magazine 2012
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VAN NICHOLAS | A few words with Jan-Willem
JAN WILLEM 8
magazine 2012
—
A brand is more than simply a company’s products. It is more than a logo, or a website, or an advertising campaign. It is more than critical acclaim, respect from one’s competitors, industry awards. But every brand must begin somewhere, or with someone. We met up with the man behind the brand to discuss Van Nicholas and design, cycling and heroes with Design Director and Founder Jan-Willem Sintnicolaas. text Jan-Willem Sintnicolaas & Charles Thurlow and photography John Janssen Fotografie
When was Van Nicholas founded? Van Nicholas was founded in 2006, but I have been in the Titanium bike industry since 1999. The feedback I get from customers inspires me to keep going year after year! What kinds of bikes do Van Nicholas specialize in? Van Nicholas make road frames, MTB frames, touring frames, belt drive and 29er frames and custom frames. We can make pretty much any type of bicycle. With our Tailormade service, where we offer consumers the opportunity to modifiy any type of frame they choose, we have even built tandems and mini-bikes.
N M
Why is Van Nicholas so devoted to aerospace grade Titanium? At Van Nicholas we take the process of design, material selection and fabrication very seriously, creating the best product possible for the intended application: making bikes go fast. We believe Titanium is the ideal material to help us achieve our goal. It’s strong, light and completely
corrosion proof. It delivers a magical ride: stiff enough for energy transfer without losing power; compliant enough to be comfortable, whatever the distance and speed. Its reliability and longevity also mean there are fewer warranty issues than there might be with other materials, so we can devote more time to improving our products. The fact that it’s beautiful to look at isn’t lost on us either. How do you like to spend your time when you’re not busy with work? Trying to rest my mind. Spending time with my family, cycling with friends – but wherever you go, or whatever you do, owning a business means that you are always busy with new ideas. For me to stay sharp and work efficiently it means I have to take good care of my body. I like a glass of wine or a beer with friends, for sure, but regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are also incredibly important to me. How would you sum up your personal design philosophy for the readers? A bicycle is bought to be used. It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional, but also psychological and aesthetic. Good design emphasizes the usefulness of a product whilst disregarding anything that could possibly detract 9
VAN NICHOLAS | A few words with Jan-Willem
— from it. The aesthetic quality of a bicycle is integral to its usefulness because products we use every day affect our person and our well-being. But only well-executed objects can be beautiful. There is a great quotation from Louis Nizer that encapsulates the aspiration behind my designs.
challenge this summer, out in the middle of nowhere without any traffic around you, marvelling at the awe-inspiring sights that nature offers.
Do you know any good Titanium-themed jokes?! During class, a chemistry professor was demonstrating the properties of various acids. “As you can see, I’ve dropped Do you have any cycling heroes? a titanium rod into this glass of I meet my cycling heroes when acid. Will it dissolve?” taking part in amateur Sportives. “No sir,” one student called out. “No?” queried the professor. “Perhaps you can explain why the titanium metal won’t dissolve in this particular acid.” “Because if it dissolved, you wouldn’t have dropped it in!”
“A man that works with his hands is a labourer, a man that works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman, a man that works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.” — louis nizer You recently completed the TransAlp ride for children’s charity KIKA. Any more plans for similar challenges? Yes. This was my first charity ride, but it certainly won’t be my last. The combination of getting out with friends and riding for a good cause is very satisfying. Next year we want to do the TransAlp again but an even tougher route from Ischgl to Riva del Garda. You make bikes for almost all disciplines, but what’s your favourite discipline, and why? I really have two disciplines, and I enjoy both equally. I like the friendly yet competitive cycling in the summer on my Astraeus with friends, but I also immensely enjoyed being in the mountains on the TransAlp 10
The hard-working guy who wants to ride more but can’t because of daily obligations, who still reaches the finish line with a big smile on his face, satisfied he made it. Where do you see Van Nicholas in ten years time? Continuing to innovate, continuing to push the boundaries of Titanium bicycle design – continuing to do what we are doing right now! If you could sum up Van Nicholas in one sentence, what would it be? Makers of beautiful, high performance Titanium bicycles that people will ride and enjoy for a lifetime.
Finally, do you have a message for the readers? We wanted to do something different with our brochure for 2012, to reflect our constant drive for innovation. This magazine is intended to give people an insight into the Van Nicholas ethos: what goes into making a Van Nicholas, the kind of people who build, ride and love Van Nicholas, the sincere belief we all share that Titanium is a very special material that deserves to be shaped into truly remarkable products. I hope this magazine helps them to understand Van Nicholas a little better, but more importantly than that, I hope they enjoy reading it!
Jan-Willem Sintnicolaas Founder and Head of Design
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Made in HOLLand - Van der Gang Watches - Postbus 102 - 9100 AC Dokkum - T +31(0)519-820220 - e info@vandergangwatches.nl - www.vandergangwatches.nl 11
VAN NICHOLAS | Contents
contents Origin of the Species A few words with Jan-Willem
02 08
Titanium - the Considered Choice Technology - the Cutting Edge in Titanium
14 16
Astraeus Aquilo Zephyr Chinook Euros Mistral
26 26 27 27 28 28
Amazon (Rohloff) Pioneer Yukon
34 35 35
Passion for Craftsmanship 18 Get a peak into the art of wheelbuilding.
Tomorrow’s tomorrow 20 Visit the year 2025 and ride our latest Van Nicholas.
The road calls 24 Meet our finest breeds for on the road.
The High Performance Lifestyle 30 Meet Henk Kraaijenhof, vitality expert.
Adventure beckons 32 Get out there and explore.
Katia Lafaille 38 Travelling the world with Van Nicholas.
Tuareg Mamtor Valkyr Twentyniner Zion (Rohloff)
44 44 45 45 46
Amazon Cross Blaze Chinook Track Yukon Fixed Redwood
52 52 53 53 53
Titanium accessories VNT elements Van Nicholas clothing
56 60 62
Van Nicholas - the Obvious Choice The Network
78 80
The mountain challenges 42 Hit the trails and hammer them hard.
Tailormade 68 Experience the perfect match between body and machine.
Bart Schijf 70 Welcome to the world of a true Van Nicholas fan.
Van Nicholas Choice 72 The finest products handpicked for you.
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TransAlp 74 Fighting the Alps and crushing cancer with Kika.
Details, details, details. 82 It’s the little things that matter the most.
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VAN NICHOLAS | Titanium - The Considered Choice
9th most abundant element in the earth’s crust (about 0.6%).
Titanium is 43% harder than Stainless steel.
45% lighter than steel.
Titanium does not become magnetised.
4.54 g/cm
147 pm
1933 K
10.6 cc/mol
3560 K
68+4e 94+2e
3
density
melting point
boiling point
atomic volume
ionic radius
422.6 kJ/mol 18.8 kJ/mol evaporation heat
the chemical element of atomic number 22, a hard silver-gray metal of the transition series, used in strong, light, corrosion-resistant alloys.
atomic radius
fusion heat
47,867
Discovered by William Gregor in 1791 (England) the name Titanium refers to the titans of Greek mythology: the children of Uranus and Gaea who symbolise enormous size and strength.
Excellent corrosion resistance is due to the thin layer of titanium oxide on the surface.
Repeated loading of Titanium does not lead to structural failure over time.
Even in seawater it exhibits virtually no decline in fatigue strength.
Specific strength superior to other metallic alloys up to 600oC. 3AI-2.5V Titanium alloy has a tensile strength of 620 MPa.
Titanium is 30% more elastic than steel.
Twice as strong as aluminium. 16
magazine 2012
titanium The considered choice.
