Covet

[GovernorSilver]

@ShawnoftheDread 121281 wrote:

It’s worse than that — there are three of them now.

I hope:

1. At least one of them goes to the next happy hour.
2. I arrive at the happy hour on time, instead of late like in July.

I’ve only been riding since May – no cycling experience before that. So it might be a bit early to go for a more “custom” bike like the Volagi, but it’d be nice to talk to a Volagi owner. I get how some peeps may not like the geometry or whatever, but I’m part of the target market for the new generation of road bikes that are designed to go on a variety of surfaces (gravel/sand patches, asphalt with tree roots underneath, etc.) instead of perfect pavement, and also allow for upright riding position so the rider can more easily scan for unexpected traffic conditions (cars, pedestrians and rogue cyclists darting out of unexpected places, etc.). The Volagi frame reminds me of the Specalized Diverge, which I also don’t have a problem with.

What I do know is that the bike I have now isn’t a match for me. Chainring tooth count is low, maintenance is difficult, etc,.

[dkel]

@GovernorSilver 121298 wrote:

I’m part of the target market for the new generation of road bikes that are designed to go on a variety of surfaces (gravel/sand patches, asphalt with tree roots underneath, etc.)

There’s a “pinkish” bike that does all that, too. Just sayin’.

[GovernorSilver]

@dkel 121305 wrote:

There’s a “pinkish” bike that does all that, too. Just sayin’.

😎

It’s on the list of bikes I want to try out, especially if/when 2015 model clearance sales to make room for 2016s go into effect.

[rcannon100]

What Dread is currently coveting…..

[ATTACH=CONFIG]9258[/ATTACH]

[dkel]

@GovernorSilver 121306 wrote:

😎

It’s on the list of bikes I want to try out, especially if/when 2015 model clearance sales to make room for 2016s go into effect.

Surly bikes may or may not go through yearly updates to their models, so they may not go on sale that way, unless shops are trying to get them off the floor to replace them with other bikes. The only revision to the Straggler thus far has been the introduction of a 650b-size frame. So go try one now! Bikenetic has one on their floor, and Bicycle Space had one in stock last year when I was shopping for mine (don’t know if they still do).

[rcannon100]

Not to mention Miss currently-unemployed Kayak….

[ATTACH=CONFIG]9259[/ATTACH]

[KayakCyndi]

@GovernorSilver 121298 wrote:

I hope:

1. At least one of them goes to the next happy hour.
2. I arrive at the happy hour on time, instead of late like in July.

I’ve only been riding since May – no cycling experience before that. So it might be a bit early to go for a more “custom” bike like the Volagi, but it’d be nice to talk to a Volagi owner. I get how some peeps may not like the geometry or whatever, but I’m part of the target market for the new generation of road bikes that are designed to go on a variety of surfaces (gravel/sand patches, asphalt with tree roots underneath, etc.) instead of perfect pavement, and also allow for upright riding position so the rider can more easily scan for unexpected traffic conditions (cars, pedestrians and rogue cyclists darting out of unexpected places, etc.). The Volagi frame reminds me of the Specalized Diverge, which I also don’t have a problem with.

What I do know is that the bike I have now isn’t a match for me. Chainring tooth count is low, maintenance is difficult, etc,.

Will reply back shortly with the usual praise for the Viaje but I’m currently out for a ride …

Until then:

[ShawnoftheDread]

Not a chance, Cannon.

[GovernorSilver]

I do miss my ex-roommate. She’d come running whenever I got home from work, and demand a massage, especially behind the ears. She was also quick to let me know when she got hungry.

Can’t say I covet another like her, though. Seems like beings like her choose you, not the other way around.

[KayakCyndi]

@GovernorSilver 121276 wrote:

Volagi Viaje XL. Don’t think I need a titanium or carbon frame since I’m not a competitive racer, so steel will do. I like their fitting program if you buy a bike from them – you fly over there for a fitting, they put you up for one free night at a hotel, and give you a rebate towards the cost of your flight based on how much you spent on the bike.

I love to travel, so I’m a sucker for this kind of deal, plus I like the looks of their bikes.

Ok, Viaje ….

I LOVE my bike as everyone here knows. The Viaje is performs exactly as it is billed. It is a very comfortable, very stable do most everything bike. I’ve had mine for about 2.5 years now and in that time put over 15,000 miles on the bike. I use if for commuting in all seasons, cyclocross racing, gravel grinding, loaded touring and road riding. The only things I don’t do on it are major mountain biking (I’ve been known to tackle a NOVA Epic or two on it) and road racing (which just scares the livin’ daylights out of me anyway). The only time I get bike lust are when I see SethPo’s Ti Viaje or during silly rides like Kill Bill where a 16 pound bike sounds better than a 21 pound bike.

The Viaje has nice low gears. Compact 50/34 up front and a 11/34 in back. In the 34×34 I spin up most anything (except sadistic combinations of Jay Miller and Tallwood).

The frame with carbon fork and the “longbow flex-stay” design works as promised. The bike is super comfortable and easy to ride all day even on gravel — it doesn’t beat you up at all.

You mention maintenance. A bike is a bike. I don’t think the Viaje requires any less, or any more, maintenance than any other bike. I ride mine in all conditions and pretty much am happiest when the bike is silent and flawless. I recommend acquiring some basic skills and keeping the beer fridge at your local LBS well supplied.

