2015 van nicholas catalog

van nicholas

van nicholas magazine

n o t h i n g l o o k s r i d e s l a s t s l i k e t i t a n i u m

designVan Nicholas

copywritingVan NicholasCharles Thurlow

circulation20.000 - worldwide

printed byGrafische Groep Daneels

photographyJohn Janssen FotografieMarco van BurenHenk Bruyns Beeldproducties

special thanks toJan-Kees LogmansDylan PooleBenoît Linguanotto

Van Nicholas is part of the Accell Nederland BV. Koga BV is brand owner of Van Nicholas.

This magazine is printed with the greatest care to minimise its impact on the environment and by using state of the art eco technologies.

CyclingLeisureLifestyle

The Considered Choice Creating a Van Nicholas

ROADTOURMTB

The Obvious ChoiceThe Network

ROADTOURMTB

Titanium accessories VNT elementsVan Nicholas clothing

choice

design

fans

others

bicycles

accessories

The Bike - The love affair between a cyclist and his bikeMetal Guru - Marc Lange discusses jewellery, Titanium and designEngineered Desirability - The secrets behing designing LezyneThe Science of Shifting - Beneath the surface of state-of-the-art shiftingBioteaful - Sanne van Paassen gives us some food for thoughtWhere Extreme is Routine - Experience the roads less travelled first hand

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van nicholas magazine | contents

c o n t e n t s

We have two great passions here at Van Nicholas: Titanium, and great design. Our mission has always been to design and build the best

possible Titanium bikes for their intended application.

In our magazine this year we take a look at some of the innovative, beautiful, and above all, expertly designed products we love from the rest of the cycling world, such as the ever-growing range of Lezyne

accessories, and the market-leading electronic shift system pioneered by Shimano. We also explore the less functional side of Titanium

through the work of master jeweller Marc Lange, whose jaw-dropping pieces display a delicate, mesmerising quality that might surprise long-

term Titanium bike aficionados.

And no Van Nicholas magazine would be complete without us taking the time to explore the world through the eyes of the most important people to us – the people who ride our bikes. We hope you find their

experiences as interesting and inspiring as we do.

Enjoy the magazine. Enjoy the ride.

v a n n i c h o l a s m a g a z i n e

welcome

advertentie lake.indd 1 11-08-14 09:13

Frank Strack(pronounced as the Dutch Frahnk,

not the American Fraynk)

Founder of velominati.comEditor of the book ‘The Rules’

A devoted cycling aestheteBreathes ‘La Vie Velominatus’

column - frank strack

the bikeI sold a bike recently. It is the first time I’ve ever sold a bike. But I sold it to my best friend and now when we go riding, I can look at my old bike. One of the twists of life is that we ride our bikes, which means we rarely see them out on the road. Mine, or what used to be mine, looks beautiful on the road, but different; not trapped by being stationary at a café or in the workshop where I usually see my bikes. Now she looks free.

When I’m not riding my bikes and being deprived of the pleasure of seeing them on the road, I work to keep them in good order; I clean them regularly and if they make any sounds at all, the creak or tick will be mercilessly hunted down and eradicated. A bicycle must function flawlessly and be absolutely silent. This is why I prefer Campagnolo; since a well-tuned Campa drivetrain is virtually silent. Shifting is an art, which is why I choose to reject electronic shifting. I enjoy being involved in a perfect shift. I take credit for successfully shipping the chain from one cog to the next, and delight in a flawless double-shift. One of my bikes still has friction downtube shifters and there the art is even greater; you have to plan your shifts, you have to be seated and you need to tease the chain off one cog and onto the next. But downtube shifters remind the modern Cyclist why we like having the shifters on the handlebars: we like to shift any time we please, especially when we’re suffering.

There are few pleasures in life greater than riding a silent machine, hearing only the hum of the tires on the tarmac. The sound a high quality bicycle tire makes is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world.

You can listen to this sound and judge how smooth your pedal stroke is; a good Cyclist’s stroke will coax a constant tune from their tires, a choppy stroke will pulse.

A tubular tire sounds better than does a clincher; this is one of the reasons why I prefer to ride tubs. Also, the process of gluing tires to your rims is one that requires care, attention, and a bit of time. But a well-glued tire brings you just a little closer to your machine, and when you take a corner hard and feel your tires grip the pavement, you can be a little bit proud that you did a good job gluing them on.

I changed the stem on my bike recently, because I wanted to be a little more stretched out. And I’m very happy with the result. Mostly, though, I’m happy with how the machine looks with the longer stem. I brought it up into my bedroom for a few days so I could admire it as I went to sleep. My wife is a patient woman who never asks me why I don’t admire her as I fall asleep instead.

Even though my bikes are usually perfect, sometimes the engine is still flawed. The mind is what drives the Cyclist to greatness more than any other thing, more than training and more than the equipment. When the mind falters, the Cyclist becomes a shadow of themselves.

There was a French Pro whose name escapes me, who would sleep on the floor and let his bike sleep in his bed on the days when his mind failed him but the bike was perfect. That seems to me the right way to go about things.

Frank Strack(pronounced as the Dutch Frahnk,

not the American Fraynk)

Founder of velominati.comEditor of the book ‘The Rules’

A devoted cycling aestheteBreathes ‘La Vie Velominatus’

column

van nicholas

Simply Beautiful. The timeless allure of its natural lustre, naked purity in the perfect form. The elegant lines of our frames accentuate the rare beauty of Titanium. Irresistibly.

n o t h i n g l o o k s l i k e t i t a n i u m


t h e c o n s i d e r e d c h o i c e

TiO2 + 2Cl2 > TiCl4 + CO2

TiCl4 + 2Mg > 2MgCl2 + Ti

2x 45% 600˚ ∞

At Van Nicholas we stand by our mantra that Nothing Looks, Rides or Lasts like Titanium. We truly believe it is the ideal material for bicycle frames. And we are not alone in recognising Titanium’s unparalleled qualities. From aircraft frames to car engine components, propeller shafts to oceanographic equipment, surgical implants to wheelchairs, jewellery to sports equipment, desalination plants to nuclear waste storage, Titanium is the material of choice. But what is this magical material exactly and why are its properties unrivalled?

van nicholas magazine | titanium

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Titanium 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 symbolise incredible strength.

stronger than aluminium lighter than steel high tolerance endless durability

aerospace

Withstands extreme conditionsmarine

High corrosion-resistancemedical

Biocompatible and durableconsumer goods

Lightweight, high strength

c

rutile ore

Titanium extraction steps based on the Kroll Process, to create a Titanium sponge, which is then crushed, melted and alloyed to create the Grade 9 Titanium that we use in all Van Nicholas products.

chlorine gas

titanium tetrachloride

carbon dioxide gas

titanium tetrachloride

liquid magniesium

liquid magnesium chloride

titanium

facts

usage

47,867

The chemical element with atomic number 22. A hard, silver-grey metal of the transition series, used in strong, light, corrosion-resistant alloys.

titanium

comparisonThe comparison between the three metals are displayed in a diagram with a nominal range, from 05 to 01, where 01 is the highest score.

titanium

steelaluminium

Designing a Van Nicholas is an evolving process. The journey from idea conception to finished product is never linear, with one step following the other until the desired outcome is achieved. Instead, a more circular route is taken, with many feedback loops. It is always a search for perfection driven by constant analysis: what is its purpose? Can it be different? Is this the optimum solution?