Nothing Looks Like Titanium. Titanium is phenomenally well suited to bicycle frame construction. Its strength to weight ratio is excellent, its fatigue strength and fracture toughness unparalleled, and it will not corrode under atmospheric conditions. This is thanks to the incredibly thin layer of titanium oxide that naturally coats the surface and prevents the metal from reacting with its environment. So why cover it up? We simply brighten its natural colour by lightly brushing. We love this look. Nothing Rides Like Titanium. Titanium is tough, but it has a softer side. You may have experienced the comfort of riding a steel frame.Titanium is similar to steel. Only better. It has a flexibility that absorbs road vibrations, allowing you to ride in comfort even when pushing hard over rough ground. That’s not to say it doesn’t have the stiffness required for power in the sprint. Its lightweight nature means more metal can be used where it’s needed, to give a ride with all the performance and no loss of comfort. Nothing Lasts Like Titanium. Titanium will never let you down. Leave it outside if you so wish, but it will not rust, degrade or corrode in any way, no matter how bad the weather gets. And if you ride on the limits, Titanium won’t crack under pressure, unlike many other materials. That’s its softer side on display again, giving a little when it needs to. And did we mention it will never rust? No wonder we offer a lifetime guarantee on every frame. 17
VAN NICHOLAS | Technology - the Cutting Edge in Titanium Engineering
technology The Cutting Edge in Titanium Engineering.
— We utilise various technologies to ensure our bikes look as good as they perform
and perform as good as they look. From state-of-the-art hydroformed tubing, to good old-fashioned hand-brushed metal finishes, we engineer every aspect of our Titanium frames and components using the most effective methods for the job in hand. Only then are we happy to stand by our lifetime guarantee. Lifetime
Frame Warranty Titanium won’t rust, corrode, or break down. We are extremely proud of our products. This is why we guarantee our frames for life. 18
Brushed Finish Sculpted by hand
We think the best way to showcase our Titanium frames it is to hand brush them to bring out the natural brightness.
Polished Finish High Lust
Our high lust finish is achieved the old-fashioned way, with patience and a liberal application of elbow grease.
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Engraved
Head Tube Logo We etch our classic logo directly onto the head tube, so everyone will know the bike you’re riding is a Van Nicholas.
Hydroformed Frame Tubing
Hydroforming allows us to optimise the structural rigidity of a smaller gauge of metal, so the only thing lost is weight, not performance.
H-Bridge
Increased stiffness Placing an H-shaped bridge between the chain stays increases frame stiffness in one of the areas where you need it most.
Internal
Cable Routing Internal cable routing helps to reduce drag and keeps the lines of our frames simple, elegant, clean and aero-optimised.
Belt Drive
System Option Lighter, cleaner and quieter than a regular chain. The ideal choice for commuter and tourer alike.
80-100 mm
Corrected Suspension Frame optimised for a shorter travel fork, from 80 to 100 mm, designed for regular trail and single-track riding.
3D Sculpted Dropout
We designed our dropout from every angle to ensure maximum efficiency at one of the higheststrain contact points of the frame.
Size Specific Frame Tubing
To ensure your bike will fit you for life, we automatically adjust the tubing diameters for bigger frame sizes.
Press-fit
Bottom Bracket Bearings
CNC Machined Dropout
Machined to perfection from one single plate. Built to cope with high forces, but maintains a sophisticated look.
Aerodynamic Frame Tubing
We use tear-drop shaped tubing, like an aeroplane’s wing, to make our bikes as aerodynamic as possible.
Fully Integrated Headset
Fewer parts ensure a lighter assembly than conventional cups, The larger diameter bottom bracket increases the stiffness significantly.
The advantages of a press-fit bottom bracket translated to the headtube, reducing weight and increasing stiffness.
Electronic
Rohloff
Shifting
Electronic shifting is the future: the future is now. This frame is equipped to combine the power of electricity with Titanium.
Fixed
Shifting No fuss, low maintenance, pedalling efficiency. One gear for the die-hard purist.
120-140 mm
Corrected Suspension Long travel fork frame optimisation, from 120 to 140 mm, for all-mountain riding with big rocks and heavy drops.
Gearing System The award-winning 14-gear enclosed Rohloff hub offers smooth, almost unnoticeable shifting, even when stationary.
Twentyniner Wheels
Big rocks, big roots? Bigger wheels keep you rolling over bigger obstacles.
120 mm travel Full-suspension
No loss of speed, no matter how rough the terrain: even out every surface with 120 mm of rear suspension travel. 19
VAN NICHOLAS | Production - Passion for Craftsmanship
He builds them. True. This is André, master mechanic, cyclist and perfectionist. In over twelve years of building wheels, he’s learned a lot about the art of marrying hub to spokes to rim to create a wheel that stays fast and true, strong and reliable. That’s why he hand builds wheel for Van Nicholas. Any discipline, any size, using your ideal combination of hub and rim with Sapim spokes: he builds the best wheels
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possible for their intended application – making our bikes faster, stronger and longerlasting than the competition, and as individual as you are. Some people might think him a little obsessed with his work; a man who believes detail is all and the pursuit of perfection should lie at the heart of everything he does. We wouldn’t have him any other way.
magazine 2012
production Passion for Craftsmanship.
— Every frame begins life as a blank canvas. Starting with preliminary
sketches, the process moves on to CAD and 3D computer modelling, before prototypes are manufactured and tested, tweaked and refined, until we are certain we have arrived at the ideal geometry for the intended application. Only then do we continue into final production – but the testing doesn’t end there. Every single Van Nicholas product is rigorously inspected at every stage of the production process to eliminate imperfections or inconsistencies. Tube fabrication, welding, finishing. Every stage is checked, and must be completed to perfection. This same attention to detail and obsession with craftsmanship extends
to the complete bicycles we hand build at our workshop in Numansdorp. Only highly skilled mechanics are entrusted to carry out the work, and their skilled eyes will examine each bicycle before we pass them fit for use. We have to do this. We put our name on them.
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VAN NICHOLAS | Titanium evolution - Van Nicholas’ future
titanium evolution Deep inside Van Nicholas Bicycles there exists a silent hunger for performance. Driven by innovation, excellence and a refusal to conform, we are continuously searching to improve our products. This process led to the birth of a new type of Van Nicholas. A product that symbolises our evolution. Welcome to the year 2025. Welcome to tomorrow’s tomorrow.
— The bicycle, generally speaking, is nothing more than a frame, a set of wheels, a handlebar and pedals. Over the years many improvements have been made to this basic model. However, obeying conventional rules rarely leads to great leaps in performance. Our persistent hunger for improvement and perfection led us to ask the ultimate question: “How far can we push Titanium in the field of bicycle engineering?” The ultimate Titanium product in an ever-changing world At Van Nicholas we offer our customers the perfect balance of functionality, aesthetics and experience. These values are the core of our business. In order to completely understand and incorporate these values into the newest products it is of paramount importance to explore the future. Van Nicholas’ industrial design engineer expounds upon this mindset: “By designing for the now, a company’s product is one step behind the competition when it is launched. The trending topic of today is most likely not relevant for tomorrow. By analysing tendencies and projecting these into the future, we can imagine a future world within certain boundaries. This world can be seen as a vision in which our products have to perform. This image allows us to assess what elements will be relevant for Van Nicholas as a company, our bicycles, and our end user.” 22
Today, society is shifting towards a 24/7 environment thanks to the increased flexibility ‘demanded’ by its inhabitants. We are becoming more and more flexible when it comes to our jobs, time management, income and lifestyle. This shift is supported by the use of mobile services and increasing personalisation and integration of digital products. Individualism has been a steadily growing trend, in social and commercial spheres, leading to a future ‘you’ not only more egocentrically self-aware, but also more attuned to the environment, ethics, sustainability and the individual’s role within this multi-faceted society. For Van Nicholas, the challenge is to build products that fit this changing context, while still maintaining our core values. We have forced ourselves to rethink our strategy and adapt our approach to the design and manufacture of Titanium bicycles with regard for the evolving requirements of the global population.
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The mitosis – flexible performance So what kind of environment does the bicycle of the future have to inhabit? One aspect will be increasingly overcrowded urban areas and the chaos of simply getting from A to B.
