riding? Why do you ride today? Share your favourite stories, quotations, and images with us on Facebook or Instagram.
#philosophicycle
“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a bicycle and that’s pretty close.”
Grab life with both hands. 11
van nicholas magazine
design - engineered allure
e ngine e r e d
a l l ur e
To create the perfect bicycle for its intended application, and offer the ultimate lifelong cycling experience for those who ride our bicycles, a fine balance needs to be struck between engineering and aesthetic requirements.
It is in this blending of different ideas and requirements that creativity comes to the fore. How do you alter a frame designed for calliper brakes if now you want to offer disc brakes on this model? What differences are there in the stress levels on a frame when configured for 650b or 29” wheels? Will a third bottle mount compromise the integriNaturally, for a high performan- journey, each Van Nicholas ce road bicycle, stiffness is esis defined by a set of parame- ty of a frame? Parameters can and will shift during the design sential to allow effective power ters dictated by the type of process, either through testing transfer, but if the tubing is bicycle we are designing. feedback, engineering limitarendered bulky to achieve this, If we’re designing a bombfew people will choose that proof touring bicycle, for exam- tions, or technological advancements. How we react to bike over a rival, more attracple, we know it needs to be these shifting parameters tively proportioned model. tough enough to stand up to – the solutions we find to the In counter-point, designing a everything the trail can throw touring bike with the world’s at it (strong tubing and welds), problems – is what comes to define a Van Nicholas. thinnest tubing might make versatile enough to be confifor a beautiful bicycle, but it gured exactly the way an adcan’t be considered a sucventurer requires it (mounts testing times cess if it snaps in two the first for racks, water bottles, mudTesting is probably the lengthtime it hits a bump in the road. guards), and comfortable iest stage of the design proenough to take that adventucess, consisting as it does of So how does the design rer thousands of miles with several distinct phases that all process balance these two, ease (in-built shock-absorbing feedback to the initial design. equally important, consideraflexibility). These parameters Before the first prototypes tions? How do we test the provide us with our starting can be made, each part of limits of our chosen material, point in terms of geometry and a potential new product will Titanium, so that we can which additional parts are best undergo comprehensive 3D make the correct engineering suited to the build. But as we Finite Element Analysis (FEA). decisions? What is it that debegin to test our initial ideas During this process, the initial fines the distinctive DNA of a and incorporate the results, Computer Aided Design (CAD) Van Nicholas and how do we so the solutions to the promodels are subjected to rigoinstil this into our products? blems encourage the creativi- rous testing in computer simuWe look behind the scenes at ty that shapes our aesthetic. lations designed to measure the processes involved in crea- A conversation begins bethe stresses on each tiny part ting the perfect Van Nicholas. tween designers, fabricators of a product when in use. and testers, and each depart- The results of these simulament’s input is essential to tions dictate the optimum drawing board angles for connecting tubes, When starting out on the design the process.
12
The sharp, stealth-like angles of the Astraeus continue purposefully into the sides of the head tube, presenting a sleek, minimalist profile to the tapered headset. The final result is striking, modern and clean, but still redolent of traditional forms.
Aesthetic considerations
13
Engineering considerations
The outer diameters of the steerer tube, headset and connections with the down tube and top tube dictate the basic parameters. Many iterations of the 3D model are made to reduce materials for lower weight and balance the initial design with construction feasibility.
van nicholas magazine
Engineering considerations
Endurance, stiffness and feasibility are the key considerations. By applying the FEA mesh to virtually examine the frame, the design can be adjusted accordingly. Thicker or thinner tubing, different tubing cross-sections, diameters or welding positions are just some of the potential changes at this stage.
van nicholas magazine design - engineered allure
During the translation from sketch to 3D model, via FEA testing to the final product, analysis of the expected mechanical properties play a large part in shaping the aesthetics. The heart fights for character and soul, the head demands performance and feasibility.
Aesthetic considerations
14
the optimum tube thickness to allow effective welding and the optimum diameter to deliver the required performance. This data provides an invaluable starting point, but must still be balanced by the realworld requirements of frame construction. For example, the optimal positioning of the tubes according to FEA might require multiple joins (at the head tube, for example) to be bunched so closely together
shapes of the top tube, seat tube and seat stays. Our experience working with Titanium combined with the FEA gives us a good idea of the tubing shapes we will need to employ to deliver the requisite performance, but it is only when the initial prototypes undergo real-world testing that we can understand if our original ideas have worked. The rider’s experience (stiffness, comfort, handling) is one element of this physical
No product can pass from the initial prototype stage into production without first passing all of our safety, performance and reliability tests. that the welder is unable to access the joint area to weld it correctly. And designing around a traditional chaindriven drive train is a different prospect to designing around a carbon belt drive, too, with the latter requiring a break in the chain or seat stay to accommodate the belt. Optimising the rigidity of a frame influences the shape of the head tube, down tube, chain stays, and to a lesser extent, the top tube. The choice of bottom bracket can also play a part in this, with new press-fit bottom brackets necessitating their own distinctive engineering parameters when compared to the more traditional threaded versions. The level of comfort required will determine the
testing, but of equal importance are strength and reliability, which, in turn, feedback to the initial design. This is the point at which our physical prototypes are sent to the test lab, and we undertake a comprehensive series of tests which will influence the thickness of the tubing (and hence overall weight), weld positions, weld shapes and tube shapes. This dialogue is essential to ensure the finished product delivers on our promise of a lifelong cycling experience, and is arguably the most rigorous stage of our testing process. Every part of the design is subjected to realworld simulations of the toughest performance and environmental challenges that will be faced by the product – from repetitive and load bearing
stress tests, to UV-degradation and assembly. If anything falls short, we return to the CAD stage once more armed with the new data. No product can pass from the initial prototype stage into production without first passing all of our safety, performance and reliability tests.
distinctive dna
At all points during the CAD design and testing stages, our designers’ decisions are also influenced by our brand DNA – the characteristic features of every Van Nicholas. Why do we never paint our frames, for example? We have always stood by the minimalist philosophy espoused by Mies van der Rohe, who said “less is more”, which manifests itself in a simplicity of form – nothing is added unless it is essential, or offers a clear benefit. On most of our models, for example, you will find our logo engraved onto the head tube. Engraving Titanium is not a simple process and it would be far easier to use a decal, but engraving the logo onto the head tube makes it lighter without adversely affecting performance. Similarly, when looking to save weight in the high-stress drop-out area, on some models we were able to cut out the logo – this removed some unnecessary metal without impacting on the loadbearing capabilities in that area, while simultaneously imbuing the design with our brand aesthetic. At first glance, the logos might seem like superfluous adornment, but they are there to do a job. No part of a Van Nicholas design gets a free ride!
This philosophy also influences the choice of components. We cannot allow our designs to be compromised by aftermarket components, so the available selection naturally plays a part in the process. And if we do feel that a design would be compromised by a particular component, why not design a component that we’re confident will perform to our demands? For this reason, we specifically designed forks for particular models, like the Boreas, Zion 29er and Revelstoke, and the first drop handlebars with a top-mounted Rohloff shifter. If the solution to a problem is to innovate, then innovate we must.
striking balance
We constantly walk a tightrope between brand character and physical limitations. Finding the balance is what makes each Van Nicholas a uniquely desirable, high performance product. Our comprehensive testing programme and the hard work of our designers and fabricators mean that we are always confident that the product we finally present to the marketplace is as close to perfection as we can possibly make it. But it is you, the real-world rider, who is the true judge of whether or not we have achieved our objectives. Your feedback continues to inform our process, help define our parameters and motivate us to continue on our quest to achieve the perfect embodiment of engineered allure in this and future generations of Van Nicholas bikes and components.
15
van nicholas magazine
choice - cycling
01.
c y cl ing
02.
03.
