My new Volagi Liscio with Di2

dawebbo

They are a pain to set up, messing around with a hacksaw or dremel! I actually think that they quite suit the bike - if only they could paint the metal bits black then it would be spot on. Not sure what you can do to guard the front wheel though.

meanredspider

dawebbo wrote:

They are a pain to set up, messing around with a hacksaw or dremel! I actually think that they quite suit the bike - if only they could paint the metal bits black then it would be spot on. Not sure what you can do to guard the front wheel though.

Yup - just need a bit of time to adjust it. I have a front guard too (same SKS Cromo) but that needs even more adjustment as the guard mounting points are high on the fork. I thought I was more or less there but got too much toe overlap and I wasn't really happy with the fit. That's a job for this weekend.

FransJacques

What does it weigh?

It's not a gorgeous bike b/c it's soo busy and since we recognize so many features derived from other designs that plays with your brain b/c you think it's one thing but it's not. I think we'll get more used to these types of bikes in the future.

The key drawback - perhaps - is the 130mm rear spacing, the industry is gravitating to 135 for CX and MTBs. How many 130mm C-L or 6-B disc hubs exist that are NOT a DT 240?

What disc roadbikes WON'T do unf. is lower frame weights any more - seatstays won't get much thinner b/c they never supported braking forces like canti seatstays do. Maybe people will get rid of seatstay braces like Stevens did? But then where do you put your mud-guard? Same with forks - they'll only get heavier b/c rim brakes already anchor to the strongest part of the fork - the crown. Shows you how evolved the bike design is. You only get compromises when you go for discs. Time will correct all this, however.

meanredspider

FransJacques wrote:

What does it weigh?
.

In native form (without the Di2 conversion and pedals) 7.7kg. I've not weighed it since I've made my mods. The Di2 adds weight as do, obviously, the pedals. The bars are 60g or so lighter.

I actually do think it's a gorgeous bike but then beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I was first attracted by the shape bit then got hooked on the practicality of the design. The ride is every bit as good as I hoped - incredibly comfortable but quick and stiff.

Yup, the wheels might be an issue in the long term for someone that want to adapt or upgrade the bike. Volagi have a range of wheels and will include full carbon very shortly. It's not something that's going to worry me.

I love the disc brakes btw. Fast, dark, wet and foggy descent this evening on a single track road. Car coming the other way decided he'd carry on past the passing spot (perhaps underestimating my speed) - brakes came in very useful.

Fat-Boy-Roubaix

I have made my thoughts very clear in Commuting, it is a brillant looking bike and so pratical for what most people will want to do, ride as opposed to race.

I think it is only a matter of time before some of the big box shifters start to design road bikes that you can get a decent guard on.

If I were designing bikes I think there is a massive hole in the market for a fast carbon medium spec road bike with quick release OEM mudguards, I would patent the guards and own brand them.

Lovely bike, I came really close to ordering one, but the $3595 bike + $380 shipping + 14% Duty + 20% VAT = $5437 made it an expense I couldn't justify!

amaferanga

That's a really nice and interesting bike, but Di2 for commuting? Seriously? I wouldn't choose any high-end groupset for daily commuting unless I was prepared to wash it on a daily basis through the winter. Maybe you do?

My commuting bike at the moment is an on One Pomp fixed and it get's filthy after a couple of days, but it doesn't matter cos there's nothing expensive to get corroded. If you'd gone for discs and singlespeed/fixed or a Rohloff (I know you have mountains to climb daily, where as I only commute through the Peaks) then I'd say perfect commuter, but not Di2!

FransJacques

Easy-to-dismount mud-guards that are a lot more effective than Crud Catcher IIs is a great idea. I'd buy a bike like that.

There are already a lot of good carbon frames like the Dolan dual out there which have some good features. It's not like NO ONE does a good performance frame with clearances, you just have a look hard.

meanredspider

amaferanga wrote:

That's a really nice and interesting bike, but Di2 for commuting? Seriously? I wouldn't choose any high-end groupset for daily commuting unless I was prepared to wash it on a daily basis through the winter. Maybe you do?

My commuting bike at the moment is an on One Pomp fixed and it get's filthy after a couple of days, but it doesn't matter cos there's nothing expensive to get corroded. If you'd gone for discs and singlespeed/fixed or a Rohloff (I know you have mountains to climb daily, where as I only commute through the Peaks) then I'd say perfect commuter, but not Di2!