“Innovation and improvement is deeply embedded in the Van Nicholas DNA.” So it must possess integrated systems that allow the user to shape their journey not in conflict, but in harmony with their environment. However, to reduce a bicycle to a twenty-first century transport “tool” would be counterproductive. It is to ignore the pure pleasure of cycling: the journey. Any Van Nicholas cyclist is familiar with the beauty of the journey: the wind through your hair, your bicycle flying over the road, its performance reassuringly efficient and
reliable, exhilaratingly responsive and direct. The mitosis had to perform in both settings without compromising on performance, aesthetics and experience. The untrained eye might regard the mitosis as a good looking model devoid of purpose, but imagine the product in the outlined future society and begin to understand its role when set in context. “The mitosis should provoke, it should get people thinking. Not only about cycling, but also their part in the bigger picture. This product allows us to express our vision of the future and explore the opportunities generated by new technologies and design.” All these new insights will help us to provide the user with a polished experience fit for a Van Nicholas bicycle of the future. The world is not ready for the mitosis, but the future isn’t far away.
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The road calls. Clip yourself in. Set the pace easy. Warm up your legs till the pistons pound. Sway out of the saddle and swing up the hill. Rhythmically climbing, unstoppably rising. Push for the summit, lungs stretched and burning. Over the top, glance at the view. First corner approaches, lean into the curve. Speed through the apex, as fast as you dare. Tyres on the limit. Balanced, responding. Adrenalin surging. Out on the flat with your speed up and flying, big ring spinning, the chain tight and whirring, pushing and pushing to sprint for the line... The road calls.
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VAN NICHOLAS | ROAD
astraeus
Ride the best.
The Van Nicholas Astraeus sets the benchmark for Titanium frames. “Bikes like this will begin to change our ideas about what we should and shouldn’t be riding.” Bicycling Australia
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time trial +
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race +
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club rides +
_
sportives +
aquilo
High Voltage Speed Machine.
The Aquilo is lightning fast thanks to its stiff, responsive geometry and electric Shimano Di2 shift system. “ I was so excited when I first took it out on the road. It was so light and stiff I breezed up hills, and so quick and responsive I flew down again.” D. Renders, VN Fan
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time trial +
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race +
_
club rides +
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sportives +
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zephyr
Mile-munching comfort.
The Zephyr’s award winning design is based on providing day-long comfort. “Designed on a fresh page to be the ultimate racing-sportive, the Zephyr immediately draws attention with its futuristic frame and sleek tube shapes .” Bike Radar
time trial _
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race _
+
club rides _
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sportives _
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chinook Sprinter’s choice.
The Chinook’s geometry has been designed to deliver sprint performance and precision handling with a degree of comfort. “ The machine is superb, fast, smooth and sure. The slender, glowing frame, its brushed tubing shines below me like armour of the gods. It is like the wind. ” Xinqiwen
time trial _
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race _
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VAN NICHOLAS | ROAD
euros
Complete performance solution.
The Euros geometry has been engineered to deliver day-long ride comfort that still provides thrills. “If I was looking to buy a bike I could enjoy for many years, and be proud of, the Euros would be the perfect solution.” Cycling Plus Magazine
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time trial +
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race +
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club rides +
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sportives +
mistral
Small price, huge heart.
The Mistral is a complete bike that is exciting, comfortable, and very competitively priced. “Differentiated and classy! Handbuilt Titanium is back at an affordable price! ” Australian-Cyclist
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time trial +
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race +
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club rides +
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sportives +
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geometry
Effective Frame Size
Seat Tube Length CTT
Seat Tube Length CTC
Effective Top Tube
Actual Top Tube
Head Tube Angle
Head Tube Length**
Chain Stay Length
Seat Tube Angle
Wheel Base
Front Center
Bottom Bracket Drop
Fork Rake
Dimensions are in millimetres (mm).
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
astraeus and aquilo
500
470 435 520 505 72.0 130 405 75.0 970 575
70
43
520
490 455 531 516 72.5 140 405 74.5 973 578
70
43
540
510 475 540 525 72.5 155 405 74.0 977 582
70
43
560
530 495 550 535 73.0 170 405 73.5 978 583
70
43
580
550 515 566 550 73.0 185 405 73.0 989 594
70
43
600
570 535 577 561 73.5 200 408 72.5 992 594
70
43
** The Actual Headtube Length of the Astraeus is 20 mm longer.
500
480 470 520 505 71.0 125 405 75.0 976 583
75
43
zephyr
520
500 490 531 516 71.5 135 410 74.5 984 586
75
43
540
520 510 540 525 71.5 150 412 74.0 991 591
75
43
560
540 530 550 535 72.0 160 415 73.5 994 591
75
43
580
560 550 566 550 72.0 180 418 73.0 1008 602
75
43
600
580 570 577 562 72.5 195 418 72.0 1015 609
75
43
500
500 465 525 513 72.5 110 405 74.5 965 571
70
43
520
520 485 535 524 73.0 120 405 74.0 967 572
70
43
540
540 505 545 535 73.0 135 405 74.0 973 578
70
43
560
560 525 560 551 73.0 150 405 73.5 988 593
70
43
580
580 545 575 566 73.5 165 405 73.0 993 598
70
43
600
600 565 590 582 73.5 180 408 72.5 1002 608
70
43
620
620 585 600 592 73.5 195 410 72.0 1011 611
70
43
480 *
450 415 500 485 71.5 100 405 75.0 954 559
70
43
500
470 435 520 505 72.0 110 405 75.0 970 575
70
43
520
490 455 531 516 72.5 120 405 74.5 972 577
70
43
540
510 475 540
525 72.5 135 405 74.0 977 582
70
43
560
530 495 550 535 73.0 150 405 73.5 978 583
70
43
580
550 515 566 551 73.0 165 405 73.0 989 594
70
43
600
570 535 577 562 73.5 180 408 72.5 995 600
70
43
chinook
euros and mistral
* Only the Euros is available in a size 480.
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VAN NICHOLAS | The High Performance Lifestyle by Henk Kraaijenhof
High Performance Lifestyle the
by Henk Kraaijenhof
High performance comes in all shapes and sizes. From the management of major companies to elite athletes, from Special Forces operatives to performing artists. Each of them is pushing the limits of human physical and/or mental performance. —
Genetic talent, hard work and being in the right place at the right time undeniably play a role. But a neglected factor in consistent and durable performance is the lifestyle one adopts in order to be able to perform well.
Over the last 30 years I have studied, observed, listened, measured and tested many elite performers in the fields mentioned above. In the end it does not really matter in which field they operate, there are some striking similarities in their behaviour. One of the most important success factors is the ability to adapt quickly and adequately to changes or challenges. They are able to move up a gear into “working mode” with impressive alacrity. But no less important is the ability to return to recovery mode with just as much speed. This prevents a person from critically depleting his or her valuable mental and physical resources. Well, nicely put, but how do you know this is true and what can you do to improve this? The key is in what Total Quality Management guru W. Edward Deming once stated: “What you cannot measure, you cannot improve.” So our approach starts with measuring the three main physiological systems that make up our mental and physical resources. These are: 1. The autonomic nervous system, the vital system that controls all functions too important to leave to our conscious control, like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc. 2. The central nervous system, or our brain and spinal cord: the control centre. 3. The (stress-) hormonal system, that regulates most metabolic processes.
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These three systems respond to stressors, challenges or changes and make sure that we stay in our physical and mental “comfort zone”. We monitor the activity of all three systems non-invasively using state-of-the-art hardware and software. In this way we are able to measure your stress and fatigue levels. We know which resources are tapped into or even depleted.
“One of the most important success factors is the ability to adapt quickly and adequately to changes or challenges.” This allows us to systematically apply specific interventions to counteract fatigue, stress and stress-related problems, mainly by changes in lifestyle, without medication. Important lifestyle considerations are sleep, rest, nutrition and supplementation, exercise, and stress management. Basically we already knew all of this. But the secret of success is knowing which intervention to use for which system and for which individual. For example: exercise might generally be a good idea to combat stress, but only if your current stress levels allow it, otherwise exercise might be accelerating a downward trend! Amateurs think in terms of working harder, studying more, or training more in order to succeed. The elite think in terms of recovery since they know, or occasionally find out the hard way, that there is a limit to the amount of information, work or training that a person can handle.