And the further the project progresses, the better our understanding of the actual problem or challenge gets, and sometimes leads to radical changes and about turns: we must remain critical at all times and continuously reflect.

Imagine an upside-down pyramid. All the ideas, possibilities and solutions mill around in the broad opening and are gradually distilled and discarded with each downward step taken, until finally, at the fine point of the pyramid, we are left with the best possible outcome for the original, half-formed nucleus of an idea.

step 01 – imagining the possibilitiesIdeas for a new product originate from multiple sources, but can broadly be categorised into two groups: internal and external influences. Internal influences generally mean feedback on

c r e a t i n g a v a n n i c h o l a s

van nicholas magazine | design

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13 existing products from customers, dealers, press and industry critics, and our own staff. To us, a design is never truly finished, rather we are in status quo, waiting to see if the bike can tell us more about how it can be improved. This approach is essential for realising a product’s maximum potential, but it doesn’t tell us if the product is right for the marketplace. This leads us to the second source of ideas for new products: external influences. Here, we draw our inspiration from the possibilities of new and emerging technologies in design, engineering and production. Also, we analyse industry trends, the work of our competitors and our suppliers, and we monitor large scale influences, such as environmental regulations and socio-economic conditions.

step 02 – putting pen to paperVan Nicholas is a brand with a recognisable aesthetic, a distinctive DNA, so the first step we take is to convert that great idea into the Van Nicholas design language. We make countless sketches and 3D mock ups in paper, plastic or foam. We look at every tiny detail, working closely with our trusted suppliers and manufacturing engineers, to ensure we remain as close to the original concept as possible. We refine and perfect to help us better understand the design in terms of performance, aesthetics and manufacturing feasibility. Only when we are completely happy do we move on to the next stage.

brushed finishNatural brightness

polished finishHigh lustre

engraved head tubeOriginal Van Nicholas

internal cable routingClean aesthetics

3d sculpted dropoutMaximum efficiency

3d forged dropoutPrecision castings

cnc machined dropoutHigh stress performance

h-bridgeIncreased stiffness

hydroformed tubingLiquid versus Titanium

optiformed tubingAny size fit

cold worked tubingStructurally strengthened

press fit bbStiffer, lighter

eccentric bbTension adjustment

technologies


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step 03 – from fantasy, to realityIt takes a lot of work before an idea makes it into production, but even more work is required before the first prototype completes its journey to the marketplace. Once the initial idea is sketched out and most details have been considered, the design is translated into 3D form, usually with a 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software package. In this stage of the process, it rapidly becomes clear whether the design matches the expectations in terms of styling, component fitting, weight and also performance. In this phase the designers need to work closely with the engineers and, possibly, the suppliers.

The most important aspects on which we focus are product performance and feasibility. Do the hand-calculated expectations live up to their promise in real-life? And more importantly, is it possible in the real world to make the tubing as thin as 0.7mm, for example? Through the use of computer simulations, like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) where stresses on each tiny part of a design are mapped, we are able to predict tolerances to within a couple of percent and so

safety and reliability tests

safety performance reliability assembly

safety markings, over-tensioning bolts and impact test. torsion and bracket stiffness .riding, out-of-saddle simulation and saddle-load simulation.component fitting, assembly instructions, road testing.

minimise the risk that the product will fail. A great starting point, but all the data projections will need to be validated by our rigorous testing program once the first prototypes are ready.

step 04 – finding the limitsOur tests fall into four broad categories: safety, performance, reliability and assembly. They are based on the ISO4210 standard, but most are adapted to be more demanding.

Safety is our primary concern, so this series of tests looks at how our frames perform under a variety of high stress situations, such as impacts, over/under tensioning of bolts and component failure. We also ensure the weight and dimensions are as anticipated, because these play a large part in the product conforming to expectations and help us to gauge manufacturing accuracy and consistency.

We have an idea of how the product should perform from the computer simulations, but our performance tests attempt to verify our calculations in the real world. Torsion stiffness is

tested to indicate the level of stability and comfort; bracket stiffness is tested to provide insight into how much applied energy is directly transferred to the rear wheel; and for those bikes with a belt drive we have developed a special test to measure axial and radial frame deflection which can affect the life of the belt.

With our reliability, or endurance, tests we simulate the entire life-cycle of the frame in a short period of time. There are specific tests for specific frames (ie. luggage carrying, disc brakes, kickstands) but in general all our frames will be subjected to head tube, pedalling and load-bearing stress tests that simulate riding in the toughest conditions, continuously, for over 100,000 cycles. We also subject them to simulated environmental challenges with salt spray and UV-degradation tests.

The assembly tests involve building a complete market-ready bike to ensure all components fit and assembly instructions are correct. Sometimes with special projects, a final road test

might be needed. This can be a test where we check the riding stability on different road surfaces with the maximum amount of luggage, or a bike we cover with sensors to gather more data on the material stresses.

And once all of these tests have been carried out, the prototypes have been refined and we’re happy with the final design, we begin production.

step 05 – the journey beginsAfter many steps, a lot of feedback, refining and perfecting, our new Van Nicholas is ready for you, the dedicated cyclist. But as we said, this is simply another part of the continuous cycle of development. As the product appears on the marketplace, we begin to glean valuable insights from consumers, dealers and critics, input vital for the first phase of new development. With every pedal stroke we move forward, closer to our ultimate dream of the perfect Titanium bicycle.


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internal headsetReduced maintenance

integrated headsetLighter, stiffer

tapered headsetIncreased rigidity

rack mountsLoad-carrying capabilities

fender mountsAll-weather riding

3rd water bottleLong-haul hydration

rohloff gearing systemLow maintenance reliability

belt drive readyNo lube transmission

vnt divisible handlebarPerfect fit with Rohloff grip shifter

electronic shiftingPrecise, instant control

80-100 mmCorrected suspension

27.5” wheelsSpeed and agility

29.0” wheelsUnstoppable rollers

technologies

safety is our primary concern, so this series of tests looks at how our frames perform undera variety of high stress situations

Wooden cases for Apple and Leica products.www.miniot.com

Naamloos-3 1 11-08-14 15:25

Wooden cases for Apple and Leica products.www.miniot.com

Naamloos-3 1 11-08-14 15:25

van nicholas magazine | metal guru - marc lange

metal guruMarc Lange is an internationally renowned, award-winning jewellery designer whose designs incorporate Titanium with exquisite results. We met with him recently to discuss his journey from average schoolboy to successful designer and his appreciation for Titanium’s subtle beauty.

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As a child, growing up in a small village in the Netherlands, he admits he was oblivious to any latent creativity and spent much of his schooldays doing only what was required to pass his classes. Did he show any interest in the creative arts as a child? “Not that I can remember. I was mainly interested in soccer.” But following a short period at ‘Retail School’ and a couple of months working at an office furniture manufacturer, an old friend drew his attention to the Vakschool Edelsmeden (a vocational school for goldsmiths). The idea of working with precious metals appealed to him, and once he began his studies he discovered that the perseverance required and the challenges he faced had awoken a passion within him. Pretty soon, he was truly obsessed.

He was keen to master all the different techniques, so he searched for examples and inspiration, and practised, practised, practised. He became one of the better students in his class. But perfecting his art was not the only thing driving him on.

