VeloVie Vitesse 100

Price Paid:  $765.00 at Velo Vie websit

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Any with hills

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace 9 speed group with the exception of a Ritchey compact crank, Bontrager Race X light wheels,Bontrager stem, seatpost, and bars, and speedplay zero pedals.

Summary:
I got rid of my Trek 5900 frame for the Vitesse 100. I was a little nervous about the change; after all, the 5900 was at the top of the production bike food chain when I bought it back in ’03. After a couple of weeks out on the road, I can’t say how pleased I am with the purchase of the Vitesse 100. Since I’m not a professional bike journalist, and it’s been well over 15 years since I’ve raced, I won’t be able to rave about how “laterally stiff” and “vertically compliant” the bike may be. I can only say that the Vitesse is more comfortable than any bike I’ve ever ridden, I climb a tad faster, and the frame just looks fantastic.

I spent weeks researching frames, and there simply isn’t anything this nice for the money, at least not that I could find. At first I was concerned that because the Vitesse 100 used carbon tubes bonded to carbon lugs, instead of a monocoque design like the Trek, there would be a noticeable difference in ride quality. Again, I found the ride to be better, not worse. I was also concerned that because the frame weighed a couple ounces more, it wouldn’t climb as well. Again not true, as my average speed while climbing is just a little bit faster. I swapped all the same parts from the Trek to the Vitesse, so the only difference that can account for the change is the new frame.

The bottom line - it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend $500-$1000 more on an equivalent frame from a name brand. For what it’s worth, the folks Velo Vie told me their bikes are made in the same place as both Kuota and Specialized. If you want a lighter frame, then look at the other two Velo Vie offerings, the Vitesse 200 and 300. If they are anything like the 100, I’m sure you’ll be pleased.

Strengths:
Ride quality, all carbon tubes, lugs, and fork, great paint and graphics (no crappy decals), great value.

Weaknesses:
None. Amazing given the price.

Similar Products Used:
My frames through the years- Peugot (steel), Fuji (steel), Botecchia (steel), Torelli (steel), Lemond (aluminum), and Trek (carbon).