Henk Kraaijenhof Helping the best to get better published work “The Art of Performance” (1995) Vibration Training for Health and Fitness” (2002)
collaborations (selection) / Nelli Cooman (Dutch athletic sprinter) 2x World Champion and 5x European Champion / Merlene Ottey (Jamaican athletic sprinter) 6x World Champion / Mary Pierce (French tennis player) - 4x Grand Slam titles
Vortx specialises in “helping the best to get better”. We work with individuals, teams and organisations to improve not only performance, but also increase vitality and fitness, maintain health and slow down the ageing process, in all fields of life.
/ Padraig Harrington (Irish golfer - winner PGA championship) / Juventus FC / Cervélo TestTeam (professional cycling team) / UK Athletics (for the 2012 London Olympics)
Vortx’ expertise is appreciated internationally. Henk Kraaijenhof lectures and leads workshops and seminars about various topics related to these subjects. He coaches, advises and monitors individuals, consults with teams, organisations or companies. Vortx also distributes high-end equipment for measuring vitality and physical and mental fitness. For more information visit the website www.vortx.nl or email info@vortx.nl. You can also call +31(0)35 - 533 3425.
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Adventure beckons. Dusty trail and a strange town. Sun low, starting early. A point on the map to aim for. The unknown. The sun rises higher. Exposed to nature, its protection and danger. The hawk on the outcrop. Silent swoops. The hare’s tail flashes in the distance. Every pedal stroke pushes you away, every pedal stroke carries you closer. Wind roar of a passing truck. Violent reminder. Your bike keeps you stable, the load is no burden. Steady and rolling. You. The dust and the wind. Surviving. Thriving. A bend in the road. A fork. The decision... Adventure beckons.
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VAN NICHOLAS | TOUR
amazon
One for all.
The geometry of the Amazon has been designed to provide day-long comfort and stability under load, whilst still offering rewarding handling for a faster ride. The Amazon is our Cyclocross/touring/upright road and Audax frame that can be configured in a multitude of variations to meet your performance and riding criteria. If you could only have one bike, then this would be it. “The Amazon has to be the most versatile bike we have come across.� Cycling Plus Magazine
loaded touring _
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+
light touring _
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commuting _
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club rides _
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pioneer
Brave new worlds.
In designing the Pioneer, our first aim was to create a bike that had as little as possible that could go wrong. Simple, yes, but you can rely on the Pioneer, wherever you choose to go. “A luxury titanium expedition bike assembled with titanium components and processed with high quality welds. This bike guarantees you comfortable riding.” Radtouren Magazine
loaded touring _
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light touring _
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commuting _
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yukon
Ride on, and on.
The Yukon geometry has been configured to enhance day-long comfort, day after day, yet offer the stability necessary for the rewarding handling demanded by fast-paced club riders. “We cannot resist this attractive Dutch brand and its beautiful titanium bike, the Yukon.” L’ acheteur Cycliste
loaded touring _
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commuting _
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VAN NICHOLAS | TOUR
geometry
amazon rohloff (belt drive)
pioneer rohloff (belt drive)
yukon
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Actual Top Tube
Head Tube Angle
Head Tube Length
Chain Stay Length
Seat Tube Angle
Wheel Base
Front Center
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Fork Rake
Effective Top Tube
B
Bottom Bracket Drop
Seat Tube Length CTC
A
amazon (ladies)
Seat Tube Length CTT
Effective Frame Size
Dimensions are in millimetres (mm).
L
M
500
475 435 520 503 70.5 110 445 74.5 1019 585
75
45
520
495 455 531 514 70.5 120 445 74.0 1026 592
75
45
540
515 475 540 524 70.5 135 445 74.0 1036 602
75
45
560
535 495 550 534 70.5 150 445 73.5 1042 608
75
45
580
555 515 566 550 70.5 165 445 73.0 1053 619
75
45
600
575 535 577 561 70.5 180 445 73.0 1064 630
75
45
500
475 435 550 533 70.5 110 456 74.5 1060 615
75
45
520
495 455 561 544 70.5 120 456 74.0 1067 622
75
45
540
515 475 570 554 70.5 135 456 74.0 1077 632
75
45
560
535 495 580 563 70.5 150 456 73.5 1082 637
75
45
580
555 515 596 579 70.5 165 456 73.0 1094 648
75
45
600
575 535 607 591 70.5 180 456 73.0 1105 660
75
45
480
470 420 560 538 69.0 170 456 73.0 1086 633
45
45
520
510 460 580 559 69.0 190 456 73.0 1107 654
45
45
550
540 490 600 579 69.0 215 456 72.5 1123 671
45
45
580
570 520 620 597 69.0 245 456 72.0 1139 687
45
45
500
500 465 525 515 71.0 110 425 75.0 1005 590
70
45
520
520 485 536 528 71.5 120 425 74.5 1008 593
70
45
540
540 505 546 538 71.5 135 425 74.0 1014 599
70
45
560
560 525 556 548 72.0 150 425 73.5 1015 600
70
45
580
580 545 571 564 72.0 165 425 73.0 1025 610
70
45
600
600 565 582 577 72.0 180 425 73.0 1036 621
70
45
magazine 2012
THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPRESS NETWORK IS READY TO DELIVER www.dhl.nl/express
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VAN NICHOLAS | TRAVEL - Katia Lafaille
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katia lafaille
magazine 2012
“I think I have always had a thirst for adventure, but when I got my first bike at 14 I really caught the bug. I have worked in communications, commerce and tourism, but the only time I feel truly alive is when I’m exploring nature’s spacious playground.” We caught up with Van Nicholas rider and adventurer Katia Lafaille to talk bicycles, adventure, and why waterproofs are essential in Patagonia.
— How long have you been pursuing this
lifestyle? For about 10 years. At first, I worked with my husband, a talented professional mountaineer. I would organize his expeditions on the high Himalayan peaks, and the bicycle expeditions that we shared together, before he disappeared when climbing in the Himalayas. I coped with my grief by writing, and it was the feedback I received from the public that encouraged me to continue in this direction. It’s a very challenging lifestyle, but the happiness and escape I provide for others gives meaning to my pedal strokes.
Have you ever felt that your life was in danger whilst on a Trip? Yes, in June 2010, in the scorching desert of Utah. I was shooting for a documentary and had to cycle the White Rim Trail, a 160km route into remote country that up until that point had not been attempted by bicycle. I set off alone, the crew saying they would catch up with me in the Jeep. We had no network coverage, no means of communication – despite my scepticism, I decided to trust them. I travelled alone in the furnace of the canyon for twelve hours, with only three litres of water and not even sufficient tools to repair a mechanical failure, should one arise.
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VAN NICHOLAS | TRAVEL - Katia Lafaille
— Only the reliability of my bike
and strict rationing of my water supplies saw me to the end of the route, completely dehydrated. Finally out of danger, I lay beside the deserted road and waited for a car to pass. Thankfully, the first was that of the team, with a camera full of pictures of the “White Rim Trail”!
Katia’s Van Nicholas Zion Rohloff - Belt Drive frame size - 16.5” Rock Shox SID World Cup - 100 mm travel
Do you prefer to travel alone, or with other people? I love travelling alone because it brings out the best in oneself. Everything is more intense, nature takes on a different dimension, as do meetings with other people. I like the autonomy and freedom to take the trip at my own pace - and it’s not easy to find a travel partner with the same ambitions and schedule! I find balance by sharing my travels with an audience through my writing.