01. Shimano Transit Windbreak Jacket Packed full of technical features, this stylish jacket is perfect for on or off the bike. bike-shimano.com 02. Grand Tour Cookbook Eat like the professionals with mouth-watering recipes designed to keep you in peak condition. hannahgrantcooking.com 03. Uvex Variotronic ff Glasses These smart glasses automatically adjust to changing light conditions in a tenth of a second. uvex-sports.com 04.
04. Noke Keyless Bluetooth U-lock The future of bike security is here! No more keys to lose: unlock your bike with your phone. noke.com 05. Posh Projects Bike Bag Perfect for carrying your essentials in style on the daily commute, or quick trip around town. posh-projects.com
16
05.
06.
08.
07.
09.
06. Fitbit Charge HR All you need to track and analyse your workouts in a discreet wristband with multi-connectivity. fitbit.com 07. Urbanature BikeBlock Smarten up your bike storage with this free-standing solution designed for wheels of most sizes. urbanature.de 08. POC Octal AVIP MIPS Helmet Lightweight, packed with safety and performance features, and it looks great. A cut above regular helmets. pocsports.com 09. Mininch Tool Pen A sleek, pen-sized multi-head screwdriver for emergency repairs on the move. mininch.com
10.
10. Fabric Alm Saddle Designed in conjunction with Airbus, this saddle delivers the cutting-edge performance to back up its looks. fabric.cc
17
van nicholas magazine
beautiful beast
Beautiful Beast Ask most car manufacturers what material they are least likely to use for the bodywork of their cars, and they will probably say Titanium. The high production costs prohibit its use for anything other than a component here and there, or perhaps some decorative interior trim. Of course, if something simply isn’t done, you can guarantee that somebody somewhere will see that as a challenge. Step forward Icona, who have created the world’s first Titanium car.
18
“I thought, ‘we can’t make it’. Titanium is a material never used for this kind of purpose” Hammer-form craftsman, Dino Franco
19
van nicholas magazine
beautiful beast
Inspired by the world’s fastest plane, the SR-71 Blackbird, which was also made predominantly from Titanium, the makers hope the Vulcano will offer a similarly unparalleled experience. With claimed performance figures of 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed in excess of 355km/h, it won’t have too many rivals on the road – and the fact it is a totally unique, one-off build means the lucky buyer never has to worry about parking next to another Vulcano when they pull up at the local supermarket (in Monaco, probably!)
beautiful. The way we found the right balance was usually by looking for the greatest simplicity.”
Inspired Design
Icona is the sister design house of CECOMP, a renowned prototype manufacturer famous in automobile circles for their work over more than thirty years on concept cars for Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, and Porsche. They spent more than 10,000 hours hand-crafting the beautiful Titanium panels for the Vulcano, and they faced numerous challenges in the process.
Icona’s Design Director, Samuel Chuffart says: “Inspiration for the Vulcano came from recent airplanes and architectural challenges where we find exquisitely sharp and dramatic silhouettes complimenting sensual surface transitions. This was key to the styling of the Vulcano.” The styling certainly is dramatic, the large bulges designed to reduce air turbulence generated by the wheels give the car a muscular, brutish feel, while the swooping, aerodynamic lines are jaw-droppingly beautiful. “As different ideas came together, the most challenging design issue we faced was how to create a balance between power and beauty,” Simon Chuffart explains. “When you’re trying to create a feeling of aesthetic harmony, you risk creating too many sweet lines, which decreases the feeling of power. On the other hand, if you make too much of the powerful features which are necessary to a super sports car, such as its cooling cut-outs and blades which manage the air flow, they become graphically too dominant, and this makes the car less
20
This balance between aggressive power and harmonious beauty was perfected in the scale clay model process. It took many weeks, before the model was further refined in 3D, including pre-feasibility checks, consisting of ergonomics, crash testing and aerodynamics. Only then were they ready to start the laborious process of hand-making the car.
Trials & Tribulations
Although it started simply as a concept to showcase Icona’s design expertise, the interest in the car was so huge they realised they would have to make it for real. Because CECOMP are expert aluminium fabricators, they wanted to build the car in aluminium at first, but the idea of Titanium had been planted in their minds. Despite the inherent difficulties of working with it, they knew the Vulcano simply had to be made from Titanium, not only for its lightweight, high-strength attributes and the inherent beauty of its raw, unadorned form, but because it hadn’t been done before. “It is an Italian car,” says Chuffart, “built by people who are not afraid to walk new paths, to explore new directions.”
Gianluca Forneris, owner of CECOMP, elaborates: “It was an adventure! Titanium was the ideal candidate, although it gave us many problems.” Nowhere were these problems more apparent than in the workshop, so it is unsurprising that Dino Franco, hammerform craftsman, had initial reservations: “I thought, ‘we can’t make it’. Titanium is a material never used for this kind of purpose – it is a very solid material and is definitely not elastic. It doesn’t allow you to shape it as you want.” Matteo Rignanese, from Icona’s Sales Department, explains: “Many people in the workshop wanted to turn back and make the body in aluminium. Titanium is a material with lots of ‘memory’: many times after a full day of hammerform (the panel was made by hand) we saw the sheet go back to its initial form.” They experimented with different shaping techniques, such as English Wheel. “This was working well,” Matteo says, “but was not compatible with the edgy shape of the Vulcano. The result was that using the wheel allowed the panel to retain its shape, but could not be used to make drastic changes of degree.” Thankfully, after much trial and error, they developed a pain-staking technique that enabled them to create the dramatic shapes they needed. As Matteo concluded: “This experience taught us that Titanium is very hard to work! After building the Vulcano, we clearly understood two things: the reason why this was not made before, and that it can be done.”
And even Dino Franco, despite thousands of hours hammering and shaping, was convinced of the unique properties of Titanium eventually, calling the finished car simply “a masterpiece”.
What Lies Beneath?
The complete engineering drive-train and suspension is the work of famous ex-Scuderia Ferrari engineer director Claudio Lombardi, along with Mario Cavagnero, head of Italtecnica and the mastermind behind famous Lancia and Peugeot rally cars. Between them, they have developed championship winning cars in F1 and World Rally since the 80’s, so the Vulcano’s supercar performance credentials are not in question. The engine is a 6.2 litre, V8 made by General Motors and used in their Corvette ZR1. It is capable of being tuned to 1,000bhp should the owner deem it necessary, but it has been set up at a slightly more manageable 670bhp in the Vulcano. Brakes are huge six and four piston calliper Brembo carbon ceramics – so there should be no problem keeping the enormous power in check. Gear-shifting is taken care of by a short ratio paddle shift transmission by Automac Milano. The shift times and clutch calibration are optimized in order to deliver the best balance of power distribution when accelerating, key to using maximum power on the road. In a further break from convention, this system completely eliminates any traditional gear lever on the center console and uses only paddles behind the steering wheel – if the car can go as fast as an F1 car, it makes sense to make the
driving experience as close to one as possible, too! The suspension geometry has been designed along more traditional lines, with double triangles front and rear combined with coil coaxial springs, but, in a very modern twist, the shock absorbers and torsion bars are fully adjustable in rebound and compression, which makes it possible to select the optimum calibration for a multitude of driving conditions. The interior is every bit as high-tech and luxurious as the rest, with electronically adjustable seats from racing specialists Sabelt, and a touch-screen console that controls GPS, air conditioning, entertainment and diagnostics. Alcantara and Poltona Frau leathers cover everything not already covered by carbon fiber.
“Titanium is not only a performance material, there is something sculptural about it, too.” Icona’s Design Director, Samuel Chuffart
Car, or Art?
The Vulcano is truly unique, a thing of beauty and high performance with a staggering price tag to match. It ticks all the boxes required of a modern supercar – exclusivity, looks, speed, state-of-the-art – and Titanium sets it apart in a class of its own, its natural beauty elevating the bold lines of its form into something almost transcendental. As Samuel Chuffart says: “Titanium is not only a performance material, there is something sculptural about it, too. I see the Vulcano as a piece of jewellery, somehow – it’s just a very beautiful sculpture.” It’s hard not to agree, The Vulcano is a modern masterpiece.
