27 February, 2014

Blue Polyvalent MK3 is Here

The new batch of Polyvalent frames is painted a lovely metallic blue color. We've also added a third set of water bottle bosses and a rear brake cable hanger with adjuster. Here's part of the description from our site:

The Polyvalent is an urban bike that's also capable of being used for cyclo-touring, brevets, and club rides. Polyvalent is French for "general purpose."

The frame is a low-trail French inspired design, much like our old VO Gentleman frame. It's designed for front loads. 

Wheel size is 650b, which we feel is really the best choice for a comfortable ride on bumpy city streets or rough country roads. Maximum tire size with fenders is around 44mm and around 55mm without, but the frame handles best with a tire around 38mm wide. 

The rear dropouts are short horizontal dropouts to allow internal hubs and single speed wheels to be used without the need for a chain tensioner. Longer dropouts would make wheel removal difficult on a fendered bike. Rear spacing is 132.5mm, so both 130mm and 135mm rear hubs fit.

There's more here.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love the color. I'm torn between the Polyvalent and the Pass Hunter. Which is a better choice for Brevets.

VeloOrange said...

I would lean towards the Pass Hunter for using as a Brevet bike. Little bit lighter tubing, works great with a saddle bag and a handlebar bag. Set it up with a 50.4 crank and a wide range in the back and you can get over any hill.

Scott

Darrell Goodwin said...

I agree on the Pass Hunter, especially if you plan to ride mostly paved roads. Plenty of good 700c tires up to 32mm wide that are efficient and comfortable. You are more limited when it comes to good 650b tires.

Anonymous said...

This is a thing of beauty.

Aaron said...

The Pass Hunter also has a shorter top tube which will probably be a better fit with drop bars unless the rider has a long torso.

rusty said...

Aw I really like it. I've always wished this bike came a bit bigger, like maybe a 63cm. Will the forks be available separate?

Perry "Porcini" Austin said...

Great color, just like that RB1 i used to ride to work!

VeloOrange said...

@ Rusty- No plans to go with a larger frame then the 60cm.
We don't offer any of the forks by themselves

JP said...

Looks great! I'm eagerly waiting on a large frame (with short top tube!) mixte. I suppose belt drive is way too much to ask... I love my commuterized Trek (racks, dynamos, North Road bars, etc.), but it's really just the mixte that would make me finally make the switch. I'm spoiled by the step-through on my Brompton!