Truvativ Stylo Cranks - 175 mm Carbondrive Front Sprocket - 50 teeth Carbondrive Rear Sprocket for Rohloff - 19 teeth Carbondrive Belt - 113 teeth Rohloff Speedhub 14-speed Shimano XT Hydraulic Brake System Van Nicholas MTB Cables & Housing VNT Handbuilt Wheels Schwalbe Racing Ralph Tires - 26 x 2.25 FSA Orbit Headset Van Nicholas Titanium Headset Spacers VNT stem - 110 mm VNT Riser Bar Van Nicholas Dual Density MTB Grips Van Nicholas Titanium Bar Ends VNT Seat Post VNT Seat Collar Terry Woman’s Butterfly Titanium Saddle 40
What is the appeal of the bicycle as a mode of transportation? The bicycle is a fantastic means of transportation - economical, eco-friendly, good for you; they’re fabulous! I think there is something magical about the freedom they allow to travel thousands of miles using only the body’s energy. What do you like in particular about your Van Nicholas? Difficult to cite one particular thing ... Following sports injuries, I suffered from back
pain and the titanium frame is a key element as it is more comfortable than aluminium, especially as the frame geometry is precisely tailored to my body. The Rohloff hub is also a revelation for me, as I’m not a great mechanic! Is there anywhere in the world you would love to visit but haven’t yet? Yes, there are many places and one lifetime is not enough to satisfy my curiosity! I think the next destination will be Australia by bicycle with my 10 year old son, Tom. Where has been the most challenging place to cycle, in your experience? I think Patagonia - truly a land untouched by civilization. It rained for two and a half of the three months I spent there! And if it wasn’t raining, there was a strong wind. In February 2010, I rode more than 100km along the Carratera Austral into an unremitting headwind. I even had to pedal to get downhill! The trails are very rocky and difficult, and the weather can change in seconds – nature is in charge here, and it’s impossible to forget it!
magazine 2012
“People always notice my bike - it awakens their curiosity and provokes questions.”
Do you have any tips for people who might be inspired to pursue the same kind of lifestyle? It’s a hard life and you can find yourself on the margins of society, but living closer to a fundamental existence can be very liberating. I would suggest listening to your emotions and allowing time for serious contemplation. Have you had any bicycling disasters? Yes, in 1992, in the early days of downhill mountain bike racing. I had one of the first bikes with telescopic forks, and only a helmet and basic back protector. I set off very quickly, and rode straight off
a steep drop. I was knocked unconscious and came round about an hour later...
when I go out with my Zion, even when it’s locked up, I don’t let it out of my sight!
above Katia during her trip in Patagonia in 2010.
Best and worst culinary experiences? The best part? The first meal at the end of a journey away from civilization. The worst? Rehydrated ration packs at base camp during my ascent of Aconcagua (6962m) in the Argentine Andes. Does riding your Van Nicholas make it easier to connect with people? People always notice my bike - it awakens their curiosity and provokes questions. Paradoxically, it can attract the wrong kind of attention too 41
VAN NICHOLAS
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The mountain challenges. You accept. Slipping then biting, tyres fighting. The trail inviting, then tricky and spiteful. Slippery roots and sharp-edged rocks, low-hanging branches and sudden drops. Spinning the small cog, battling the climb, one, two, three pedal strokes at a time. Slowly, steadily, winning the fight. Inching your way up a mud-slicked line. Fast over rocky ground, handlebars juddering. Spotting the run-out, air flipped horizontal. Weaving and braking then quick round the berm, back in position to hit the next turn. Spattered and gasping, spraying dirt as you brake. Check. Assess. New trail ahead... The mountain challenges.
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VAN NICHOLAS | MTB
tuareg Trail tormentor.
The Tuareg geometry has been created to enhance single-track handling, as well as provide a degree of comfort not usually found in MTB frames. “ One look at the Van Nicholas Tuareg proves that the Dutch know a thing or two about creating truly stunning mountain bikes.” Mountainbike Magazine
_
xc race +
_
xc mararthon +
_
all mountain +
_
freeride +
mamtor
Move any mountain.
The Mamtor features all-mountain optimised geometry to get the best from a long-travel fork and enhance efficiency on climbs. “Quite possibly one of the nicest hardtail frames out there. The Mamtor is one of many long travel hardtails, but stands out because it’s beautifully made from Titanium .” Mountain Biking UK
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xc race +
_
xc mararthon +
_
all mountain +
_
freeride +
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valkyr
What mountains?
The Valkyr is designed to soak up whatever punishment the dedicated XC or downhill rider can dish out. Positive, poised, perfect DH machine. “ I waited so long for Van Nicholas to design a full-suspension MTB, but boy was it worth the wait! Awesome machine, I have never been quicker down the mountain.” F. Sneijder, VN Fan xc race _
+
xc mararthon _
+
all mountain _
+
freeride _
+
twentyniner zion
Keep rolling.
Like its 26” wheeled cousin, the geometry of the Zion 29” has been created for single track and trail riding, but with extra clearance to allow for 29” wheels. “Best Bike Ever! Once you ride the Zion 29er you won’t want to go back to smaller wheels .” Bike & Trekking
xc race _
+
xc mararthon _
+
all mountain _
+
freeride _
+
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VAN NICHOLAS | MTB
zion
Adapt, evolve and progress.
The Zion geometry has been designed to deal with a variety of off-road riding. The frame incorporates slightly longer chain stays than the Tuareg for added comfort, and the capacity to take forks with 100mm travel. A suite of braze-ons means that the Zion can easily be adapted for touring. The workhorse of the Van Nicholas Titanium hard-tail stable, the Zion is made for the rider who needstheir bike to be as adaptable as they are. “Zion is a classic titanium frame with beautifully curved S-bend chainstays. The Dutch design their frames with great attention to detail.� World of Mountain Biking
_
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xc race +
_
xc mararthon +
_
all mountain +
_
freeride +
magazine 2012
geometry
Effective Frame Size
Seat Tube Length CTT
Seat Tube Length CTC
Effective Top Tube
Actual Top Tube
Head Tube Angle
Head Tube Length
Chain Stay Length
Seat Tube Angle
Wheel Base
Front Center
Bottom Bracket Drop
Fork Rake
Dimensions are in millimetres (mm).
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
14.0”
356 306 550 540 70.5 110 425 73.5 1034 611
36
38
16.5”
419 369 575 553 71.0 115 425 73.0 1048 626
36
38
18.0”
457 407 600 575 71.0 120 425 73.0 1074 651
36
38
19.5”
495 445 621 597 71.0 125 425 73.0 1095 672
36
38
21.0”
533 483 635 612 71.0 145 425 73.0 1109 687
36
38
14.0”
356 291 560 556 68.5 100 425 72.7 1059 637
37
39
16.5”
419 354 590 566 68.5 114 425 72.0 1085 662
27
39
18.0”
457 392 605 577 68.5 122 425 72.0 1101 678
27
39
19.5”
495 430 620 590 68.5 130 425 72.0 1117 693
27
39
16.5”
419 354 600 570 72.0 125 445 73.0 1080 643 63.5
46
18.5”
470 405 620 584 72.0 125 445 73.0 1100 663 63.5
46
21.0”
533 468 640 606 72.0 125 445 73.0 1120 683 63.5
46
16.0”
406 359 555 532 68.0 115 425 72.5 1078 653
-
45
18.0”
457 410 587 560 68.0 115 425 72.5 1110 685
-
45
20.0”
508 461 640 615 68.0 115 425 72.5 1162 737
-
45
14,0”
356 306 545 538 70.0 110 430 74.0 1043 616
36
38
16.5”
419 369 570 547 70.0 115 430 73.0 1057 630
36
38
18.0”
457 407 591 565 70.0 120 430 73.0 1078 651
36
38
19.5”
495 445 616 589 70.0 125 430 72.5 1099 671
36
38
21.0”
533 483 635 611 70.0 145 430 72.5 1119 691
36
38
tuareg
mamtor
zion
twentyniner
valkyr
zion (rohloff)
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VAN NICHOLAS | TRAVEL - Mallorca - Pro Cycle Hire
Mallorca paradise found
photography Andrés Nieto Porras
— Pausing at the top of the climb to catch my breath,
I was treated to a breathtaking vista of sun-baked fields tumbling over cliffs into the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean Sea. “I’m going to enjoy this week,” I said to Martin, between gulps from my water bottle. Being a relative newcomer to cycling, I wasn’t sure what to expect when my club-rider friend Martin suggested a week’s training camp in Mallorca. I worried it might be a bit too serious for my level of experience. However, with Martin’s reassurance, I booked my flights, found a hotel and arranged bike hire through www.procyclehire.com. When I arrived at my hotel, my ride for the week was already there waiting for me! I doubted whether submitting my measurements online would work, but when I got on my bike (a very good-looking Van Nicholas Euros) I was pleased to discover it was a perfect fit. The brainchild of Bruce and Lisa Griffiths, Pro Cycle Hire was established in 2004 after
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experiencing first hand some of the problems that can arise when trying to organise a cycling holiday. Often there were no high quality bikes to hire, and the cost of transporting one’s own bike via air was prohibitively expensive – assuming the airline delivered it at all! They realised that serious cyclists needed serious service, and the company was born. They offer a wide range of professional quality titanium and carbon road and MTB bikes – they even have a tandem if you’re more interested in a leisurely cycling holiday – and can arrange guided rides and vehicle support if you want the full professional experience. If you’re happy to go with the flow, they ride out from their shop in the pretty coastal town of Port de Pollensa at 9.00am every day, all year round, and anyone is welcome to join in. The climate in Mallorca makes it the ideal destination for an active break. With no real
magazine 2012
As Stephen Roche (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and World Championship winner) says: “Mallorca is quite fascinating! It has a great climate and great scenery and it offers unbeatable conditions for both holiday cyclists and professionals.” And he was one hundred percent correct! It really is an idyllic location. I’m amazed the professionals get any training done – the scenery is so stunning that stopping to admire the view is compulsory far more often than is conducive to serious training. There were so many highlights: the coastal road to the dramatic Cap de Formentor with its vertiginous cliffs, waves crashing three hundred metres below, savage wind threatening to blow you over the edge; the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, where the challenge of the climbs was matched only by the thrill of the descents; a relaxed spin along near-deserted back roads through ancient olive groves, stopping for refreshment in villages that have been inhabited for centuries. Every day presented a different side to the island, and every side was a pleasure. Seven days flew by, and I don’t know if it was the air, the fantastic local food, or the uplifting views, but I swear my recovery time was a lot quicker than when I am at home!