Marc proved to have an entrepreneurial spirit; he began to repair jewellery at home in his spare time. In this way, he started to build up his own clientele.

At that time internships didn’t exist, but Marc was desperate to work and at the age of 21 he secured a position at the reputable jeweller Peperkamp. The work was quite simple, but in the year Marc was there he learned a lot: how to handle the equipment and tools, and how to manage the production process. He also learned how to explore his creativity; “Something that you don’t learn at school where they mainly pay attention to the craft itself,” says Marc. “I became more of an artist, discovered my own style. It is very hard to find a way to stand out and to attain commercial success as well. After all, you want to make products that people would like to have.”

Although still in school Marc was already a working goldsmith, and after graduation in 1994 he enrolled for a further year to

(left) Marc at work in his studio.

Marc Lange - Awards

2010Finalist, Nederlandse OntwerpWedstrijd

20071st prize, Nederlandse OntwerpWedstrijd

2002Finalist, Nederlandse OntwerpWedstrijd

2001Nomination, Nederlandse OntwerpWedstrijd 2000 Nomination, Alkmaarse Cultuurprijs

19981st prize, Goldsmith, SNS Prize

1997Nomination, Jewellers Award

19941st prize, Silversmith, Schöne Edelmetaal ContestNomination, Goldsmith, Schöne Edelmetaal Contest

Practice makes perfect

Love at first sight

van nicholas magazine | metal guru - marc lange

study the slightly less delicate production techniques of the silversmith. This knowledge would prove crucial to his further career. His own clientele continued to grow and good contacts within the precious metal industry occasionally enabled him to deal in materials. A new material, Titanium, especially caught his eye. “Titanium is strong, wear-resistant, lightweight (this is very important for earrings for example) and non-allergic. And it is not visibly affected by using or wearing it. Gold doesn’t oxidise, but because it is too soft by itself, it is mixed with other metals for strength and these do oxidise, so that’s why golden jewellery can lose its shine. Silver blackens because of the sulphur in our body fluids, and copper changes colour by oxidation. Titanium however, isn’t affected since it has a natural, invisible coating of Titanium dioxide.” His journey with Titanium had begun.

He designed his first collection – five rings made out of Titanium, gold and diamonds – and found the ideal showcase at Stream & Field Jewellers in Amsterdam. This arrangement quickly proved a success and within a year he was able to expand his collection. Around the same time, he graduated as a silversmith and won an award for a silver teapot designed as part of his studies. With a growing clientele and ever burning ambition, the next fifteen years passed in a whirl of trade shows, expositions, gallery exhibitions and more and more interest in his designs, until finally he was able to take over his old tutor Peperkamp’s shop in 2001.

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Hard work pays off

It is all about the details,

no concessions.Marc Lange

Marc hasn’t reinvented the ring or the necklace, but he has found his own unique way to re-imagine these familiar objects. Always searching for contrasts and opposites, between materials, colours, shapes, finishes; always exploring the possibilities and limits of the materials he uses; always inventing new ways of using and combining different techniques. “I have tied knots in 20mm thick Titanium, something I haven’t seen anywhere else. I use machines that you normally wouldn’t find in a goldsmith’s studio. That way I can create new shapes, in combination with colouring techniques, which no one imitates.”

All of his artworks are handmade with the greatest care and precision. “I want a high level of quality and therefore it is all about the details, no concessions. While making a new piece at every step I ask myself the question: does this really add something, and why? Sometimes the simplest things can be extremely powerful.”

Marc is not only drawn to Titanium by its unique aesthetic appeal, but by the inherent difficulty of working with the material. “Titanium is not easy to cut, deform or melt, you can’t turn it into frivolous ornaments, so it challenges me to come up with other ways of working with it. I love the great contrast that matt titanium offers when combined with shiny gold or a sparkling diamond.” But Titanium doesn’t have to be matt grey, it can also be polished (although rarely, because it is laborious) and even

coloured by a heating process. “You can get the most intense colours through heating Titanium, unlike silver or gold, which only oxidise into boring colours.”

The frequent use of Titanium in his designs certainly contributed to Marc’s recognizable, unique style. “I always work from the possibilities of the material itself. For example you can’t melt or solder Titanium together with other materials, so I had to find new ways to connect them to each other (with small pins or screws). And I discovered that I could pour gold over Titanium like hot lava. Titanium has a higher melting point, so while the gold melts, nothing happens to Titanium. These techniques obviously cause a less traditional, more original way of working and this contributes to a certain appearance. That forms my style. Since I’ve been experimenting with Titanium for over 20 years now, this is a recognizable part of my work.”

“I am looking for designs that are very complex to execute, but have powerful, simplistic shapes at the same time. But of course I also have some designs that contain more frivolous and playful details. You need to find a good balance within your collection between commercial and artistic value. It has to show what I’m capable of, and be appealing to potential customers – as well as to myself.” This appeal is borne out by the many visitors to his studio from far and wide, and the respect he commands from his peers in Dutch jewellery design, and the wider world.(above) Sparkling Vortex:

Marc’s winning entry to the 2007 Nederlandse OntwerpWedstrijd, themed ‘Cocktail’.

A constant quest

The challenge of Titanium

The Lange signature style

van nicholas magazine | fans - jan-kees logmans

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nameJan-Kees Logmans (the Netherlands)

age39 years old

weight79 kg

height1.86m

occupationProcess Operator

aboutMy love for cycling began while I was

at school. Back then I would travel 20km by bike every day. I always

enjoyed getting up early in the morning, jumping on my bicycle and riding to

school, no matter how bad the weather was. I loved that feeling of adventure

and freedom that bookended my days. When I saw a Van Nicholas bicycle

(Chinook with SRAM Red) twenty years later, that feeling came back to me.

The elegant shape of the frame, the magical material, and the high quality

finish immediately drew my attention. The exclusivity of the Dutch brand was also very appealing. No bright coloured

carbon, but a minimalistic and timeless appearance which radiates

quality. My mind was made up: I had to have a Van Nicholas.

bicycle2013 Van Nicholas VentusgroupsetSRAM ApexwheelsetMavic Cosmic Eliteheart rate (min/max)62/178 bpmaverage km’s a year6,500 km

most memorable ride That would be Paris-Roubaix. The most beautiful and toughest spring classic was on my wish list for years. On the 12th April 2014 I finally undertook it. One day before the professional riders would race on that same road, along with 3000 others cyclists, I conquered the cobblestones. The force you feel while driving up a cobblestone road for the first time is unbelievable; handlebar and saddle immediately change into a machine gun! Both bicycle and rider are tested to the extreme. It was completely different from a heavy climb or fast descent, but despite the pain and the dust it truly was my most beautiful ride by far. The holy dust of the cobble stones finally washed off four weeks after the ride; I’ve never before been so proud to be riding a dirty bike.

“The holy dust of the cobbles finally washed off four weeks after; I’ve never before been so proud

to be riding a dirty bike.”

j a n - k e e s l o g m a n s

c y c l i n g

van nicholas magazine | choice - cycling

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01. 02.

03.

04.

05.

