Description The Hellafaster is race-ready and pro-caliber. So when it comes to performance, it does not mess around. After the rocket-like jump you get from the oversized stays, airfoil cross-section tubes provid...
Bike Setup: 2009 Hellafaster:
Full Sram RED
FSA K-Force Light Carbon Crank
Easton EA90 Aero Wheels
Look Keo Sprint Pedals
Summary: I highly recommend this bike. Van Dessel sells unique, incredible bikes and has great customer service to back it up. Overall I could not be more pleased with this purchase. I have already done several crits on it and it is quick, stiff, and very responsive. The only problems I have had are just the typical new bike problems. For example, upon purchase it creaked terribly and I couldn't figure out why. I thought the crank was defective or the BB30 bearings weren't sitting right, but it turned out I forgot to grease the pedal threads. Throughout this process their customer service was outstanding. The shop owner even rebuilt the bottom bracket and resat the BB30 crank bearings free of charge to make sure the crankset was not the cause of the noise. I highly recommend this bike to anyone interested in high quality race bike while saving some money at the same time.
Strengths: Best race bike for the money period and it won't shatter in a crash. It is very light for an aluminum bike (mine weighs in at exactly 16 pounds w/o pedals). The frame has several aero features that do make a difference you can feel on flats and descents. Best of all since it is from a small shop each bike is custom built and any setup is possible.
Weaknesses: Harsher ride than carbon (not a problem for most racers). It is slightly heavier than a carbon bike, however for the similar price range it is actually lighter than most low end carbon bikes.
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Summary: This is an incredible frame. Very light, torsionally stiff, yet absorbs vibration like no other aluminum frame. The design of the seat and chain stays are very well thought out, designed and constructed. Carbon striaght rake fork tracks well and corners like mad. Sprints tremendous, climbs with ease and speeds very well. Best to order frame from your LBS and have them fit and build it. No bike should be built without you around.
Bike Setup: SRAM red shifters and crank and the rest SRAM rival.
Summary: This bike is absolutely amazing! I love it. This bike simply puts the power down. I have had no problems with it. I went from a top end carbon bike to the hellafaster and I am so glad I did. I feel so much faster on this baby. Even though it is aluminum, it is not that heavy. You can get it to around 16 pounds. You can also easily turn this into a TT bike. One of the best parts about this bike is that you don't have to worry about it breaking. If you crash, it will dent it won't crack. I wouldn't trade it in for any other bike. Plus this thing is dirt cheap!
Strengths: Stiffness, cornering, dents instead of cracking, can be a road or TT bike, Price
Weaknesses: None. The only thing I would say bad about this bike was the way Van Dessel set it up. They didn't put the components on correctly. I brought it to the bike shop and now I love it
Similar Products Used: None
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Summary: I ordered the bike frame through my local shop Roll at Easton and they are great! The Van Dessel Company is an altogether different story. I never even got to ride the bike. After getting the 1st frame assembled I realized the QC dept hadn't checked the bike as the wheel cutout was done wrong and the rear wheel rubbed. The 2nd bike wasn't much better, the wheel clearance was still not enough although the wheel spun. Van Dessel tried to tell me it was my tire (700X23 the size the bike is spec'ed for) The customer service sucked and I was dissapointed to say the least.
Strengths: Nice looking frame would have looked good hanging on a wall. Decent weight for the price. Nice seatpost with clever adjustment tool. Nice oversize chainstays. It has potential to be a great bike if the wheel cutout was more than a 1/32" clearance.
Weaknesses: Van Dessel could use some care and attention in the customer service department and the quality control area. Seemed to be somewhat careless build on the frame.
Similar Products Used: Raleigh Technium, Giant,
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