Van Nicholas launch 2013 road bikes - Eurobike 2012

Titanium Zephyr, Astraeus and Ventus details

Warren Rossiter/Future Publishing

Published: August 30, 2012 at 11:00 am

In the face of stiff competition from the carbon fibre brigade, Van Nicholas have stuck steadfastly to their titanium ethos for 2013.

Zephyr

One of Van Nic’s longest serving designs, the smooth riding Zephyr, has received a significant makeover for next year.

The bike is now press-fit compatible and has a reworked head tube, plus dual compatibility between mechanical and electronic drivetrains. We’re pretty excited about it, and are looking to test as soon as we can.

The Zephyr is priced from 2,902 Euros for a Shimano 105 equipped bike. The frame is also Di2 compatible with an exclusive lightweight build (5,390 Euros) thanks to dual-use drillings throughout.

The zephyr is van nicholas's take on a sportive machine: - Warren Rossiter/Future Publishing

The Zephyr is Van Nic’s take on a sportive machine

Astraeus

Van Nic’s top-flight bike, the Astraeus, looks every inch the road race bike, with a cleverly worked titanium frame mated to an ultra-stiff fork.

The frame is built using hydroformed titanium tubing, with a tapered head tube that’s then cleverly machined to further pare back the weight. The industrial front end makes the bike distinct from the competition.

The Astraeus frameset is available from 2,499 Euros, with complete bikes ranging from 4,240 Euros for an Ultegra equipped bike to 7,691 Euros for a Dura-Ace Di2 model. Van Nicholas also offer the Astraeus as a tailor-made (custom) frame for 3,394 Euros.

The triangulated top tube joins this beautifully welded seat tube junction: - Warren Rossiter/Future Publishing

Beautiful welding on the high-end Astraeus

Ventus

The new Ventus is Van Nic’s most affordable offering for 2013. With a SRAM Apex complete bike available for 1,899 Euros, it looks to be a decent alternative to carbon offerings at around the same price.

Affordable titaninium, but still a great looking machine: - Warren Rossiter/Future Publishing

The Ventus is an affordable titanium bike but still looks great