01. Chapeau N’eau Shower Gel No need for water – just rub on and towel off for a post-ride, anti-bacterial,

sweet-smelling clean up - chapeau.cc

02. TiGr Bike Lock Strong, lightweight and elegant, this stylish Titanium lock frees you from cumbersome

U-locks and chains - tigrlock.com

03. Urban Ex Rolltop Backpack Compact, lightweight, waterproof daypack. Built for adventure biking and all-

weather commuting - chromeindustries.com

04. Strava Track your rides, set personal records and beat your friends’ times. This app communicates with

smartphones and dedicated GPS devices - strava.com

05. Leatherman Mako Bike Tool Compact, lightweight and made of Titanium, the Mako’s nine tools handle

roadside repairs with ease - leatherman.com

06. BikeParka Keep your bike snug and safe with this tough, lockable and weatherproof cover with portable

carry bag - bikeparka.com

07. Casco SPEEDairo Incredible combination of aerodynamics and cooling thanks to the double shell structure and innovative head-net - casco-helme.de

08. Blade Titanium Pedals The ultimate flat pedals for trekking or urban bikes – incredibly lightweight, stunningly minimalist design - vpcomponents.com

09. Orion Ultralight Jacket Complete waterproof protection in a packable format. Engineered to react to changes in body temperature - missionworkshop.com

10. Patchnride Ingenious way to repair punctures on the go – spike, patch and glue in under a minute

with the tire in situ - patchnride.com

06. 07.

08.

09. 10.


When the sound of the crowd drowns the roar in your ears, from the blood pumping fiercely, the thump in your chest, when the roadside collage made of flashes and blurs And the jostle and heat of the sweat snarling pack, keeps you focused as grip tight fists clench on the drops, with the strain and the toil and you pinpoint the gap In that perfect picked moment you peel off the back and you dig and you dig and you dig in somehow, when you lunge for the line, thinking... This. Now. This. Now.

van nicholas magazine | road

Light, stiff, aerodynamically optimised and technologically advanced, the Astraeus is the

pinnacle of Titanium racing bike design. Hydroformed tubing,

a tapered internal headset, press-fit bottom bracket and

our proprietary H-Bridge System combine to deliver heavyweight performance in a featherweight

package. The magic of Titanium made real.

sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600 mm & tailormade

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.

astraeusRide the best

sportivestime trial_

club rides+_

race+_+ +_

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zephyrSerene machine

aquiloAll out racer

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.


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.


club ridesracetime trial sportives+_+_+_ +_


crossOff road, race on

chinookTimeless performance

van nicholas magazine | road

Classic race geometry delivers exciting but predictable

performance. It’s the perfect lightweight ride for

rapid climbing that also loves flying down the descents.

sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600, 620 mm

& tailormade

Oversized tubing and aggressive geometry deliver the poise and power to tackle the toughest cyclo-cross terrain, while the Titanium tubing makes short work of muck and mire.

sizes 500, 520, 540, 560, 580 mm & tailormade

sportivescyclo-cross_

club rides+_

race+_ +_

sportivestime trial_

club rides+_

race+_+_

amazon

+

+

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ventusWinning bike, winning price

ventus seSpecial Edition

All the performance and properties of the Ventus, but the SE is available in one package, with specially selected components. A dream ride, for a dream price.

sizes 480, 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600 mm

The Ventus shares the same race-tuned DNA as its big brothers

the Astraeus and Aquilo, but at a very competitive price.

Ideal for sportives, it’s the perfect first Titanium road bike.

sizes 480, 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600 mm



van nicholas magazine | road geometry

astraeus & aquilo

zephyr

chinook

cross

ventus

fram

e siz

e

seat

tube

ctt

seat

tube

ctc

seat

tube

ang

le

effec

tive

top

tube

head

tube

head

tube

ang

le

chain

stay

botto

m b

rack

et

whe

elbas

e

stac

k

reac

h

Dimensions are in millimeters [mm] and angles in degrees [ ˚ ]

Every Fast Forward wheel is hand built and expertly tuned by one of our master wheel builders, giving you exceptional quality and durability.

Watch our master wheel builders at work: www.ffwdwheels.com/news/videos

P . +31 (0)38 423 64 47 E . [email protected]

g e o m e t r y

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amazon

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377380380381387388372375375377382382378380387393398403402376372376385392362379382382383390391

Every Fast Forward wheel is hand built and expertly tuned by one of our master wheel builders, giving you exceptional quality and durability.

Watch our master wheel builders at work: www.ffwdwheels.com/news/videos

P . +31 (0)38 423 64 47 E . [email protected]

Since its foundation in 2007 by industry icon Micki Kozuschek and partners, Lezyne has been producing technically innovative and beautifully designed cycling accessories. They entered the marketplace at a time when product catalogues were overflowing with cheap, poor quality plastic accessories with the goal of manufacturing premium quality accessories that met the same high standards – in terms of both functionality and aesthetics – as high-end bicycle components. They encapsulated this in their mantra: Engineered Design.

From its inception, Lezyne set out to do things differently, and a range of products with innovative features set them apart from the competition. The Pressure Drive Hand Pump with ABS Flex Hose for example, one of Lezyne’s first products and still one of their top selling items. And the CNC Floor Drive pump with its secure ABS Flip-Thread Chuck connection, or their multi-tools with Center-Pivot bit design, all found new ways to improve the performance of familiar accessories, while manufacturing them from durable, quality materials with simple, appealing aesthetics. This commitment to innovation, intelligent

van nicholas magazine | engineered desirability

Engineered Desirability

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Lezyne introduced their first floor pump in 2008 and this product still stands strong.

How important is your philosophy during the production process?

engineering and exquisite design has garnered many fans, global recognition and a raft of awards.

We spoke to them recently to find out a little more about the process behind the Engineered Design of their products.

It truly drives us from the day a product gets developed, until we ship the final good out of our factory. We create every single product in house, and practically every single part. And it doesn’t stay at product level; our packaging, communication material, offices and factory also have to meet our high standards. Micki personally oversees product development, design and production.

Our sales teams work very closely with every market and our product manager – so we detect trends early. We generally do not look at our competition – we see gaps and build something new. Like 7 years ago, did anyone think about selling a hand pump for €35? Or 3 years ago, a 1000 Lumen LED light with integrated battery for €200? Lezyne’s goal is to create good looking products that work well and are affordable.

How do you come up with an idea for a new product?

From its inception, Lezyne set out to do things differently, and a range of products with innovative features set them apart from the competition.

Engineered Desirability

We look at the market and what it has to offer for that category. How does the current available product on the market perform? What works and doesn’t work?

Once we decide on a direction, our engineering department then starts to design and construct the product in 3D. Analyzing the strengths and

weakness of material and design, but engineering it to work great and look great. We have a team of engineers and designers in our US headquarters and our factory in Taiwan. They work very closely together and communicate every day. That’s why we also say we develop around the clock, because of the different time zones! At the end of our day here in the US we have video conferences with our Taiwan team, as it is 9am their time.

As we engineer and design the product in 3D CAD software we can determine the cost and manufacturing processes to know if it meets our goals and targets for both quality and price. If it does, we then proceed to open moulds and manufacture tools for building samples.

After samples are received they are checked for quality to make sure everything matches drawing dimensions and finishing standards. And then it is put through a series of in-house tests for function and durability to meet Lezyne standards. When it does, nothing stands in the way of us introducing the final product.

We are currently working on a completely new product category which has not been launched to the public yet – so look out for exciting new developments soon!