Fancy a matching car for your Titanium Van Nicholas? Discover more at iconavulcano.com
21
van nicholas magazine road
22
r o a d Set out under low clouds of a grey day, head down into prevailing winds, push hard against the currents, drop low, tuck in, make light work of your endeavour, fool your mind and dupe your legs, because the greatest part, the sweetest pleasure, over sweeping road up fearsome hill, hides in never-say-die, the refusal to be cowed, the pedal’s constant turning, the failure not allowed, and that’s the reason, fighting pain and doubt with belief and grim determination, you keep on, riding on, and on, and on.
23
van nicholas magazine
road
a s t r a e us Ride the best
hydroformed tubing Hydroforming allows us, by the injection of liquids under high pressure, to shape normal round Titanium tubes into any shape we want. Tube walls can be made as thin as possible at low-stress points to save weight without any compromise on rigidity, while we simultaneously tailor for optimal aerodynamic profiling. h-bridge The H-bridge principle works by diverting the twisting forces applied by the user away from the bottom bracket. This seemingly simple part helps increase the rigidity, and thereby power transfer, in this crucial area, but this also improves the reliability of the entire frame by deflecting peak stresses away from the point where the chainstays, down tube and seat tube are welded.
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm 24
The pinnacle of Titanium racing bike design. All our expertise combined into one explosive package, with poise and power in abundance. Light and stiff, aerooptimised and aesthetically bold. The closest you can get to flying on two wheels.
t i ta nium
a s t r a e us
he a d
t ube
engineered allure finesse
25
The Astraeus head tube is 3D CNC machined from one single piece of tubing. Each frame size is different, because the position of the sharp, clean lines of the design is dictated by the angle created between the top tube and down tube as they join the head tube.
van nicholas magazine
road
z e p h y r Serene machine
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm
Created with one key objective: providing day-long comfort over the most challenging road surfaces. The Zephyr helps you last the distance, faster than the rest.
a quil o
All out racer
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm 26
Agile, race-primed geometry and incredibly stiff, light tubing guarantee this bike delivers on speed. The ideal race-day machine to give you the edge in the sprint.
b or e a s Smooth sprinter
sizes 480, 510, 540, 560, 580, 600 & 620 mm
Comfort, speed and a custom-made fork combine to deliver a lightning-quick racer that irons out rough roads to keep you fresher, and faster, for longer.
special edition
b or e a s Smooth sprinter
sizes 480, 510, 540, 560, 580, 600 & 620 mm
Experience the silky ride and race-tuned performance of our Boreas frameset in an off-the-peg package to keep costs down for budget-conscious Titanium thrills. 27
van nicholas magazine
road
disc
b or e a s Smooth sprinter
disc brakes Simply the safest, most reliable method for braking in tough conditions. Unparalleled modulation, or ‘feel’, allows you to apply just the right amount of pressure to avoid locking up the wheels – imperative when riding to the limit – and, unlike rim brakes, there is no loss of efficiency in the wet.
Put the power down with the same smooth turn of speed as the standard Boreas, but stop safely with disc brakes sizes XS/480, S/510, M/540, L/570, XL/600 & XXL/640 mm in even the wildest of weather, or riding, conditions.
amazon
cr o s s Off road, race on
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm 28
Carve up the track with aggressive geometry and oversized tubing and throw yourself into the mudspattered fun and furious passion of cyclocross racing.
t e chnol ogie s engraved head tube Original Van Nicholas
optiformed tubing Any size fit
press fit bb Stiffer, lighter
electronic shifting Precise, instant control
polished finish High lustre
cold worked tubing Structurally reinforced
tapered headset Increased rigidity
h-bridge Increased stiffness
brushed finish Natural brightness
3d sculpted
integrated headset Lighter, stiffer
boreas fork Rigid aero-integration
hydroformed tubing Liquid versus Titanium
3d forged
internal cable routing Clean aesthetics
road disc brakes All-weather braking
seat tube ctt
seat tube ctc
seat tube angle
effective top tube
headtube
headtube angle
chainstay
bottom bracket
wheelbase
stack
reach
dropout Precision castings
frame size
ge ome t r y
dropout Maximum efficiency
500 520 540 560 580 600 500 520 540 560 580 600 480* 510* 540* 560 570* 580 600* 620 640* 500 520 540 560 580 600
470 490 510 530 550 570 470 490 510 530 550 570 460 490 520 540 550 560 580 600 620 475 495 515 535 555 575
435 455 475 495 515 535 430 450 470 490 510 530 425 455 485 505 515 525 545 565 585 435 455 475 495 515 535
75.0 74.5 74.0 73.5 73.0 72.5 75.0 74.5 74.0 73.5 73.0 72.5 74.5 74.5 73.5 73.0 73.0 72.5 72.0 72.0 72.0 74.0 73.5 73.5 73.5 73.0 73.0
520 531 540 550 566 577 520 531 540 550 566 577 518 527 543 558 563 569 582 592 601 530 535 545 560 577 590
130 140 155 170 185 200 145 155 170 180 200 215 115 130 150 165 170 180 195 210 225 125 140 160 180 195 205
72.0 72.5 72.5 73.0 73.0 73.5 71.0 71.5 71.5 72.0 72.0 72.5 71.5 71.5 72.0 72.5 72.5 72.5 73.0 73.0 73.5 71.5 71.5 72.0 72.0 72.0 72.0
405 405 405 405 405 408 405 410 412 415 418 418 409/+11 409/+11 409/+11 412/+8 420 412/+8 412/+8 412/+8 420 425 425 425 425 425 425
70 70 70 70 70 70 75 75 75 75 75 75 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 60 60 60 60 60 60
971 973 977 978 988 992 978 985 992 995 1009 1010 971 980 983 996 997 1002 1000 1010 1013 1002 1003 1009 1025 1037 1049
531 542 556 572 588 603 547 558 572 583 602 618 519 533 554 568 573 582 600 615 626 530 544 565 584 598 612
377 380 380 380 387 387 372 375 375 377 382 382 373 378 378 384 387 385 388 393 397 377 373 377 386 394 402
astraeus & aquilo
zephyr
boreas Note, the geometry of the Boreas and the Boreas Disc is nearly identical. The size difference of the Disc compared to the normal Boreas is noted behind the forward slash. For example, the chainstay of the Boreas for size 540 is 409 mm and the Disc is plus 11 mm: 420 mm.
amazon
cross
Dimensions are in millimeters [mm] and angles in degrees [ Ëš ] * The Boreas Disc is only available in the marked sizes.
29
van nicholas magazine
road fan
My love of cycling started when I was forced to stop playing football at the age of 30 after breaking my leg. I then took up triathlon, but once I realized I only enjoyed the bike part, I gave it up and stuck to cycling. I chose a Van Nicholas Aquilo because I wanted something different from all the generic carbon bikes that my friends ride. The stiff, racy frame of the Aquilo appealed to me, as did the classic, minimalist look of Titanium which never fails to turn heads. Since taking delivery of my Aquilo it has been on plenty of memorable rides, such as three days riding the Tour of Flanders routes, taking in cobbled climbs like the Koppenberg, Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont and the Muur van Geraardsbergen, but by far and away the most epic rides were those I did with five friends in the French Alps in June 2015.
