Pass Hunter Review in Bicycle Times

Bicycle Times just published a great review of the VO Pass Hunter. The review is not on line yet, but here are a few quotes:

"OK, we've established this thing is a looker.. Fortunately those good looks are backed up with a great ride."

"..the Pass Hunter felt sporty, goading me into leaving in the big ring and powering over the next rise rather that drop down to the small ring and spinning up slowly."

"And descend this bike does. ...the Pass Hunter brought out the daredevil in me, encouraging me to let it all hang out going down hill. 

"The frame has the steel "feel" that most other materials still try to emulate: resilient over rough surfaces, the lively spring when powering out of corners, but enough stiffness to descend with confidence, even with a light load."

"And I'm not sure what makes it work this way, but this is one of the few bikes I've ridden that is stable enough with a handlebar bag to ride no handed."

"Don't let the cantilever brakes and big tires fool you, this isn't a touring bike, it's a sporty road bike that is versatile enough to be built up for spirited group rides, all weather back road bashing, or credit card touring."

"I'm thoroughly impressed, impressed enough that I'm debating purchasing a frame and fork for myself."

I'm really pleased that we keep getting reviews like this. Please pick up the May issue of Bicycle Times and read the whole thing (there are other good articles, too). I've long worried that cyclists compare frames only by looking at angles and geometry and price. But what really makes a frame great, and what I hope distinguishes VO frames from others, is how they ride and how well they are made. These are things that are hard to judge looking at specs and charts and photos. Reviews like this are a big help.

On another review related note, the Adventure Cycling review of the Campeur is now on line.

Igor's big Taiwan Adventure

by Igor

Chris and I got back from Taiwan just in time for NAHBS,  It was a great time meeting with manufacturers, going to the Cycle Show (one of the biggest bike shows in the world, only rivaled by Eurobike), eating amazing street food, and lounging at the skin melting hot springs. A photo tells a thousand words, so..... onward to the photos! A full gallery is available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eccentricvelo/sets/72157642695296584/

To Japan, over Canada

Longshan Temple

Delicious treat. Strawberries and tomatoes in a hard gelatin.

Anyone know the model?

Frames are tested to the literal breaking point here

All of our frames are handmade

Grand Cru Stems being boxed up to us!

Obligatory cat photo

 Arthur from Voyager Touring Co is a great guy and does some amazing touring and rando style builds featuring our products as well as many products sourced from USA, UK, Japan, and right at home.

Koi pond in front of the shop. Great place to relax at home.

I also had a chance to stop by Sense30 bikes. Not only do Yeh and Lee have a great sartorial style, they also know their old bike stuff. Fantastic selection of NOS French, Italian, and Japanese components and accessories. In addition, they have their own custom frames brazed locally for customer builds.

NOS Colnago outfitted with NOS 40th Anniversary Campagnolo

Shop dog

Old and new at 2/28 Peace Park

That's one way to do it.

Mini Velo Fat bike

The road in front of the Presidential Palace was closed down for a scheduled protest.

Gondola going into the mountains

Low visibility

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is overwhelmingly huge.

The steed. A bit small.

Mid ride snack

Bo'Ai road, also known as Camera Street. Eye candy and fancy glass abound!

Seriously, 7-11: Bring these Sushi Triangles into the States. I will buy them.

On the way home, to go straight to NAHBS.