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.