500m from the summit, but could only manage second place in the race to the summit. The reward was the descent back to Briancon with the Aquilo handling like it was on rails at 73km/h.
following legends
The next day began a little more sedately with a ride from Briancon to Giullestre through the valley before turning back and heading to the start of another HC climb, the Col d’Izoard, from the south. At 15.9km long with an average gradient of 6.9% the climb seemed to go on and on and I was relieved to see the memorial to Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet at the summit. The weather at the top was pretty chilly so I put my rain jacket on and waited for my group to arrive. And waited. The last rider finally summited an hour later and by that time I was feeling the cold. Luckily the descent dropped us right back into Briancon, so I was soon back at my hotel warming up with a cold beer next to the pool.
final challenge
The last day we headed out to climb the Galibier again but only made it to the top of the Col du Lauteret where we learned that a land slip near the summit had closed the Galibier. A quick google search revealed that our hotel sat right at the bottom of another lesser-known HC mountain, the Col du Granon. The Granon was last used in the Tour de France in 1986, when it was the highest ever friendly rivalry summit finish, before having that title We were based in Briancon, near the taken by the Galibier in 2011. It was only Italian border, and we arose on day one 11km long but the average gradient is 9% to clear blue skies and warm weather making it a real brute of a climb. The road ready for our first ride. On the menu was a ride up the Cat 1 climb, the Col du Lau- is bumpy and narrow and effectively a dead-end so you can see why it is no teret and then straight onto the H’ors Categorie Col du Galibier, the ninth high- longer used in the Tour. The kilometre markers in the last 5km showed the graest paved road in the Alps. At 2645m it dient was never in single figures and I is often the highest point in the Tour de France and is 8.5km long with an average found myself cursing every one of them gradient of 6.9%. The Col du Lauteret was as I approached the top. After a few relatively sedate, but once on the Galibier quick photos I began the descent tentayou could see why even the pros fear the tively, never really being able to let go climb. Three of my friends raced off ahead because of the poor road surface and the lack of width. but I soon picked one off and set about catching the other two. The scenery was amazing with a sheer drop to my right and With my Alpine adventures over, I packed I had to keep my eyes on the road to make away my trusty steed with a satisfactory aching in my legs. sure I didn’t veer too close to the edge. I eventually caught another friend about 30
40
yr
1.7
8 m
78
kg
51 191 min bpm
max bpm
31
van nicholas magazine
best groupset yet ?
Dura-Ace R9100 crankset FC-R9100 50-34T 609 grams optional in-crank power meter
32
Best Groupset Yet? Riders are always searching for that winning combination of lighter, stronger and more reliable components. Now, more than 150 years after the development of the first bicycle components, Shimano has introduced its Dura-Ace R9100, the most advanced Shimano groupset ever. For today’s road racing professionals and enthusiasts who require the highest performance levels, Shimano is the by-word for innovation, constantly striving to produce the most advanced groupsets available on the market. According to Shimano, their new sleek, powerful and effective groupset is all about racing bicycles at the highest level. So what drives a top-end groupset like this? What puts Shimano’s latest offering into a class of its own? We take a closer look at the transmission of the R9100, from sychronized shifting, to the 11-speed Hyperglide cassette.
Systematic Approach
Shimano describes the design philosophy behind the R9100 as ‘improving performance by maximising efficiency’. What this boils down to is the principle that each component should be improved to optimise input and maximise output, or as far as technically possible, reduce the energy loss between a rider’s effort and the actual performance they achieve. In order to achieve this, Shimano feels it is important to think of the entire groupset as a whole – the system engineering concept is about building a total riding experience. The rider does not interact with components one piece at a time; they interact with multiple parts, multiple times, throughout the ride.
Takao Harada, Product Manager Japan, explains: “A systematic bike construction is the smartest approach, because when these individual products are combined they let the cyclist ride the bike the way they envisioned.” Nowhere is this integrated philosophy more important than in the interaction between crankset, cassette, derailleurs and shifters.
Driving Force
Anyone familiar with Shimano’s range of cranksets will recognise the asymmetrical four-arm construction, the spider, which they use to provide rigidity and effective power transfer from the rider to the drivetrain. In this new iteration, the Hollowtech II crank arm is lighter, but slightly larger and the use of Hollowglide technology (the monocoque construction of the outer chain ring) combines to create a crankset that is stiffer and weighs in at 7g less than the previous crankset. This should go some way towards maximising rider output, and they’re keen to let you measure this improved performance for yourself.
Utilizing technology from bikefitting.com, a Shimano-owned company specializing in advanced bike fitting and bike measuring instruments, the first crank-integrated power meter on the market provides riders access to very accurate data. The ‘brain’ of the power meter is found in the crank, and strain gauges are fitted in the crank arms to measure the power delivered by the left and right legs. Fred Grappe, Head of Performance at Francaise Des Jeux professional cycling team, was part of the Dura-Ace power meter development team. “Modern day cyclists cannot train more, they can only train smarter. A power meter allows this, giving riders feedback on what their legs are doing. It takes the guess work out of riding, providing valuable and relevant feedback on performance and telling riders what they need to do in training and/or recovery. If you’re riding by feel, or training by hours, or trying to maintain an average speed, then you’re ignoring so many other variables that could turn you into a better rider or tell you when to make your efforts count.” “In the past Shimano developed the most advanced power crank I’ve worked with
“Modern day cyclists cannot train more, they can only train smarter.” FDJ Head of Performance Fred Grappe
for use in a laboratory. We took that technology and experience from the laboratory and transferred it into a system suitable for use in real-world racing situations. Together with the Francaise Des Jeux team we’ve been testing it throughout
33
van nicholas magazine
best groupset yet ?
the 2015-16 season and we’re incredibly impressed with the breadth of powerful analytical information.” The power meter is connected to the spider, so if you need to change chain rings it can easily be done without affecting the power meter’s accuracy.
“The latest generation will surely be ‘the best in the world’.” Shimano Product Manager Dave Lawrence
The system checking and firmware upload can also be operated from your smart phone or tablet PC via a Bluetooth connection (E-TUBE). And powering the unit couldn’t be simpler: an integrated rechargeable battery provides the juice, and this can be charged with a small magnetic adapter without needing to remove covers or casings.
Control Freaks
With new components developed and released on an almost annual basis, it can be hard for the consumer to keep abreast of the claimed benefits. As Dave Lawrence, Shimano’s North American Product Manager says: “We know that the last version was always ‘the best’, so it’s constantly an interesting test of our skills to improve upon it, but by carefully analysing the current needs of modern cyclists as well as the future direction of the sport, we redesigned our components to best match these demands.” One component where the improvements are plain to see is the shifting system, known as Shimano Synchronized Shift.
34
The system, which will work across all new Shimano electronic groupsets, is designed to simplify gear choice and reduce decision making in racing situations. Shimano theorised that when riding at maximum capacity, decisionmaking can be impaired. If they could engineer a system that removed some of that decision-making, the rider would be placed under less stress and therefore make fewer mistakes. The system, ingenius in its simplicity, is designed to choose the next biggest or lowest gear ratio irrespective of whether a gear change needs to be made by the front or rear derailleur. So with one push of a button, you are guaranteed to be in the exact gear you need for the current race situation, something that is extremely beneficial in small margin racing like time-trials and triathlons. Reducing the number of buttons also allows lever dimensions to be slimmed down, improving aerodynamics marginally and lowering weight. There are two Shimano Synchronized Shift modes available: Full or Semi. Full mode means that the front derailleur reacts based on the rear derailleur’s shift action. Essentially, in this mode, there is no need for two separate shifters to control front and rear derailleurs, the two buttons on one shifter will control both. In Semi mode, the rear derailleur reacts based on the front derailleur’s shift action, shifting to the next most appropriate rear gear when the rider makes a front shift. Like the integrated power meter, these components can be connected to Shimano´s E-TUBE software, which supports the programmable aspects of the Di2 electronic gear shifting system.
Fine Tuning
Creating an individual experience for each rider is something that Shimano are keen to deliver, too. Along with the integrated power meter to measure performance, and the programmable rider profiles available for the electronic shifting, you can tailor your gears to
match your riding style and your chosen terrain, with Shimano’s new rider-tuned cassette sprockets. At the rear of the drivetrain a new 11-30 rear cassette with Hyperglide technology (a series of ramps on the teeth of a cog to aid shifting to its neighbouring cog) expands the gear range while still delivering a smooth and quick chain engagement. No chance of your chain slipping with this set up!