must ride 1. Pollença to Sa Calobra return. Stunning 125km coastal ride with a 12km gorge averaging 7.3% climbing.
top tips
winter to speak of, it’s a year-round destination, and many professional cycling teams use it as a base for their off-season training. And if it’s good enough for the professionals...
where to stay 2. Hotel Llenaire - www.hotelllenaire.com Fantastic location with tasty traditional food. 3. Reads Hotel- www.readshotel.com Great hotel for post-ride relaxation in the spa or swimming pool. 4. Hotel Formentor - www.jpmoser.com/hotelformentor.html Soak up the beautiful views in comfort and style. where to eat 5. El Casinet, Puerto Pollensa Mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine with fabulous sea views. 6. Ivy Garden, Puerto Pollensa International cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere. did you know? Mallorca has a subtropical climate – there is no such thing as winter on the island! In summer, temperatures regularly get above 35°C. 4. Pro Cycle Hire 2. 1. 5. 6.
3.
Palma
Mallorca, hasta luego!
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VAN NICHOLAS
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Step out of the ordinary. Into the unusual. The everyday, from a different angle. Designed for specialists, for rare breeds, for people who need a bike to be as extraordinary as they are. Tucked and timed. Traffic grimed. Back-woods blasting. Boards and balancing. On road poise through off road lines. We made them unique, like all of our bikes, but special too. Extra special. Step out...
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VAN NICHOLAS | SPECIALS
cross amazon
Off road, race on.
Shod with knobblies and set up with V-brakes for better mud clearance, the Amazon is transformed into a positive, poised Cyclocross machine. Its robust frame can handle anything you throw at it and any corner you throw it into, but the optimised tubing remains stiff and light enough to ensure maximum power when you’re pushing hard. Like you, it loves to get dirty.
blaze
Feel the burn.
Aerodynamically enhanced cold-worked Titanium tubing with geometry designed to make the transition from cycling to running smoother: the Blaze is designed to be a tri-athlete’s dream. With an integrated seat-post system to optimise the rider’s aero-tuck, a seat post that shelters the rear-wheel and fully integrated cables to minimise drag, this is one unique machine. Fit for purpose. Fit to fly.
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track chinook
Beyond the Velodrome.
The Chinook Track is a high-spec track frame featuring traditional round tube construction and classic dimensions. Designed to deliver maximum sprint performance and precision handling, the frame has the same features as its road cousin but with an oversized down tube and our H-Bridge chain stay system for added stiffness. It’s made to attack.
fixed yukon
Get your fix.
The Yukon Fixed has been designed for the discerning urban cyclist. Stiff and responsive for instant acceleration and snappy handling, but it still retains Titanium’s day-long ride comfort. It’s ideal for the street-carved courier, the flat-out commuter, or as a day-to-day trainer for the rider ready to take a step up to the next level of pedalling power and efficiency. The ultimate street machine.
redwood
Forest firestarter.
We created the Redwood to be a multi-purpose 100mm travel optimized frame for ripping up trails. With horizontal drop-outs designed to run discs perfectly, you can tune the wheelbase for fat tyres or rapid climbs, gears or single speed, with no loss of performance, whatever the set up. You can even fit a rack, if you want!
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VAN NICHOLAS | Specials
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magazine 2012
geometry
Effective Frame Size
Seat Tube Length CTT
Seat Tube Length CTC
Effective Top Tube
Actual Top Tube
Head Tube Angle
Head Tube Length**
Chain Stay Length
Seat Tube Angle
Wheel Base
Front Center
Bottom Bracket Drop
Fork Rake
Dimensions are in millimetres (mm).
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M amazon
cross
500
475 435 520 502 72.0 110 425 73.5 984 566
58
45
520
495 455 531 514 72.0 120 425 73.0 991 573
58
45
540
515 475 540 524 72.0 135 425 73.0 1000 582
58
45
560
535 495 550 534 72.0 150 425 73.0 1009 591
58
45
580
555 515 566 551 72.0 165 425 73.0 1026 608
58
45
600
575 535 577 563 72.0 180 425 73.0 1037 619
58
45
520
575 480 531 525 71.5 100 395 76.0 968 585
75
43
540
595 500 540 538 72.0 100 395 76.0 973 590
75
43
560
615 520 557 556 72.5 115 395 76.0 987 604
75
43
580
635 540 575 574 72.5 135 395 76.0 1006 623
75
43
* Including the shim.
500
500 465 525 515 71.0 110 425 75.0 1005 590
70
45
fixed
520
520 485 536 528 71.5 120 425 74.5 1008 593
70
45
540
540 505 546 538 71.5 135 425 74.0 1014 599
70
45
560
560 525 556 548 72.0 150 425 73.5 1015 600
70
45
580
580 545 571 564 72.0 165 425 73.0 1025 610
70
45
600
600 565 582 577 72.0 180 425 73.0 1036 621
70
45
530
530 495 535 530 74.0 120 380 75.5 949 575
55
38
560
560 525 560 558 74.0 140 380 75.5 975 601
55
38
590
590 555 590 588 74.0 170 380 75.5 1005 632
55
38
15.5”
39.4 329 560 543 70.5 115 425 73.5 1043 621
35
38
17.0”
43.2 367 570 547 71.0 120 425 73.0 1043 621
35
38
18.0”
45.7 392 590 564 71.0 120 425 73.0 1063 640
35
38
blaze
yukon
chinook
track
redwood
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VAN NICHOLAS | Titanium Jewellery
titanium Van Nicholas accessories.
01.
We couldn’t stop at frames. We believe so wholeheartedly in its magical properties that we had to turn our hand to designing a range of Titanium components. They perform beautifully with our frames, but will enhance any bike you choose. Add a touch of Titanium glamour to your ride.
02.
01. Titanium hip flask 02. Titanium headset spacers 03. Titanium bar ends 04. Titanium cutlery set 05. Titanium water bottle cage 06. Titanium seat collar 07. Titanium seat post 08. Titanium wheelskewers 09. Titanium stem 10. Titanium handlebar
03.
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04.