We generally do not look at our competition, we see gaps and build

something new.

van nicholas magazine | engineered desirability

You’ve identified your new product: what happens next?

How do you go from design idea to a physical sample?

Are there any interesting new products we can expect from Lezyne?

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van nicholasvan nicholas magazine

When the lists are checked off and the panniers packed, and the dawn alarm chime you hear ready, awake, when the last home hot shower for who knows how long Has been towelled from your body and clothes are peeled on, watch the sun rise to greet you while coffeepot boils, mark the route on the map for the loved ones at home

And breakfast like kings, then remember, ‘passport!’ so you check, and you re-check, one final time, oh! How adventure is calling and pulls… This. Now. This. Now.

van nicholas magazine | tour

Our global adventurer will keep you on track, on whichever road

you travel. Optimised for a Rohloff hub with belt drive or traditional

chain; bosses for all the luggage, mudguards and water bottles you

need; a long wheelbase for stability; internal headset, full-length cable

routing, 29” wheels; the Pioneer is built to keep you going.

sizes 470, 510, 540, 570 mm & tailormade

rohloff hub with belt drive

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.

Combine the Rohloff hub 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.

pioneerBrave new worlds

commutinglight touringexpedition sportives+_+_+_ +_

twentyniner rohloff

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amazonExplore more

A stable no-nonsense frame, Rohloff or mechanical shifting and a belt drive option make

the Amazon our adaptable, comfortable work-horse.

Tour, commute, Audax. Push it hard, or enjoy at

your leisure.


light touring commutingexpedition sportives+_+_+_ +_

derailleur & rohloff

light touring

Holiday everydayyukon

van nicholas magazine | tour

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.


sportivesexpedition_

commuting +_+_+_ +

derailleur & rohloff

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tour geometry

pioneer

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yukon

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van nicholasvan nicholas magazine

Powerfully Agile. Strength, rigidity and compliance, fused for ultimate performance. Perfectly balanced.This is why Titanium delivers a ride like no other. Harmoniously.

n o t h i n g r i d e s l i k e t i t a n i u m

van nicholas | fans - fans - dylan poole

nameDylan Poole (United Kingdom)

age48 years old

weight80 kg

height1.80m

occupationWildlife Management Adviser

aboutI’ve always enjoyed the great

outdoors and I’m incredibly fortunate that my job as a wildlife management adviser affords me

the opportunity to spend time in the countryside - though not as much as I’d like at present.

Living and working in the North-East of England allows

me easy access to the stunning North Yorkshire coast, moors and dales

and it’s no surprise to me that the Yorkshire leg of the Tour de France was

such a great success this year. While out and

about in the area advising on wildlife conservation

issues, I make good use of my time by scouting for potential day rides and longer overnight

tours. Perfect!

bicycle2014 Van Nicholas YukongroupsetShimano UltegrawheelsetAmbrosio Excellenceheart rate (min/max)60/180 bpmaverage km’s a year7,500 km

most memorable ride After years out of the saddle following an accident, I was encouraged by my cycle-mad brother to take to the road again. The renaissance was further inspired by the purchase of the superb Van Nicholas Yukon and culminated in a south to north tour of the west coast of Ireland, from Mizen Head to Malin Head. The route offered a varied cycling experience, on little-used roads, taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. In the company of three cycling pals and with my girlfriend manning the unofficial ‘broom wagon’, we completed the 1000 km trip over 8 days, averaging over 100 km a day. The highlight for me was the exhausting, but ultimately rewarding ride over Healy Pass with its twisting hairpins and extraordinary views. All in all, the excellent company, breathtaking coastline and friendly locals combined to make this a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

“The highlight was the exhausting, but ultimately rewarding ride over Healy Pass

with its twisting hairpins and extraordinary views.”

d y l a n p o o l e

l e i s u r e

01. Stipla iPad Magazine Compelling stories with an independent slant for storytellers, adventurers and

explorers everywhere - stipla.com

02. Italesse Bcool Silicon Bottle Cooler Special fins in the internal air space provide the technology to keep

your drinks cool, indoors or outdoors - italesse.com

03. Citybox Picnic Grill With this compact and elegant powder-coated steel portable grill you can barbecue at

the drop of a hat - selki-asema.fi

04. Eva Solo Water Flask Thermo-insulation and a handy carry strap mean you’ll always have a cool drink to hand, and help the environment too - evasolo.com

05. Lock 7 Cycle Café London’s first bike café has been selling coffee, cakes and cycle stuff in a gorgeous

canal-side location since 2008 - lock-7.com

van nicholas magazine | choice - leisure

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01.

03. 04.

05.

02.

06. Velo – 2nd Gear An illuminating celebration of the riders and bikes that contribute to the diversity of contemporary bicycle culture - shop.gestalten.com

07. Rapha City Cycling Guides Rapha collaborated with Thames & Hudson to produce these pocket-sized guides to the major European cycling cities - rapha.cc

08. Rimowa Classic Flight Attaché Case Timeless and tough, these handcrafted aluminium cases will

stand up to the worst baggage handler - rimowa.com

09. Matador Pocket Blanket A water repellent blanket that seats four people and yet folds into a bag that fits

in the palm of your hand - matadorup.com

10. Stitch-Mi-Lane Bike Wheel Cushion No bike fanatic’s home décor is complete without this striking, hand-printed bike wheel cushion - stitchmilane.co.uk

06. 07.

08.

09.

10.

van nicholas

When the waiting is over you spring from the trap, to pick out the line tail slide thrill round the corner, at speed, and these moments, alive in the instantInstinctive and fearless and pushing it harder, ruts, rocks and roots ripple up your wrists through the shocks, when you lurch almost lose it while landing a dropOff, you pin the next section, take time off the clock, and you hammer down, take off, the roar is so loud, ‘cause you’re whipping it, winning it… This. Now. This. Now.


van nicholas magazine | mtb

Like the Astraeus, the Tuareg benefits from hydroformed tubing

to save weight and increase rigidity, along with high performance details

like the press-fit bottom bracket and tapered headset. Optimised

for both 27.5” and 29.0” wheel sizes, the Tuareg boasts a handling

configuration to suit the most demanding XC rider. Super fast,

lightweight and supremely assured, it’s our ultimate MTB offering.

sizes 27.5”-version 15.5”, 17.5”, 19.0” & tailormade

sizes 29.0”-version 19.5”, 21.0” & tailormade

27.5” or 29.0”

We optimised each frame size for the most appropriate wheel: smaller frames are designed around the 27.5”, while the larger frames are tailored to 29.0” wheels. So whichever size fits you, the handling will be nimble, the ride stable and reassuring, and about as much fun as you can have on two wheels.

Halfway between 26.0” and 29.0” wheels, 27.5” offers the speed and agility of the first and the trail blazing rollability of the latter. 27.5” Wheels are lighter and more flickable than 29.0”, with a lower sense of gravity. Big obstacles to conquer? 29.0” Wheels will keep you rolling, no matter what.

tuaregXC Beast.

xc race_

all mountain+

xc marathon+_

freeride§+_ +_

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zionHigh roller.