Thoroughly Tested
Attention to detail is clearly very important, and nowhere was this more in evidence than during the final testing period in Miraflores, Spain. Lawrence, Harada and their European counterpart, Product Manager Tim Gerrits, assembled their top engineers and test riders and put the goupset through its paces on a state-of-the-art data-analysis bike, that, as Gerrits explains, “has over sixty sensors inside to measure absolutely everything. Temperature, pressure, posi-tion, movements, angles – you name it. For instance, we can see exactly what a bike does when riding downhill, or braking hard. We use the data to perfectly reproduce it in our testing machine.” “At this late stage, it was really just about tweaking and optimizing the shifting, the brake levers and the ergonomics. So this really is the final phase of the whole development project. It’s almost perfect now!” If the performance of the new groupset lives up to the stated claims, it’s hard not to agree that Shimano have achieved something close to perfection, with intelligent use of technology, advanced engineering and practical ergonomics hallmarks of the design. As Gerrits rightly boasts: “Even the best professionals are fighting each other to be the first to ride it!” And who can blame them? Please form an orderly queue, the Dura-Ace R9100 groupset is this season’s must-have. Discover more at duraace.com
Dura-Ace R9100 cassette CS-R9100 11-28T 193 grams
35
van nicholas magazine
tour
t our You choose days of ruthless headwinds, push on through days of blinding rain and make your bed beside the roadside, sleep with stars above your head, wake to days of sun-baked glossy tarmac melting, with aching legs you cross endless plains, aiming for the horizon, the next hill, the far ridge, one more corner to turn, as you search for adventure, and days you will always remember, follow days you would rather forget, but the days you had longed for, hoped for, the best days, are those that inspire the question ‘where next?’
36
37
van nicholas magazine
tour
twentyniner pinion
d e v e r on Expand horizons
pinion gearbox The Pinion transmission is a ground-breaking new gearing technology from Germany. A virtually maintenance-free, sealed unit sits where the bottom bracket would normally be – which helps lower the bike’s centre of gravity for improved handling – and can be used with either a belt or traditional chain drive. It also boasts a 630% gearing range and static shifting – perfect for any kind of expedition. belt drive Combine the Pinion gearbox with a belt drive, which requires no lubrication whatsoever, and you have a silent, fuss-free transmission that will keep you spinning long after your legs give out. The stretch-free carbon fibre Gates Center Track belt is as efficient as a traditional bike chain, but stronger and more durable.
sizes 470, 520 & 570 mm 38
Boasting a virtually maintenance-free Pinion gearbox and countless luggage and accessory configurations, this is the bike to carry you through early mornings on misty mountain roads, and sunsets looking out over glistening, far-flung seas.
t i ta nium
p inion
br a ck e t
engineered allure finesse
39
By engineering a pathway for the light cable between the Pinion gearbox and the bottom bracket, we effectively hid one of the external cables resulting in cleaner frame lines, and fewer visible cables.
van nicholas magazine
tour
twentyniner rohloff
p ione e r Brave new worlds
sizes 480, 520, 550 & 580 mm
Take the rigours out of global exploring, with a reliable Rohloff hub, and long wheelbase for stability and comfort. If you’re travelling to places where they may never have seen a bicycle before, make sure this is the first bicycle they see.
derailleur
a m a z on Explore more
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm 40
Whether you choose to dodge traffic on the commute, cattle in the countryside, or other riders on a long-distance race, the Amazon is utterly dependable and can adapt to your needs.
rohloff & rohloff mixed
a m a z on Explore more
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm sizes mixed 480, 520 & 580 mm
rohloff hub A 14-gear Rohloff hub with twist shifter guarantees smooth, quick gear shifting, when static or on the move, for thousands of miles. The sealed gearbox ensures reliability and durability even under the toughest conditions. The even increments of 13.6% between gears make it possible to ride continuously at peak performance.
The same robust adaptability and day-long comfort as our standard Amazon, but with the added benefit of fuss-free Rohloff performance and a belt drive option to keep you spinning further than ever, and with the Rohloff Mixed, a slightly lower top tube for ease of mounting. 41
van nicholas magazine
tour
derailleur
y uk on Holiday everyday
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm
Stunning looks, sharp handling and practical design make this the ultimate commuter-meets-light touring machine. Light and fast, with Titanium’s trademark comfort for long days in the saddle.
rohloff
y uk on Holiday everyday
sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 & 600 mm 42
Add the practically maintenance-free Rohloff system to the Yukon for an everyday machine that will devour the miles in style and comfort. Select the unique VNT Rohloff handlebar for ultimate practicality.
t e chnol ogie s engraved head tube Original Van Nicholas
cnc cut dropout High stress performance
rack mounts Load-carrying capabilities
rohloff speedhub Low maintenance reliability
brushed finish Natural brightness
eccentric bb Tension adjustment
fender mounts All-weather riding
belt drive ready No lube transmission
optiformed tubing Any size fit
integrated headset Lighter, stiffer
3rd water bottle
vnt divisible handlebar Perfect Rohloff shifting
sliding dropout Belt or chain tensioning
internal headset Reduced maintenance
pinion gearbox Integrated maintenancefree transmission
chainstay
bottom bracket
wheelbase
145 170 200 150 170 195 225 140 150 165 180 195 210 140 140 150/+10 165 180/+10 195 210 110/+20 120/+20 135/+20 150/+20 165/+20 180/+20
70.0 70.0 70.0 69.0 69.0 69.0 69.0 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 70.5 71.0 71.5 71.5 72.0 72.0 72.0
457 457 457 456 456 456 456 445 445 445 445 445 445 456 456 456 456 456 456 456 425/-3 425/-3 425/-3 425/-3 425/-3 425/-3
70 70 70 64 64 64 64 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 70 70 70 70 70 70
1088 1104 1119 1090 1111 1127 1143 1030 1037 1047 1052 1064 1075 1047 1061 1068/-5 1078 1084/-5 1095 1107 1005/-3 1008/-3 1014/-3 1015/-3 1025/-3 1038/-3
reach
headtube angle
580 600 620 565 585 605 625 520 531 540 550 566 577 540 550 561 570 580 596 607 525 536 546 556 571 583
stack
headtube
430 73.5 73.0 490 72.5 530 73.0 405 73.0 445 72.5 475 72.0 505 74.5 435 74.0 455 74.0 475 73.5 495 73.0 515 73.0 535 74.0 405 74.5 435 455/-10 74.0/-.5 74.0 475 49 5/-10 73.5/-.5 73.0 515 73.0 535 75.0 465 74.5 485 74.0 505 73.5 525 73.0 545 73.0 565
effective top tube
470 520 570 470 510 540 570 475 495 515 535 555 575 455 475 495 515 535 555 575 500 520 540 560 580 600
seat tube angle
seat tube ctt
470 520 570 480 520 550 580 500 520 540 560 580 600 480* 500 520* 540 560* 580 600 500 520 540 560 580 600
seat tube ctc
frame size
ge ome t r y
Long-haul hydration
pinion
597 401 deveron 621 408 649 413 rohloff 556 388 pioneer 574 401 598 409 626 414 derailleur 555 364 amazon 565 367 579 372 593 373 607 379 621 386 rohloff & rohloff mixed 555 377 amazon 555 394 Note, the geometry of the Amazon Rohloff the Mixed is nearly identical. The size 565/+8 397/-24 and difference of the Mixed compared to the normal Rohloff is noted behind the forward 579 402 For example, the wheelbase of the 593/+5 403/-26 slash. Amazon Rohloff for size 520 is 1068 mm and the Mixed is minus 5 mm: 1063 mm. 607 409 621 416 derailleur & rohloff 520/+8 384/-3 yukon 531/+9 387/-2 Note, the geometry of the Yukon and Rohloff is nearly identical. The size 545/+9 388/-2 Yukon difference of the Rohloff compared to the normal Yukon is noted behind the forward 561/+9 389/-3 slash. For example, the wheelbase of the 576/+8 395/-3 Yukon for size 500 is 1005 mm and the 590/+9 401/-3 Mixed is minus 3mm: 1002 mm.