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05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
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VAN NICHOLAS | VNT Elements
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As you might have guessed, we’re huge Titanium fans, but that doesn’t mean we don’t recognise the benefits other materials have to offer. Under our VNT Elements label we have created a range of components that get the very best out of these high-tech materials, and retain the Van Nicholas aesthetic and performance ideals.
01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08.
02.
carbon wheelset carbon SL fork water bottles aluminium seat collar saddle handlebar alloy stem carbon seat post
03.
04.
06.
VNT VNT VNT VNT VNT VNT VNT VNT
05.
07.
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VAN NICHOLAS | Van Nicholas clothing
clothing
01.
Van Nicholas accessories. You can’t ride naked. Well, not without being arrested. Keep yourself out of prison with our range of technical clothing, designed by Van Nicholas and manufactured in Italy using the latest technologically advanced fabrics. Look great, feel comfortable, ride your best.
02.
05.
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03.
06.
04.
07.
08.
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01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08.
VN VN VN VN VN VN VN VN
Windproof sleeveless jacket long jersey short sleeve jersey BiB shorts leg warmers knee warmers arm warmers team socks
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VAN NICHOLAS | Tailormade
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tailormade Your frame. Your canvas.
You are unique. Your bike can be too. We offer the ultimate bespoke bike design service: we will build your frame to your exact size, dimensions and specifications. You will get a bike that is an extension of you. You will experience the most comfortable ride of your life. You will have a bike that will bring the very best out of you, because it was made for you. We build your unique machine by hand, with the components of your choice, to your precise stipulations. And with genuine pride, we add a signature to verify the authentic one-off nature of your modern Dutch masterpiece. You’ll find all the information you need to start creating your own Tailormade Van Nicholas on our website. Just make sure you follow the online instructions carefully. If you’d like us to help guide you through the process, please call us. Or if you’d prefer to have your measurements taken for you, locate your nearest authorised Van Nicholas dealer and arrange an appointment. You’ll find their details on the website, too. Tailormade is not an option to be taken lightly. We are offering you a bike that is truly yours. A bike that will be a part of you like no other bike. And like all our Titanium frames, it comes with a lifetime guarantee. So it’s not too much of an exaggeration to say we’re offering you the bike you want, and a slice of immortality. Express yourself. You’ll be proud of the results. 69
bart
VAN NICHOLAS | Van Nicholas Fan - Bart Schijf
“My Astraeus is the ultimate combination of style and performance.”
VN fan - Bart Schijf age 35 years old lives Willemstad, the Netherlands occupation Chemical Process Operator
Working shifts at an oil refinery means Bart has a lot of free time in the day to enjoy his many active hobbies. Life goes by very quickly if you don’t keep up. He loves to hit the beach and kite-board in the salty surf, or sail out to the wide open sea, mastering the winds. And he runs, and runs, and runs.
favourites food Boerenkool met worst
But cycling is his main passion. He has the bikes to prove it.
(cauliflower with sausage) drink Bacardi Coke clothing brand Mystic saying Carpe diem - “Seize the day”
interesting fact volunteers at fire & rescue brigade
rides Astraeus with Dura-Ace groupset, Zipp Zedtech wheels and VNT components Zion 29er with XT groupset, Easton Haven wheels and Easton components
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Tearing up trails in the Limburg hills, ripping up roads around Hoekse Waard – he knows a route to satisfy his hunger, whenever the fancy takes him. He imagines an ideal day, with close friends and loved ones, riding as far as they can to explore new horizons, returning happily exhausted to full plates of boerenkool met worst. One day he hopes to head off in a camper, with no destination. Sand between his toes, sun-bleached hair. His friends know he lives by his own rules, but they’re welcome to join him. To Mallorca, perhaps, his favourite place to cycle. Because wherever Bart goes, his bikes will surely follow.
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01. Lezyne Travel Floor Drive Slick design and smart looks combine in a punchy little package. We take one of these little beauties wherever we’re riding. 02. Garmin Bike Computer Edge 800 In our opinion, simply the best GPS bike-mounted navigation tools on the market. We’d be lost without it! 03. Van Nicholas Titanium pulleys If, like us, you want Titanium everything on your bike, these derailleur pulley wheels are essential. 04. Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals Lightweight, top performers with a striking design - whisk up a race win! 05. TRP brakes R970SL These guys use Titanium to help make their super light stoppers, so of course we love them! 06. Easton wheels Easton make some of the fastest, most technologically advanced wheels on the market. You want to go fast, don’t you? Go buy some!
VAN NICHOLAS | CHOICE - Cycling must-haves
01.
van nicholas choice Cycling must-haves.
We love Van Nicholas, but we love everything else about cycling too. Great design, great looks, great products: here’s a selection of cycling accessories we wouldn’t be without. 02.
03.
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VAN NICHOLAS | CHARITY - TransAlp
to Weissenbach Day 1 – May 29th – Heilbrunner bs of about 1,000m occasional long continuous clim and s ient grad 24% r, the wea m The war by bike, so hiking was a trails were sometimes impassable The day. t firs gh tou a it e mad and scrambling onwards. ulders as we continued climbing sho our on up s bike – ity ess nec view of the valley and were rewarded with a panoramic By the end of the afternoon we ty of pasta and an early first day, rounded off with plen a thrilling descent. A fantastic night. ch to Mittersill Day 2 – May 30th – Weissenba Rosswaldhutte that We had a long climb through the Today was a wonderful stage. of our legs and lungs! t tes ffl Hochalm – a real Ste to b clim ep ste long a h finished wit e treated to some h-Hinterglem ski region and wer We passed through the Saalbac m. 1,818 at our highest point of magnificent views, particularly Neukirchen am Grossvenediger Day 3 – May 31st – Mittersill to and boy was alternative route for this stage, Local guides had told us of an of the day, with the 0m in altitude over the course it worth it! We gained over 2,40 gel ski region, and all the the edge of the Geisalm Wildko longest climbing bringing us to beautiful views. way we enjoyed great riding and
am Grossvenediger to St. Jacob Day 4 – June 1st – Neukirchen able to ride, but pretty the memory. At first we were in long live will t tha day a This was kind of terrain tually we were experiencing the even il unt s, bike the off e wer soon we altitude made it even more neers. The rain, wind, cold and ntai mou by kled tac only ally usu finally reached the top at , some of it through snow, we bing clim h muc er Aft l. tria a of ud and satisfied we began point of our trip at 2,634m. Pro Krimmler Tauern and the highest the slightest steering error as challenging as the ascent – our descent, which was just tion, we took the road e safely past the dangerous sec here spelt disaster. With everyon t end to a great day! into St. Jacob at 60kph. A grea
St. Vigil Day 5 – June 2nd – St. Jacob to nico where we reached ar downhill section towards Bru The day began with a spectacul heading – the Kronplatz e wer could see where we we ey vall the m Fro ph! 85k speeds of an altitude of 2,273m. tower on the top of the hill at g ikin str the h wit , tion sta n mountai hours we had to resort ay was tough, and after three tod us, ind beh ges sta r fou h Wit top. Descending was help with the final push to the to gels and ks drin gy ener our to er side of the mountain and utes later we were on the oth fast and controlled and ten min rolling on to St. Vigil.
tina d’Ampezzo short, steep Day 6 – June 3rd – St.Vigil to Cor the terrain consists of lots of e, Her . tes omi Dol the in us The final day saw n’t only our legs that was a 26.5% lung-buster! It was climbs, the steepest of which to take their toll on our rted days of hard riding sta s iou prev five the as er falt hike took us to started to failing. A combination of bike and ets ock spr and ins cha h wit , bikes too followed by a well-earned rest! the top and our final descent,
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magazine 2012
TransAlp Fighting the Alps and crushing cancer with Kika.
Crossing the Alps is guaranteed to be an arduous experience, whether on foot, by bicycle or even on top of an elephant. Such legendary historical figures as Hannibal and Julius Caesar succeeded in the crossing, but countless others have failed in the attempt. In 1990, German Ulricht Stanciu was able to add his name to the list of luminaries when he became the first person to make the crossing by bicycle. He wanted to discover new routes, and test the limits of his strength, endurance and orientation. The Alps were the perfect testing ground, and the route that Ulricht first navigated has become an international phenomenon now considered one of the toughest mountain bike trails in the world.