Bikenetic in Falls Church is the local, and generally awesome regardless, dealer. They can hook you up. Always happy to answer more questions or arrange a test ride. Not sure about the Aug happy hour but we’ll see.

[sethpo]

@KayakCyndi 121354 wrote:

Ok, Viaje ….

I LOVE my bike as everyone here knows. The Viaje is performs exactly as it is billed. It is a very comfortable, very stable do most everything bike. I’ve had mine for about 2.5 years now and in that time put over 15,000 miles on the bike. I use if for commuting in all seasons, cyclocross racing, gravel grinding, loaded touring and road riding. The only things I don’t do on it are major mountain biking (I’ve been known to tackle a NOVA Epic or two on it) and road racing (which just scares the livin’ daylights out of me anyway). The only time I get bike lust are when I see SethPo’s Ti Viaje or during silly rides like Kill Bill where a 16 pound bike sounds better than a 21 pound bike.

The Viaje has nice low gears. Compact 50/34 up front and a 11/34 in back. In the 34×34 I spin up most anything (except sadistic combinations of Jay Miller and Tallwood).

The frame with carbon fork and the “longbow flex-stay” design works as promised. The bike is super comfortable and easy to ride all day even on gravel — it doesn’t beat you up at all.

You mention maintenance. A bike is a bike. I don’t think the Viaje requires any less, or any more, maintenance than any other bike. I ride mine in all conditions and pretty much am happiest when the bike is silent and flawless. I recommend acquiring some basic skills and keeping the beer fridge at your local LBS well supplied.

Bikenetic in Falls Church is the local, and generally awesome regardless, dealer. They can hook you up. Always happy to answer more questions or arrange a test ride. Not sure about the Aug happy hour but we’ll see.

I can’t really add much to that although I did go to Ogden to get fitted and pick up my Viaje. The experience was fantastic and Ogden was a surprisingly fun town. If you can, add in some time to do some riding. You can climb over the pass and ride around the lake in Ogden Valley or ride west towards the Great Salt Lake on flat, rural roads. I did both

My bike is a 57cm. If you think that’s close to your size, you are welcome to give it a spin.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]9262[/ATTACH]

[KLizotte]

Our very own KayakCyndi is being used for marketing purposes by Volagi:

[IMG]http://bikearlingtonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9263&stc=1[/IMG]

[KayakCyndi]

@KLizotte 121372 wrote:

Our very own KayakCyndi is being used for marketing purposes by Volagi:

[IMG]http://bikearlingtonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9263&stc=1[/IMG]

It’s OK. I don’t really mind! I LOVE my bike and LOVE the peeps at Volagi. Someday Robert will send me a carbon Lisco or Ti Viaje right?

[GovernorSilver]

@KayakCyndi 121354 wrote:

You mention maintenance. A bike is a bike. I don’t think the Viaje requires any less, or any more, maintenance than any other bike. I ride mine in all conditions and pretty much am happiest when the bike is silent and flawless. I recommend acquiring some basic skills and keeping the beer fridge at your local LBS well supplied.

Bikenetic in Falls Church is the local, and generally awesome regardless, dealer. They can hook you up. Always happy to answer more questions or arrange a test ride. Not sure about the Aug happy hour but we’ll see.

My current bike – Breezer Uptown 8 – is low-maintenance, but difficult to fix compared to other bikes. What I mean is that with its internal gear hub and chain case, I can ride in the rain all day and not have to do much after the ride. But if I ever have to change a tire, then I’ll get into trouble. The rear wheel is especially problematic – after you remove the bolts, you have to disassemble the chain case, and then deal with that internal hub. It’s currently at the LBS because the dyno hub wire on the front wheel was severed, and one of the bolts fell off. I’m guessing it was from when I attended a “how to fix a flat” class, when I unbolted the front wheel, so I could try taking the tube out myself during the class. It’s my bad for not ensuring the bolt was properly secured onto the wheel. One of the reasons the bike is at the LBS as of today is the bolt was a non-standard size so they had to order a replacement.

Thanks for the detailed review and offer to answer questions. Might take you up on the offer for a test ride too if Bikenetic doesn’t have a Viaje of appropriate size. I’m 5′ 8″ with an inseam just under 30″.

[KayakCyndi]

@GovernorSilver 121384 wrote:

My current bike – Breezer Uptown 8 – is low-maintenance, but difficult to fix compared to other bikes. What I mean is that with its internal gear hub and chain case, I can ride in the rain all day and not have to do much after the ride. But if I ever have to change a tire, then I’ll get into trouble. The rear wheel is especially problematic – after you remove the bolts, you have to disassemble the chain case, and then deal with that internal hub. It’s currently at the LBS because the dyno hub wire on the front wheel was severed, and one of the bolts fell off. I’m guessing it was from when I attended a “how to fix a flat” class, when I unbolted the front wheel, so I could try taking the tube out myself during the class. It’s my bad for not ensuring the bolt was properly secured onto the wheel. One of the reasons the bike is at the LBS as of today is the bolt was a non-standard size so they had to order a replacement.

Thanks for the detailed review and offer to answer questions. Might take you up on the offer for a test ride too if Bikenetic doesn’t have a Viaje of appropriate size. I’m 5′ 8″ with an inseam just under 30″.

Ok all that sounds way more complicated than my Viaje. Simple and nothing fancy means repairs aren’t all that complicated.

Re sizing, sounds like you’ll be a 53, which is what I have. Can’t remember what the shop has so let me know if you’d like to try mine. I’m usually (riding) around.

[Author]

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