Dimensions are in millimeters [mm] and angles in degrees [ Ëš ] * Only size 480, 520 and 560 are available for the Amazon Rohloff.
43
van nicholas magazine
tour fan
As a 10 year old kid, I remember riding to the top of a hill and seeing a big wide world around me and thinking . “I want to ride forever” That was the start of my passion for cycling. I bought my Yukon four years ago after I decided to join a cycling group. I didn’t like the carbon bikes I saw, so I opted for Titanium, a strong material that looks beautiful. Now that I’m enjoying my retirement, I get out a number of times every week and I still want to ‘ride forever’.
the ride of my life
My most memorable, and toughest, bicycle experience was on a journey in Taiwan. In 2014 my good friend Darren Alff from Bicycle Touring Pro and I were talking about bicycle touring somewhere for a month or so. Taiwan isn’t usually the first location that springs to mind when someone asks the question, “where should we go for a tour?”, but my interest was piqued many years before when I was in the Australian Navy and involved in the conflict in Vietnam. Many troops chose Taiwan as a Rest & Recuperation destination and spoke highly of it, so when the topic of touring somewhere came up, Taiwan just popped into my head.
onwards and upwards
We began our trip in Taipei, and after a quick sight-seeing stop we made our way through the city traffic and arrived at the edge of the city ready to start our journey proper. We had a rough idea of where we were going – and it was straight uphill. This formed the pattern for the next month of cycling… lots of serious uphill! Our route took us across the mountains to the east coast at Toucheng, then all the way south to beautiful Kenting National Park, then up the west coast in the foothills and over the high pass at Wuling. From there it was an exhilarating 90km descent back to the east coast at Hualien. The only areas of
Taiwan that we didn’t cycle were the north and northwest coast, simply because we ran out of time. Taiwan has a high mountain range (which explains all the hills!) running north/south down the middle with only two roads across it from east to west, a very populated western side and a sparsely populated, narrow east coast. Also on the east coast is the beautiful Rift Valley which we cycled for about six days.
what goes up...
The climb up to Wuling Pass is worth a mention on its own. We knew it was long and steep and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Starting at sea level, it rises steadily all the way up to around 3,500 metres. Insane, really! The climb was 90km, and despite the cold and the relentless slog, we conquered sixty of them on the first day. The next morning the road was very steep from the first pedal stroke and a mist came down off the mountain, becoming thicker all the time. After five kilometres or so, it was so thick that we could barely see two metres ahead – and we were riding on a one lane mountain road sharing with buses of sight-seers heading to the top! We were forced to get off and walk the bikes purely for safety – if we had to jump out the way of a bus, we didn’t have time to unclip as well.
...must come down! When we finally made it to the top, we were treated to a fabulous 90km descent to the sea, which we did in four hours, including a stop for a landslide where a very friendly woman working on the road offered us beer and betel nut… we passed on both. The only lows were the cold on top of Wuling Pass where we stayed in a small petrol station and shivered in our sleeping bags all night, and the occasional smell of the local delicacy, ‘stinky tofu’, which has a smell that overpowers everything. But there were innumerable highs: the abundance of fresh fruit; the extraordinarily friendly people; the scenery, from beaches to mountains, all day, every day; the butterflies; the almost traffic-free roads; inexpensive food; Taroko Gorge; in short, the sheer, endless variety of this beautiful country. Thinking of bicycle touring somewhere? Think Taiwan.
Photograph by Darren Alff of bicycletouringpro.com
44
68
yr
1.8
0 m
70
kg
40
min bpm
45
van nicholas magazine
recipe for success
Recipe for Success G.M.E. ‘Eugène’ Janssen
46
After achieving a PhD in exercise physiology, G.M.E. ‘Eugène’ Janssen became a doctor, specialising in sports medicine. Eugène has been active in the world of athletics, triathlon and cycling for many years. He used to coach the Dutch marathon runners and he was the team doctor for the national women’s water polo team and women’s volleyball team. He also worked with several cyclists, such as Frans Maassen, Roy Curvers and Laurens ten Dam, who wrote a book in which he revealed the spirited but effective training methods Eugène employs. We asked the man behind the methods about his ‘secret ingredients’.
What is your expertise in the world of sports coaching?
It truly is multi-disciplinary, combining a mixture of exercise and nutritional physiology, training and medicine. The six years I spent writing my thesis on the adaption of the human body to training, and my own experience as a marathon runner, have resulted in an extensive knowledge which forms the base of my view on training. I have more than 30 years of experience working with athletes, both men and women.
Which aspects of this discipline are the most interesting?
Finding the right balance between load and load-bearing capacity. A body that is insufficiently trained cannot bear a high load. And for a trained body that is not fit, the same applies. The body of the athlete, the one that has to do all the training and compete in the races, is central to this
training. We use training units, known as stimuli, where we pay attention to the right timing, intensity and location.
What’s the balance between intuition and science when it comes to improving performance?
“ Measuring the heart rate is always tricky, since it varies by person.”
Knowledge, experience and intuition are all equally important. And it is also essential to combine them with hard data. But hard data without clear definitions can be confusing. For example, exertion tests which measure your maximum power for 20-25 minutes may lead to the conclusion that you are in good condition, and result in expectations in the field of performance, but this may not be the case. That’s where knowledge, experience and intuition are so important, to allow correct analysis of the hard data.
When training athletes you don’t seem to look at heart rates and power. Why is that?
Measuring the heart rate is always tricky, since it varies by person and depends on type of clothing, weather, fitness, etc. To me this is all subjective. Training around the tipping point is useless, I see this point as a threshold; passing it is risky. This tipping point may also vary; on a good day one can add a couple of watts easily. A power test measures the maximum power and tipping point in a laboratory-like situation. This is supposed to be a fitness test, but it is not. Condition is power, speed, endurance and coordination, and those are not measured during this type of test. I do look at long term fitness based on blood values. The many exercise and field tests have given me enough experience
47
van nicholas magazine
recipe for success
to intuitively judge the level of performance associated with a particular training status. I am able to diagnose overtraining without too much research, for example. Ultimately, my goal is to achieve the optimum condition of the athlete. The principal is the same, only the method of fine-tuning is different.
Is preparing for a performance very different for an amateur compared to a pro?
No, not that much actually. Only in the professional world more fine-tuning is required, and for an amateur athlete the daily activities, such as work or other commitments, must be taken into account. One of the things you should remember is not to do too much in the last week before the event, while making sure you keep your body primed and ready (tapering off).
In his book, Laurens ten Dam mentions your ‘reversed sawtooth’ technique. What does this mean?
During a three week cycle we focus on length, pace and speed. In the first week the amount of kilometres is the largest, this is reduced in the second week when the emphasis is on pace, the third week will be marked by speed over a shorter distance. With this technique a day without training - because of sickness or bad weather - doesn’t affect the schedule immediately. You have to make sure there is diversity to prevent the training becoming ‘grey’, meaning too much of the same, which results in low returns. The three week cycle fits the system of ‘black-white’ training: going to the max during a relatively short distance and longer, low-speed sessions.
Is it true that speed and power depend on natural talent?
The majority of the number of watts you can cycle comes naturally, as does intrinsic speed. Proper training and nutrition can increase the intensity and duration, for example from 10 minutes to 4-6 hours. Of course, the higher the percentage of your maximum the shorter the time you can keep that up.
Do you have any useful tips or warnings when it comes to training or nutrition?
“Use the road as an instrument to add diversity to a training.”