— Cancer is one of the toughest battles a human being can face. A disease with no respect for young or old, weak or strong, rich or poor, it is one of the world’s biggest killers. Children with cancer face a tougher battle than most to beat the disease. Attacked before they have the strength to mount a full-scale defence, they are often overcome before they have had a chance of life. So, when a group of six marines, joined by Van Nicholas and Aspider as sponsors, decided they would test their mettle by attempting one of the toughest challenges in mountain biking, it seemed fitting that they should do so with the aim of raising funds for KIKA, the children’s cancer charity. The Trans-Alp route they selected is 443km long with 13,500 metres of altitude
gained along the way, and runs from Salzburg in Austria to Cortina d’Amprezzo in Italy. The money raised will go to support seven paediatric cancer centres in the Netherlands. Upon completion of the challenge, Jan-Willem Sintnicolaas said: “We are all immensely proud of the team effort that went into such a successful Trans-Alp ride, not only from the eight riders, but all the support staff who made the attempt possible. On June 11th, we were delighted to be able to present a cheque of €14,260 to KIKA – every cent of which was earned with blood, sweat and tears on the most unforgiving mountain range in Europe. KIKAs motto is ‘Less pain and struggle, more healing and quality’ – to this we add our own: ‘It was worth every step.’ ” 75
VAN NICHOLAS www.palmshutters.eu
Experience the luxury of adjustable sunlight.
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Palmshutters速 allows you create a warm and sustainable environment. Enjoy our exclusive product, tailored to your every need.
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01. Mykita Sunglasses Uniquely striking hand-assembled high-tech eyewear from Berlin. 02. Bowers & Wilkins P5 Nagging bike widow or widower? These headphones provide an instant haven! 03. Borreti Barista We’ve yet to find sexier kitchen appliances than those made by Boretti. 04. Creed Aventus (75 ml) Handmade perfumes that have been a best-kept secret of the rich and famous for years. 05. Eames Chair The Eames Chair is the ultimate lounger, a design classic that still wows at 56 years old.
magazine 2012
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van nicholas choice Lifestyle must-haves.
You can’t cycle all the time. Believe us, we’ve tried. Here are some of the things that help to inspire, uplift, relax, enchant and fulfill us until it’s time to get back out there again.
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VAN NICHOLAS | Van Nicholas - the Obvious Choice
van nicholas The obvious choice.
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Lifetime Frame Warranty.
Van Nicholas will replace any Titanium frame that fails because of manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner.
10-Day, 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Customers have 10 days from the receipt of a Van Nicholas bicycle to determine their complete satisfaction. If you are not satisfied for any reason, we will rectify the problem, or you may return the product in its original packaging for a full refund.
No–Fault Expense Reimbursement.
We have full confidence in our products and we’re committed to the highest level of customer service. So we will cover all applicable expenses up to €75 if a warranty claim is processed through an Authorized Van Nicholas Dealer.
Crash Replacement Warranty.
If a Van Nicholas Titanium frame is damaged and is not covered by our manufacturer warranty, Van Nicholas will provide a replacement frame for 50% of the current retail value.
Shipping Guarantee.
Van Nicholas guarantees and insures every shipment. All packages remain our responsibility until the customer receives them in pristine condition.
Warranty Re-Certification Programme.
Consumers wanting to sell or purchase a used Van Nicholas Titanium bicycle or frame can send it directly to our office for Re-Certification (check website for details). Van Nicholas will inspect the frame for any potential damage or problems and ship the product back to the consumer with a new manufacturer’s warranty.
Fit Guarantee.
If after purchase your riding position is uncomfortable, we will modify the bike to better suit your preferences. This guarantee applies only during the first 60 days of ownership and is directed primarily at modifying stem length or rise. It is not applicable to all components.
Customer Service.
When you join our exclusive club by becoming a Van Nicholas rider, you have access to our dedicated customer support hotline, where technicians are waiting to answer your questions about assembly, maintenance or upgrades.
magazine 2012
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VAN NICHOLAS | the Van Nicholas Dealer Network
the network Supplying Titanium around the world.
For overseas distribution enquiries, please use the contact details listed. To see a list of our worldwide dealer network, please visit our website. headquarters
distributors
Van Nicholas Bicycles
Australia
Indonesia
Japan
Energieweg 23
Blue Globe Alliance
Pt. Ace Hardware Indonesia
Cyclelines
3281 NH Numansdorp
6 Betty Close
Gedung Kawan Lama,
34-204, Momoyama-minami
The Netherlands
Coral Cove, 4670
5th FL, JL. Puri Kencana No. 1
Kyoto, 612-8017, Japan
info@vannicholas.com
Australia
Jakarta Barat, 11610, Indonesia
m-kohjin@cyclelines.com
Van Nicholas China
Bagus Graha Sports
Korea
China, 100076 Beijing,
Bumi Serpong Damai,
DAEJIN International
No. 27-5, Laoshn West Street
Pahlawan Seribu
790-826, Gyeongsangbuk-Do
(Shijingshan District)
Tangerang, 15310
977-6, Daejam-Dong, Nam-Gu,
selina@vannicholas.com
Indonesia
Pohang-Si, Korea
sales@vannicholas.com.au
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Singapore
Thailand
Bike Pro Centre SDN BHD
Two Wheel Action Pte LTD
UWC Limited
No.17-1,Ground Floor, Jalan
Blk 354 Clementi Ave 2,
3656/35-36 Green Tower,
SS23/15, Taman SEA, 47400
# 01 -183/185, Singapore
11th Floor, Rama IV Road,
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
120354, Singapore
Klongton, Klongtoey
bikeprobicycle@gmail.com
twa@pacific.net.sg
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
www.vannicholas.com/dealerlocator.aspx
Malaysia
Find your nearest Van Nicholas dealer by scanning the QR-code or visiting our website:
magazine 2012
Philippines
South Africa
United States
Ironbike
Cycle Trans Atlantic, CC
EU Cycle Imports
No. 484 Araneta Ave, Dona Imelda
30 Hartwig Cresent
2554 Club House Drive
1113, Quezon City, Philippines
Greenways, 7140, South Africa
Wexford, 15090, United States
michael@ironbike.net
cycle.trans@lantic.net
n_mcara@eucycleimports.com 81
VAN NICHOLAS | Details, details, details
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magazine 2012
time out details, details, details.
Does it end like this? Or is this the start of a love affair? Allow yourself a moment of reflection. Linger a while, focus on the details.
Special touches that separate Van Nicholas Titanium from the norm. Like the H-bridge: a small piece of metal that makes a big difference to a frame’s performance.
The fabricator, our Design Director and the skilled technician who uses it to hand build a custom-ordered bike.
Or the attention to detail we demand from our production process. A weld cannot simply be strong; it must be strong and aesthetically pleasing, too. A tube cannot be a millimetre or two thinner or thicker than necessary – even the tiniest measurement is crucial in our quest to build the best bicycles possible for their intended applications.
Our mission to achieve precision extends beyond our frames. Every component you select is thoroughly inspected before we allow it become part of your bicycle. This has even led us to reject a valve dust cap in the past because it was slightly threaded. We will not settle for anything less than precision performance. Our ultimate goal is perfection. We believe our bicycles are as close as it is possible to get.
How do we guarantee this attention to detail? By ensuring every millimetre of our frames is inspected by three different pairs of eyes.
If you think you’re falling in love, visit www.vannicholas.com and begin a relationship that will last a lifetime.
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VAN NICHOLAS
THE TITANIUM BIKE COMPANY VAN NICHOLAS BICYCLES ENERGIEWEG 23 3281 NH NUMANSDORP THE NETHERLANDS PHONE: +31 (0) 186-657718 FAX: +31 (0) 186-657719 E-MAIL: INFO@VANNICHOLAS.COM WEB: WWW.VANNICHOLAS.COM
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