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.

sizes 15.5”, 17.5”, 19.0”, 21.0” & tailormade

twentyniner

xc race_

all mountain+_

xc marathon_

freeride+_ ++

zionKeep rolling.

twentyniner rohloff

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.

sizes 15.5”, 17.5”, 19.0”, 21.0” & tailormade

The ideal introduction to Titanium MTB. Fun, fast, forgiving: the Redwood balances comfort and performance to help you find your limits, and then push beyond them.

sizes 15.5”, 17.5”, 19.0”, 21.0”

van nicholas magazine | mtb

all mountain+_

xc marathonxc race freeride_+_ +_+

xc race_

all mountain+_

xc marathon_

freeride+_ ++

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redwoodMountain marauder

twentyniner

mtb geometry

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329380418430468329380418468329380418468329380418468

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tuareg

tuareg

zion

zion

redwood

twentyniner

twentyniner rohloff

twentyniner

twentyniner

twenty-seven-and-a-half

Minimalism Maximised

The VNT Twentyniner full rigid carbon front fork delivers pin-sharp steering control in a beautifully low-key, high performance design.

fans - benoît linguanotto

nameBenoît Linguanotto (France)

age34 years old

weight63 kg

height1.69m

occupationButler

aboutAs soon as I could walk, I started to

cycle. I would follow the Tour de France with my grandparents in their caravan,

watching my heroes from the side of the road, and then tearing round the

campsite trying to ride as fast as them. My bikes were heavier than I was,

but still I felt free on two wheels. From the age of twelve I discovered a passion for racing mountain bikes

and in my second year of racing my team and I were crowned

champions of Orleanais State, an award we kept for four years.

I continued racing when I moved to the South of France for university,

revelling in the rugged, mountainous terrain so different from where I grew

up. My maxim then: go fast or go home! Unfortunately, I had

to stop racing for a while, but lately I discovered a new

passion for cycling with friends. And I enjoy it even

more since finding my dream Van Nicholas bike.

bicycle2013 Van Nicholas Redwood 29er groupsetSRAM XXwheelsetRovalheart rate (min/max)56/195 bpmaverage km’s a year10,000 km

most memorable ride Summer of 2013, in Champagne at Le Raid des Cadolles. The trail was 90% singletrack in the middle of the Vignoble, and after an easy mass start, my cycling friends were behind me. We were 50km into the 75km route, and my friends on their 26” wheels were suffering, but I felt great. Normally on that trail, it’s difficult to get through because of the mud and rocks, but for the first time I flew through every stage with ease. So it became a challenge between my Redwood 29er and me. The question was, which one will be the first to give up? Over the next 25km of overtaking guys, sprinting up climbs and flying down hills, everything was perfect. I saw other riders looking at me with envy both downhill and on the climbs, because they were walking with their bikes by the side of the track. At the end of the stage, the question hadn’t been answered. Since that day, we are as one. I trust in it, it has never let me down.

“Since that day, we are as one. I trust in it, it has never let me down.”

b e n o î t l i n g u a n o t t o

o b j e c t s o f d e s i r e

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van nicholas magazine | titanium accessories

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.

01

02

04

03

01. titanium seat collar02. titanium cutlery

03. titanium quick releases04. titanium headset spacers

05. titanium bell

05

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van nicholas magazine | titanium accessories

07

06

06. titanium hip flask07. titanium handlebar

08. titanium stem09. titanium bar ends10. titanium seat post

11. titanium water bottle cage

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van nicholas | the science of shifting

ShiftersThe distance between the handlebar and the shifter is adjustable and the digital button makes sure that shifting is easy, even with winter gloves. The user can tailor the function of the shifter.

Rear derailleurThe Di2 derailleur receives a signal from the shifter to switch to the next gear. The rear derailleur has protection against impacts and automatically moves to the inside during a crash. Works with 10 and 11-speed.

Front derailleurA built-in chip communicates with the rear derailleur. When the rear derailleur changes gear, the front derailleur automatically adjusts. The closed system is lighter and less sensitive to dirt than a traditional version.

BatteryThe system is fed by a lithium battery (external or internal). This battery is charged within 90 minutes and has a reach of at least 2000 km. An indicator shows the status of the battery with a green or red light.

Cable controllerThe brain of the system receives the signal from the shifters and transforms it into cable movement – all in milliseconds. The low battery indicator is also located here, and recharging is via a USB connection.

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In 2008 Shimano introduced electronic shifting for road bikes. Since then the Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence) system is used by more and more cyclists – both pro and amateur. But how does it work?

Takoa Harada is in charge of the development of all Shimano’s racing parts. He spoke to us about the Dura-Ace group set, which is available in both a mechanical and an electronic version.

How long does it take to develop a new generation of Dura-Ace?Our engineers immediately start after the launch of a previous generation and the whole process takes about three years. We use all of the feedback we received from racing teams and consumers about the older generations.

What are the most important changes of the current generation?We’ve tried to achieve a more intuitive means of control and high performance. The looks are important, but our main goal is to let the users feel a true difference. The control buttons are almost invisible, so you can focus solely on cycling. We haven’t just added an extra gear; we redesigned the whole system.

How does the development process work?Development should be a never ending process. We have a designer who works on the aesthetics of the product. He visualises the future – about five till ten years from now – with drawings and models. When it comes to the operation and function of the product it has to be as effective as possible for the end-user, which is the professional rider as well as the recreational cyclist. This is where we use our 3C-concept: Concentration, Control, Confidence. The next step is the production department. Sometimes they will come back to the designers and engineers to say that unfortunately their idea is very hard to make. So in every step changes and improvements are made.

How is Dura-Ace different from the lower segments, like Ultegra and 105?We always develop the top group first and after that work our way to the lower segment. Normally we keep the same

performance and function, but we choose a different production process. We simplify the shape which makes it easier to produce. When it comes to our high-end Dura-Ace we don’t compromise on anything.

What is the advantage of electronic shifting?The biggest advantage is quick and easy shifting at the push of a button. The system works so fluently because the exact moment of shifting is chosen – so no lag or jerk. It also has an auto-trim function for the front derailleur that ensures the chain won’t jam. The shifters are extremely compact, which enhances handlebar ergonomics, and perform in any conditions – rain, mud or dust, the electronic shifting system can handle it all.

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.

Minimalism Maximised

01. VNT brake calipers02. VNT alloy seat collar

03. VNT alloy stem 04. VNT alloy seat post

05. VNT alloy headset spacers06. VNT road handlebar

07. VNT divisible Rohloff deep drop handlebar

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van nicholas magazine | vnt

01. 02. 03.

05.

04.

06. 07.

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van nicholas magazine | vnt

08.

09.

11.

10.

12.

08. VNT MTB riser handlebar09. VNT retro saddle10. VNT MTB lock-on grips11. VNT leather saddle12. VNT brake levers13. VNT SLR straight ROAD fork 14. VNT SLR tapered ROAD fork 15. VNT rigid carbon tapered twentyniner fork

13. 14. 15.

van nicholas magazine | bioteaful - sanne van paassen

Bioteaful.

Sanne van Paassen (25) is an accomplished Dutch cyclocross rider who, for example,

won the UCI World Cup in season 2010-2011. This season she is part of the Boels-Dolmans cycling team and right now she is preparing

to return after a long-term injury. It was while recuperating that she discovered her passion

for food, to such an extent that she studied to become a natural food consultant. She also

assists athletes as a detox-coach, because, contrary to what many of us think, sport and

detox can go together very well.

Sport and Detoxing - Sanne van Paassen

What is acidification?Our body not only acidifies through training and competing, but also through stress, exhaustion, cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides and flavour enhancers. Every year we take in 6kg of these toxins, which is very stressful for your body.