In training schedules, heart rates and wattages are often used. Personally I feel it is better to use the road as an instrument to add diversity to a training. Hills, mountains and flat terrain determine to a large extent the intensity of effort. A mountain biker, for example, should also train on a road bike. Training too much or too hard can cause overtraining and injuries, so rest is also important. When it comes to nutrition, intake needs to correspond to the degree of activity. There is no such thing as a good breakfast, but there is a breakfast that fits the upcoming activity. On physically very demanding days, it is advisable to eat more and the amount of fat in a breakfast can be higher. A breakfast based on too much carbohydrate is unwise. Less volume and more fat and protein do not necessarily lead to a higher calorie intake.
Visit Eugène’s website at
sportartsgmejanssen.nl
48
van nicholas magazine mtb
50
m t b When elements conspire to do battle against you, with face-lashing rain and hard earth, or loose gravel, lying silently, waiting, crushing weight of a stone-dark sky, you make fire your servant, not fazed you blaze a trail, see clear into the distance, spot your line, hold your nerve, launch high over growling gaps where savagery lurks in sharp edges, hanging long in the heavy air, and defy all attempts to unseat you, laughing as you roll and flow and grip, grip, grip, fly from chasing, flailing fingertips.
51
van nicholas magazine
mtb
twentyseven-and-a-half-plus
&
twentyniner
r e v e l s t ok e Mountain mover
27.5” 27.5” tyres (also known as 650B) offer just as much speed and agility as the former 26” wheels, but with extra rollability to get you through the technical sections. The new, wider 27.5”+ tyres can be run at lower pressures to deliver incredible levels of grip without risking snakebite punctures, and no loss of speed or control.
sizes 15.0”, 18.0” & 21.0”
Wider hubs mean a stiffer, sharper ride, so you can fling the Revelstoke up and down mountains with ease. Whether you choose 27.5”+ or 29” wheels, it will soak up the toughest terrain and leave you filthy, grinning and panting for more. 52
t i ta nium
t hr u - a x l e
s y s t e m
engineered allure finesse
53
The rigid connection on both sides of the thru-axle delivers improved performance at two important high-stress areas on the fork and frame. Vertical forces are more evenly divided, torque in the hub, frame and fork are better absorbed, and the increased stiffness leads to better handling.
van nicholas magazine
mtb
twenty-seven-and-a-half
t u a r e g
XC beast
sizes 15.5”, 17.5” & 19.0”
Designed with trail-shredding firmly in mind, the Tuareg needs to be ridden as hard and fast as you dare. Terrorise your local trails on this super-fast, lightweight speed machine.
twentyniner
t u a r e g XC beast
29.0” If you’re tackling the big stuff, these are the wheels for you. Unstoppable trail-trashing rollability, perfect for XC or Enduro riding. 29” wheels make light work of the heavy stuff, rewarding your efforts by keeping you stable and confident on the toughest trails without scrubbing off speed.
sizes 19.5” & 21.0” 54
Based on the regular Tuareg and with geometry tailored to larger 29” wheels, this beefed up version will tame the toughest terrain with balletic poise and frightening speed.
twentyniner
z ion Keep rolling
sizes 15.5”, 17.5”, 19.0” & 21.0”
Hit the trails, the beach, the forest, XC, Enduro, anywhere, any time. If you have fuel in your tank, the Zion keeps rolling. Meant for very long days in the saddle.
twentyniner rohloff
z ion
Keep rolling
sizes 15.5”, 17.5”, 19.0” & 21.0”
With all the speed and rollability benefits enjoyed by its stablemate, the Zion 29er Rohloff also boasts the convenience of a Rohloff hub – perfect for endurance events where reliability is key. 55
t e chnol ogie s engraved head tube Original Van Nicholas
3d sculpted
rohloff speedhub Low maintenance reliability
29.0” wheels
dropout Maximum efficiency
brushed finish Natural brightness
press fit bb Stiffer, lighter
belt drive ready No lube transmission
thru-axle High performance rigidity
hydroformed tubing Liquid versus Titanium
tapered headset Increased rigidity
27.5” wheels Speed and agility
110-148 mm hubs Stiffer wheels
optiformed tubing Any size fit
rack mounts Load-carrying capabilities
27.5+ wheels Increased grip and durability
80-100 mm
Unstoppable rollers
Corrected suspension
seat tube ctt
seat tube ctc
seat tube angle
effective top tube
headtube
headtube angle
chainstay
bottom bracket
wheelbase
stack
reach
ge ome t r y
frame size
van nicholas magazine
mtb
15.5 18.0 21.0 15.5 17.5 19.0 19.5 21.0 15.5 17.5 19.0 21.0 15.5 17.5 19.0 21.0
394 457 533 394 445 483 495 533 394 445 483 533 394 445 483 533
354 417 493 329 380 418 430 468 329 380 418 468 329 380 418 468
73.5 73.5 73.5 73.5 73.5 73.0 73.0 73.0 73.5 73.5 73.0 73.0 73.5 73.5 73.0 73.0
575 600 630 565 590 610 615 640 570 590 615 640 570 590 615 640
100 115 130 105 115 125 105 115 110 110 110 115 110 110 110 115
71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.5 71.5 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0
434 434 434 430 430 430 445 445 445 445 445 445 437 437 437 437
60 60 60 40 40 40 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 64
1060 1086 1117 1052 1078 1092 1100 1125 1066 1086 1105 1130 1058 1078 1097 1122
597 611 625 566 575 585 618 627 621 621 621 625 621 621 621 625
398 419 445 397 420 431 426 448 386 406 425 450 386 406 425 450
Dimensions are in millimeters [mm] and angles in degrees [ ˚ ]
56
revelstoke twenty-seven-and-a-half
tuareg
twentyniner
tuareg
twentyniner
zion
twentyniner rohloff
zion
TOOLS. NOT JUST TIRES.
WWW.SCHWALBE.COM/TOOLS
van nicholas magazine
mtb fan
Richard’s love of mountain biking started 12 years ago. He set a goal for himself: to ride a Transalp before his 40th birthday.
a regular feature of our trip. This day was no exception. Sometimes it was so dangerous that we had to walk a bit. But that is what makes it unforgettable. Both of us fell on this day, but that is part of the game.
wild beauty
On the third day we were surprised to see concrete paths in the forest, but soon understood why. They had a 20% incline, which we cycled all the way up. During one of the descents a team member fell His first one was in 2010, from Mitterpretty hard, resulting in a broken rear wald (Germany) to Merano (Italy). After riding a Cannonade Lefty for years, brake and helmet. After a good meal we literally flew downhill at 70km per hour Richard chose his bike for life; a Leftyand arrived in a natural park where we compatible Van Nicholas Zion 29er, climbed again to 2,100 metres. Again a so did his friend Jacques van Asselt, day filled with excitement and great views. who had become a truly fanatical Thanks to our guide and navigator we mountain biker at the age of 25. rode through an area that you would not normally find with your mountain bike. a ride to remember In 2014 we undertook our most memorable ride together, with our Van Nicholas On the fourth day we crossed rocks, wooden planks and waterfalls. We enjoyZions. The Transdolomites (Italy), a six day ride with an average of 60km a day ed every second of it and were even lucky enough to see a deer. This day also conand literally a lot of high points. Steep tained the longest climb, 1,200 meters in rock walls and peaks, caused by eroone long, hard slog. The fifth day inclusion and weathering, are typical for the ded the ‘100 Forts Route’ or ‘The Route Dolomites. And this is exactly what we experienced during our trip, climbing an of 100km with Forts’ – nobody was sure which. Climbing and descending alteraverage of 2,000 metres a day. nated rapidly. This, combined with the length, made it a great, but heavy, day. dangerous beginnings On the first day, one of the two other team mates had trouble with a jammed we made it ! body, which had to be repaired and the The last day we immediately started with other team mate flew off his bike while a 500 metre climb, two thirds of which descending. But nothing serious and were rocky and technical – pretty heavy after a good descent – including a stair- for the end of an active week. At the top case – we had to climb again, 5km per the scenery was amazing (again!) and so hour in the lowest gear. Our reward was was the descent that followed, along a an indescribable, breath taking view. cliff, so we had to pay attention. We stopThe last ten kilometre descent was pret- ped once to look down hundreds of ty dangerous, along a deep precipice. metres vertically – pretty scary! That part Focus and concentration were needed. was too dangerous to cycle. During the One of the team members fell, but lucki- descent Jacques fell off his bike twice, ly avoided injury by hanging from some but only hurt himself – his bike was unharbushes. med. By the end of the trip, we were known as ‘the identical twins’ because The second day contained an increase we both rode the same bike and always of 20%. While taking a break we met arrived at the same time after a climb! some donkeys, who must have been The weather was good, as were our just as hungry as us because one of bikes; the locals were kind; the food them stole a banana from a team mem- was delicious and the environment very ber while he wasn’t paying attention! impressive. Truly a memorable ride. The small paths along precipices were
58
43
yr
1.8
8 m
83
kg
51 203 min bpm
max bpm
59
van nicholas magazine
titanium accessories
01.
ob je c t s
of
d e sir e
The ultimate Titanium frames deserve the ultimate Titanium accessories. We have developed a range of components for riders as obsessed with its magical properties as we are, for both on and off the bike.