I'm well impressed at the idea of doing my commute (or the Peaks) on a fixie (or a BMX, Boris Bike, or unicycle). I've been doing the commute on a 105 groupset for two years now without the hint of an issue. I wash the bike from time-to-time but nothing that impinges on me (probably less than once a week). I'm not sure what difference how those gears are shifted (in fact, Di2 is probably less susceptible to corrosion given that there are no cables). Besides, it's not just a commuter for doing 250k a week but for doing a whole host of other riding. I've not understood the concept of a "commuter" bike for longer commutes either - why would you cut corners on a bike you spend 10 hours a week on?

Hoopdriver

Lovely bike! And that is your commuter?!

That would put a lot of spice into your daily ride.

I recall some of your posts in other columns, and it seems to me you have some pretty challenging weather and roads to contend with. How does it handle that?

meanredspider

Hoopdriver wrote:

Lovely bike! And that is your commuter?!

That would put a lot of spice into your daily ride.

I recall some of your posts in other columns, and it seems to me you have some pretty challenging weather and roads to contend with. How does it handle that?

That's my "everything" bike (except for MTB stuff - including ice and snow commute). I sometime commute in my E-Class Merc estate - that's overkill too - but is the same thing. Most people's idea of a commute involves traffic lights and cycle lanes - mine's mostly single track roads.

It's a perfect fast commuter (extravagant I know but it's my everything bike) for my route - 33-mile RT with 2000ft of climbing. It runs 25C tyres and the discs and guards are ideal for the crappy conditions. The brake cables are fully enclosed which is ideal too. They often get confused with CX bikes. It's very comfortable - it's designed to be. I love it.

Hoopdriver

I don't blame you for loving it. That is a classy ride and brilliantly thought-out

wardrk

Hi Mr Classy Commuter Rider:

Very nice bike!...almost exactly my setup if I ever get around to purchasing one.

I noticed your lack of front fender and comment on how tricky they can be to setup etc..

Note the Volagi website....they recommend Axiom as ideal fender kits....

http://volagi.com/faq

Out of Vancouver....they know rain and therefore fenders LOL!

The extra length on the front fender bottom end low... is the key design item

meanredspider

wardrk wrote:

Hi Mr Classy Commuter Rider:

Very nice bike!...almost exactly my setup if I ever get around to purchasing one.

I noticed your lack of front fender and comment on how tricky they can be to setup etc..

Note the Volagi website....they recommend Axiom as ideal fender kits....

http://volagi.com/faq

Out of Vancouver....they know rain and therefore fenders LOL!

The extra length on the front fender bottom end low... is the key design item

Thanks. I see Colnago have finally caught up with something similar http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/arti ... isc-33359/

My bro lives in Vancouver and when I've visted him it has just rained and rained.

I have fitted a front fender - just a short adapted version of the Chromoplastic. TBH, because the drier weather is coming, I've not bothered too much for now (these were some spares I had) then I will get a proper set and fit them properly in the late autumn.

Absolutely loving the bike. I'm blitzing the Strava segments I set last summer on my carbon Cayo and already setting some respectable commute times despite the cold, wet, dark, mudguards, winter clothing, lights and winter waistband. I should point out that my commute is more rural and unpopulated than most people's Sunday rides so don't let the C word conjure up High Streets and traffic lights.

Couldn't be happier with the bike.

marjorie dawes

THAT MY FELLOW CYCLIST IS "BIKE PORN"

79543dean

Beautiful bike, but I HATE mudguards (sorry)!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When you go out in the rain you and your bike get wet. When you go out in the rain the bike needs to be washed.

Simples!!!!!

ps. still a lovely bike

meanredspider

I have to say that the mudguard didn't stay on long. I don't often ride with others and use a Swan-R guard if it's properly wet (I hate water running down the butt crack). Thanks, though - it's been a great bike and taken me on a few adventures.

marcusjb

E

79543dean wrote:

Beautiful bike, but I HATE mudguards (sorry)!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When you go out in the rain you and your bike get wet. When you go out in the rain the bike needs to be washed.

Simples!!!!!

ps. still a lovely bike

Reviving a three year old thread to rant about mudguards?

Someone has issues. 3 months hard labour in the SKS factory should sort them out.

veronese68

marcusjb wrote:

Reviving a three year old thread to rant about mudguards?

Someone has issues. 3 months hard labour in the SKS factory should sort them out.

I was thinking that bike's not new any more. Makes Ugo's feelings about mudguards seem quite tame.