When you slowly recover from exercise, sleep poorly, have no energy, joint pain, headaches, mood swings or reduced resistance, it could be that your body is acidified. Possible causes are a mineral deficiency and a weakened immune system. Too many waste products remain in our connective tissue, which cause our muscles and blood vessels to acidify. In my case this resulted in excruciating pain in my thighs during exercise.

By taking in food that has a basic nature, such as vegetables, fruit, corn, coconut, herbs and potatoes your body will be better able to drain the toxins. The ratio of our food intake should be 30% acidifying and 70% basic. The very strong acidifying nutrients should be avoided completely. This includes coffee, alcohol, black tea, soda, pork, white flower, refined sugar and fast food.

How can detoxing help you? When you experience obvious symptoms of acidification a detox can be the perfect solution. During a detox you give your body a holiday, so all the toxins can be removed. There are a lot of detoxing methods based on juices or fasting, which don’t work very well in combination with sports, because calorific intake is reduced. It is important to get the right amount of energy and protein for active sports and speedy recovery. That’s why I came up with my own 30-day Bioteaful detoxing method, which really helped me during my period of injury. During this detox you can continue eating, but the key is that you only take in pure and healthy nutrients, free of refined sugars, artificial additives (E-numbers) or any other acidifying ingredient, to help you to clean your body. In combination with the right amount of exercise and relaxation (avoiding stress) the detox will have the best effect. Because of this healthier lifestyle, you are bursting with energy. For me detoxing twice a year is the perfect way to push myself to the top.

Sanne writes about her love for food at her blog bioteaful.nl and you can reach her at [email protected]

As an athlete you demand the most out of your body. You must achieve your goal, no matter what. So you train hard, which can cause your legs to acidify. To regain your top form for the next training session, it is important to remove this acidification. A quick recovery is required. During my sports career I discovered how important it is to find the right balance between sport, food and relaxation. If not, our body can let us down. In my case, my thigh injury ensured that I couldn’t ride competitively for a whole season. Very frustrating. But I turned that frustration into finding a way to keep my body in the best condition.

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Chocolate Oatmeal Sports bar

This sports bar contains only pure ingredients, is nutritious and very tasty. Useful tip: these bars can easily be kept in the freezer.

Preparation01. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.02. Mash the bananas and add the

other ingredients. 03. Mix everything until it has a

smooth consistency.04. Grease a low baking dish with

some coconut oil or use some baking paper.

05. Put the mixture in the baking dish and then put it in the oven for about 20 minutes.

06. The bars are done when you put a satay stick in the middle and it comes out dry and clean. Let it cool and cut it into smaller bars.

Ingredients32 tbsp oatmeal8 tbsp sunflower seeds3 bananas4 tbsp cocoa powder6 tbsp honeyCoconut oil for greasing the pan

p e r f o r m a n c e c h i c

01. vn short sleeve jersey02. vn bib shorts

03. vn water bottle by elite04. vn team socks

05. vn windproof jacket06. vn long sleeve jersey

07. vn leg warmers08. vn knee warmers09. vn arm warmers

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van nicholas magazine | apparel

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.

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van nicholas magazine | choice - lifestyle

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01. Aether Cone Speaker Has access to over 20 million tracks, learns what, when and how you like to listen to music, then plays what you love - aether.com

02. LIX 3D Printing Pen Create fabulous 3D pictures out of thin air with this technically ingenious,

groundbreaking 3D printing pen - lixpen.com

03. Eames DSW Chair A timeless blend of form and function in one of the most iconic chairs of the 20th

century - eamesoffice.com

04. Leica T Camera System Designed in conjunction with Audi, capturing the perfect picture has never been

so easy, or looked so good - leica-camera.com

05. Klemens Torggler’s Evolution Door The simple, everyday door elevated to the form of kinetic art

object. Beautifully ingenious - torggler.co.at

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06. Ledr Tool Roll Versatile, tailored tool roll designed for everyone, and any tools – from screwdrivers to chapstick to headphones - onehundred.co/shop

07. Nest Smoke and CO Alarm No more loud smoke alarms – a recorded voice gives you an early warning,

so you can turn it off before the siren erupts - nest.com

08. Native Union MONOCLE Speaker, handset and speakerphone combined in one unit, with daisy-chain capability for huge, portable sound - nativeunion.com

09. Keecker Movies, pictures, temperature, humidity, sound and light – total home environment control in

one sleek unit - keecker.com

10. Orbitkey Organise your keys, stop annoying rattles and protect your smartphone with this sleek, stylish

accessory - orbitkey.com

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van nicholas magazine | where extreme is routine

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We are Judith (37)

and Rick (40);

two Dutch sports

fanatics who love to

travel in the world’s

most remote areas.

In the last 15 years,

we have challenged

ourselves with high

altitude treks and

backcountry bike

trips. Why? Because

you only live once

– so we are ensuring

that once is enough!

Long ago we fell in love with high, desolate areas, such as the Nepalese and Indian Himalaya or Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains. Although we love to scramble over mountain hills and glaciers, getting there and back was often hard work. After another terrifying taxi ride along the Karakoram Highway at night, we decided that we should take control of our own transportation. And we’ve been cycling ever since.

In early 2012, we quit our jobs to fulfil our dream: a six month cycling trip in Central Asia along the Silk Road - one of the world’s most ancient trade routes. Because we knew this trip would be extremely tough, we both chose the Van Nicholas Pioneer with Rohloff hub and belt drive. And we tested these bikes to the max: they survived 6000 km of bumpy gravel roads, river crossings, sand storms and mud puddles.

Road map to survivalBiking on the ancient Silk Road was a physical and mental challenge, requiring resilience and stamina. Not everything went according to plan, but in the end we can say that we were quite successful. We only had one flat tire during the whole trip, just a few scratches and our

relationship is still intact. Curious about our secret? Lucky you – we are offering you some inside information!

#1 Be preparedThis seems obvious. However, it is not only about the best equipment, but also about practical and mental preparation. Our plan was to cross Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Pakistan. In our preparation phase, this meant a lot of desk research, gathering practical information about the route, ATM’s, accessible border crossings, visas, letters of invitation, vaccinations, political circumstances and climate. In addition we had our ‘worst case scenario exercises’. We envisaged gruesome things that could go wrong, varying from broken bike frames and muggings, to heart attacks, traffic accidents and appendicitis in an attempt to manage our expectations.

The results of these thought experiments were twofold. Firstly, we could decide on which items to pack and secondly, we developed what I call ‘a memory of the future’. If you have already imagined an unpleasant situation, it is easier to cope, because it does not come as a surprise. Even better: the reality was never as bad as our imagined scenarios.

*The Silk Road Ride has been captured in Judith’s book: ‘Where extreme is quite common’ (Title in Dutch: Waar extreem doodnormaal is. ISBN 9048431034).

#2 Respect men in uniformThe ‘stans’ are former Soviet states and are stereotypically associated with corrupt police officers, red tape nightmares, countless checkpoints and ‘big brother’ KGB practices. Several times policemen scared us to death when they chased us in their cars as soon as we came into view, to find out later that they only wanted to have a chat. Our strategy was to smile and wave to everybody in uniform and to stop at every check post to have a talk and to register. This strategy worked out well: despite all the bad stories about policemen, we only encountered friendly officials.