02.
03.
04.
01. Titanium stem 02. Titanium handlebar 03. Titanium keyring 04. Titanium headset spacers 05. Titanium bar ends 06. Titanium TRX touring/expedition front fork 07. Titanium seat collar 08. Titanium quick releases
Order your Titanium accessories at vannicholas.com
60
05.
06.
07.
08.
61
van nicholas magazine
titanium accessories
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
09. Titanium hip flask 10. Titanium water bottle cage 11. Titanium cutlery 12. Titanium bel 13. Titanium top cap
Order your Titanium accessories at vannicholas.com
62
t i ta nium
se at
p os t
engineered allure finesse
63
When designing our products, we apply great finesse to both the internal and external elements. The clamping and adjusting mechanism of the seat post head consists of two precision cast straight bevel gears which cling tightly to one another and allow the rider to fine-tune their position on the bike.
choice - lifestyle
01.
l if e s t y l e
02.
03.
01. Tanner Goods Standard Belt Accessorise in timeless style, with this classic design made from long-lasting leather. tannergoods.com 02. Olo Smartphone 3D printer A 3D printer powered by your smartphone. The future just got portable. olo3d.net 03. MVMT Chrono black leather watch The perfect watch for making an understated style statement – Mies van der Rohe would approve! mvmtwatches.com 04. Plume Wifi system Say goodbye to buffering with this super-intelligent, home wifi optimisation package. plumewifi.com 05. Whipping Post Military Duffle Bag Unusual top-loading, military inspired luggage in vegetable-tanned durable leather. whippingpost.com
04.
64
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
06. Hasselblad X1D Camera Groundbreaking mirror-less design makes this a truly unique medium-format camera. hasselblad.com 07. Ember Smart Mug No more lukewarm coffee! The Ember keeps a hot drink at your preferred temperature for hours. embertech.com 08. Mujjo Double Layered Touchscreen Gloves An extra internal wool layer keeps you cosy while the touchscreen outer keeps you connected. mujjo.com 09. Cocones iPad Air / Pro Snap Case Beautiful, minimalist iPad cover made from natural, traditionally produced materials. cocones.com 10. Bang & Olufsen Beolit 15 Bluetooth Speaker This insanely powerful speaker for portable devices lets you annoy the neighbours wherever you are. beoplay.com
10.
65
van nicholas magazine
vnt
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
01. VNT Brake Caliper 57mm Dual Pivot 02. VNT Fork SLR Full Carbon Road, Tapered 03. VNT Fork SLR Full Carbon Road, 1 1/8� 04. VNT Seatpost Alloy Butted 05. VNT Stem Alloy 7050 Titanium Bolts 06. VNT Seat Collar Alloy 6066-T6 07. VNT Handlebar Alloy 6061 Drop for Rohloff 08. VNT Headset Spacer Alloy 09. VNT Brake Lever Touring 10. VNT Seat Collar Double Alloy 6061-T6 11. VNT Handlebar Alloy 6061 Road Drop Compact
Order your VNT parts at vannicholas.com
66
Minimalism Maximised Using Van Nicholas design expertise, we developed a range of non-Titanium components under our VNT brand. We created high performance products, with our recognisably understated aesthetic.
06.
07.
08.
10.
09.
11.
67
van nicholas magazine
vnt
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
12. VNT Fork Full Carbon, 29er, 15QRx100mm/QR 13. VNT Handlebar Alloy Flat 14. VNT Saddle Cr-Mo Rail Leather Cover 15. VNT Saddle Touring Titanium Color Rivets 16. VNT Lock-On Grips 17. VNT Handlebar Alloy 2014 MTB Riser 17.
Order your VNT parts at vannicholas.com
68
v n t
f l e x r ibb on
ge l
ta p e
engineered allure finesse
69 69
The VNT Flexribbon gel handlebar tape is a new addition to our VNT range. The diamond pattern increases the friction between the hands of the rider and the handlebar, resulting in more grip and increased confidence.
van nicholas magazine
apparel
p e r f or m a nce
chic
Designed with the same timeless, minimalist aesthetic as our bikes, and featuring the latest technical fabrics and performance sportswear ergonomics, our range of apparel make sure you look and perform as good as your Van Nicholas.
01.
02.
03.
01. VN short sleeve jersey 02. VN bib shorts 03. VN water bottle by Elite
Order your apparel at vannicholas.com
70
va n
nichol a s
cl o t hing
engineered allure finesse
71 71
A combination of the most innovative fabrics optimizes aerodynamics and temperature regulation. The fabric underneath the armpits is breathable and provides effective moisture management. The flatlock seams prevent irritation because they do not form ridges on the inside of the jersey, thereby increasing comfort.
van nicholas magazine
apparel
05.
04.
07.
06.
08.
04. VN long sleeve jersey 05. VN leg warmers 06. VN arm warmers 07. VN team socks 08. VN knee warmers
Order your apparel at vannicholas.com
72
vannicholas.com shop.vannicholas.com
bu y
t i
Discover a unique Titanium retail experience at the new Van Nicholas website and shop. Complete builds, framesets, components and accessories available from November 2016.
van nicholas magazine
the obvious choice
t he
ob v ious
choice
Nothing Looks, Rides or Lasts like a Van Nicholas, so why would you choose anything else? titanium expertise
Our knowledge and experience of working with Titanium are second to none, and our passion is unrivalled. Nobody does Titanium like Van Nicholas. That’s why we are The Titanium Experts.
clicks and bricks
We combine a direct online sales channel with a select network of retailers. This way we can guarantee our high standards of service. You can communicate and place an order with The Titanium Experts at Van Nicholas or choose one of our Titanium partners. These physical shops act as a showroom or test center and provide excellent service in the fields of advice, purchase and maintenance.
lifetime frame warranty
Van Nicholas will replace (not repair) any Titanium frame that fails due to manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the frame. warranty recertification
10 days ,
perfect fit guarantee
30 -day
crash replacement warranty
100% money back1
return policy 2 1
Bicycles and frames
2
Parts and clothing
A full description of our policies can be found on vannicholas.com
74
my van nicholas designer
Build your dream bike online using our intuitive, high resolution interface. always available
Compatible with desktops, laptops and tablets, so it is accessible whenever and wherever you want. Save your dream build for future reference, continue straight to the check-out to turn your dream into reality, or simply continue tweaking your perfect bike to your heart’s content. It’s up to you.
real-time
With real-time changes it is possible to see the bike of your dreams come to life on the screen. Pre-configured settings help you to get started, and a wide range of quality components make it possible to create hundreds of potential bike build configurations. Each selection alters the look, weight and price of the bike immediately.
Visualize your dream bike at my.vannicholas.com
75
— THE NEW DURA-ACE R9100 —
Options available: Mechanical or Di2 shifting, and Rim or Disc Brakes Learn more at dura-ace.com