For a country that’s famed for excellent engineering, we only see the work of a handful of German custom frame builders. That’s all right, though: one of them is the VANDEYK collective. A network of metalworkers, designers, artists and photographers, VANDEYK keep impressing and surprising us with their sculptural road bikes. Their latest creation, however, is destined to get a little dirty.
The initiator of the VANDEYK group, Arendt van Deyk, gives us the background to the new ‘crosser: “Cyclocross has been a long time favorite genre at VANDEYK, and so it was just a matter of time when to design our first model. Besides being a tool for serious racing action, we’re also loving this species of bikes for their minimalistic and pure go-anywhere versatility throughout all seasons.
“Without caring about changing terrain, or too much technical complexity, it’s a super fast and uncomprised companion to get lost into what is commonly tagged as #outsideisfree. Those already being aficionados, do know for sure about the high addictiveness of cyclocross.
VANDEYK partnered with Ken Bloomer of Crema Cycles, an ex-professional racer and fellow connoisseur of fine steel bicycles. The result is a frame built from a heady mix of Columbus Spirit and True Temper Platinum OX tubes.
“The creative approach for the graphic design work,” Arendt tells us, “is built around the ‘X’ as a central theme, which is translated into the VANDEYK signature ‘machine code’ on the top tube and fork legs.
“Options include a cantilever or disc brake version, both built around the stellar carbon fiber forks from our friends over at ENVE Composites. Head tube options are 44mm or a more classic 1 1/8” version. As usual at VANDEYK, the paintwork is executed in highest-grade liquid paint. The VDX is available as frame set including frame and fork.
Head to the VANDEYK website for ordering information.