#3 Do not pet puppiesWhen we told people about our plans to cycle through the ‘stans’, they were convinced we would get robbed and murdered. Those kinds of conclusions are based on ignorance and misconceptions about these countries and we knew better than that. And we were experienced enough to be unfazed by crazy traffic or dangerous mountain roads. But the local dogs were a different matter.

In Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, these feral creatures guarded yurt tents and properties. Often, we did not notice them, because they were having a nap in the shade. However, as soon as they smelled us, they transformed into Cujo from hell, chasing after us, barking and biting. Although we were vaccinated against rabies, being bitten would cause real problems: when bitten, you must rush to a hospital to get an additional injection. You can imagine that would be quite a challenge when cycling in areas where you might see only a couple of cars a day….

#4 Don’t be a fussy eater Every cyclist knows that when you cycle, you need calories. Our experience is that you will not starve to death in Central Asia, but you should not be too picky about your diet. Are you a vegetarian or a vegan? You will have a hard time then, because in these countries, sheep are everywhere: in your soup, on skewers, in samosas, rice pilaf and noodles. A dish

called laghmon, noodle soup with a few pieces of carrot and onion, a potato and some bony sheep meat, is ubiquitous. Although it tasted quite good, this was not the kind of food that provided us with enough energy. Especially in the remote areas of Tajikistan, fresh fruit or vegetables were rarely available and there was a constant search for food in the little shops along the road. Their supply was very limited and many items were not that healthy: sugar and sesame coated peanuts, chocolate and ‘Swiss rolls’. After a few weeks on a strange diet of sugar and fat, you can imagine that we were very happy to find fruit and vegetables in Kyrgyzstan. One of the first things we bought was an enormous watermelon, which we ate in no time, not knowing that this could harm us. Later we heard that people get serious stomach infections after eating these things, because of the ‘steroids’ farmers use to get them so big.

#5 Believe in human kindnessI already mentioned that people often have a lot of prejudices about the ‘stans’. These countries are typically seen as under developed ‘terrorist states’ where citizens are not fond of Western visitors. If you are convinced that something bad will happen, you will not go there. On the other hand, if you bear in mind that you cannot plan for everything and you trust the people you meet, it can lead to unforgettable moments.

Our belief in human kindness was already strong, but this belief has been confirmed again and again. Whether we were in trouble because of sickness, bad weather or fatigue, the locals helped us without fail. In Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan we always found a place to sleep, whether it was a home-stay or a garden to pitch up our tent. What really surprised us was the overwhelming hospitality in the poorest parts of Tajikistan. These people originate from nomadic tribes and taking care of each other is just part of their DNA.

#6 Be sure of your relationship We are often asked what it is like to take such a cycling trip together. We did not see a lot of couples cycling on the road and maybe not without reason! The best thing about travelling together is that you can share all of the adventures. Long after returning, not a week goes by where we do not talk about this fabulous ride.

That being said, we faced a lot of stressful situations which caused some serious arguments. Pouring rain, sticky mud, appalling road conditions, pain, fatigue, food cravings and bureaucracy drove us crazy every so often. On the other hand, some dry clothes, a plate of food and a place to sleep were always enough to comfort us.

I am convinced that being a good team has been an important success factor. Our skill set is quite different, but complementary. For example, I am the ‘administrative centre’. I learnt to read the Cyrillic alphabet (handy for deciphering road signs) and arranged visas, letters of invitation and that kind of stuff. Rick is able to fix anything. Duct tape, cable ties, WD40 and his Leatherman multitool are his best friends. Both administrative and technical skills are indispensable to master all kinds of (unexpected) events. Additionally, I am convinced that together you make better decisions. Being quite ‘gung ho’, my risk taking behaviour and performance drive might put us into danger. Rick is the ‘balance’ that prevents us doing something stupid.

Never the endUnfortunately, in Kyrgyzstan we could not get a visa for Pakistan so decided to end our journey in Nepal. Despite the change to our ‘masterplan’, the incredible hospitality, impressive landscapes, and cultural richness of Central Asia still made a deep and lasting impact. And our adventures did not end there. While this magazine is being printed, we are testing our Pioneers to the limit again in India. Off the beaten track, of course.

van nicholas magazine | where extreme is routine

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total kilometers

kmdaily average

highest point (meters)Ak Baital pass in Tajikistan

km Uzbekistanlongest distance per day

# flat tiresJudith - Rick (no kidding!)

# accidentsJudith - Rick

# invitations for food, accommodation

# burnt calories while cycling

# arguments (only verbal abuse)

60007046521351-01-1dozens300,000 loads

(below) Rick and Judith on the road.Their trusty steeds loaded to the brim.

t h e o b v i o u s c h o i c e

van nicholas magazine | the obvious choice

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Nothing Looks, Rides or Lasts like Titanium, so why would you choose anything else? But if you need any more reasons to purchase a Van Nicholas Titanium bicycle, we’ve compiled a list below.

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 Bike Company.

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.

my van nicholas designer

Build your dream bike online using our intuitive, high resolution interface, featuring a wide range of quality components and detailed information. Every selection alters the look, weight and price of the bike in real-time. Save your dream build for future reference, or continue straight to the check-out to turn your dream into reality.

tailor made frames

We design our frames with the greatest care and attention to detail, but we are well aware that every rider is unique. To completely unify bicycle and rider, we offer the option of adjusting the frame’s geometry to your likings.

warranty re-certification

crash replacement warranty

10 days, 100% money back

30-day return policy

perfect fit guarantee

A full description of our policies can be found on our website.

van nicholas

Immutably Tough. A natural coating of Titanium Dioxide ensures that no matter how punishing the conditions,Titanium will never succumb to rust, decay or corrosion. Unassailably.


n o t h i n g l a s t s l i k e t i t a n i u m

van nicholasvan nicholas magazine | the network

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van nicholas bicycles

the titanium bike company

energieweg 23

3281nh numansdorp

the netherlands

+31 (0)186 – 657718

+31 (0)186 – 657719

[email protected]

vannicholas.com

d e a l e r n e t w o r k

Supplying Titanium Bicycles Around the WorldWe have an authorized dealer network supplying Van Nicholas bicycles worldwide. For professional advice and all the help you need to purchase your dream Titanium ride, visit our website to find the closest dealer to you. If there is no dealer nearby, please contact our headquarters.

vannicholas.com/dealerlocator.aspx

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Di2 / MECHANICALSHI FTIN G SYSTE MS

1x11 / 2x11 / 3x11DRIVETRAIN SYSTEMS BRAKING SYSTEMS

XTR delivers drivetrain options for your individual riding style, whether it ’s 1x11, 2x11 or 3x11, a wide-range cassette gives you the right gear to tackle long climbs or pass your friends on a technical descent.

v i s i t w w w . r i d e x t r. c o m

N E V ERS ECO N D GU E SSYO U R FIR S TIN S TIN C T

Two options, one precise shifting system.Available in mechanictal or Di2, you canshift with ease, in all conditions andcircumstances. The perfect gear is alwaysat your control at any crucial moment.

XCR / TRAIL

With Shimano Ice Technologies, XCR & Trail brakes provide confident braking through high power and superior modulation to conquer your daily ride with control.

Andrew Shandro

2015 van nicholas catalog

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