Our pick of the new products from Belgium
Velofollies is the preeminent consumer bike show held in Kortrijk, Belgium, where brands flock to show off their wares to a baying, largely Belgian, crowd.
In the build-up, we were on the ground, publishing news of Classified’s updated road wheelsets, and that Eddy Merckx is back… well, at least, the bikes that carry his name are.
Our week capped off with a day spent covering the floor at Velofollies, spotting no shortage of new tech and bikes.
So, settle down with a cup of coffee, and dive into our pick of the coolest stuff, including an ultra-endurance concept from Van Rysel, updated SC (Service Corse) wheels from Vision, a custom Barbie bike and loads more.
Van Rysel ultra-endurance concept & E-GRVL AF MD
Decathlon own-brand Van Rysel has made confident strides already in 2024 with its partnership with the AG2R pro team, but was also showcasing this new concept for ultra-endurance racing.
The bike features a frame that subverts the norm by bonding aluminium tubes with carbon lugs, which is said to offer benefits to comfort over a long race distance.
Van Rysel says it’s still playing with the geometry of the bike, but also took the opportunity to show off a suite of accessories, including bento boxes, luggage bags, time trial bars, a front aero-improving shroud that doubles as a computer mount and custom light brackets.
The brand also took the opportunity to show off a new electric gravel bike, called the E-GRVL AF MD.
This is set to be available from the end of February, complete with a 70Nm Drive T-Mag mid motor system and a SRAM Apex 1×12 drivetrain, for €3,500.
New Vision SD Evo integrated handlebar
FSA was showcasing its latest SD Evo integrated carbon handlebar, which it says is set to be raced by a select few professional riders over the upcoming season.
The ACR integrated cable routing design has been tidied up, resulting in a slimmed-down aesthetic compared to its current Metron handlebar options (14.6mm shorter at the steerer clamp).
The ergonomics have also been tweaked to make the bar more comfortable and easier to shift position on (the bar has a 125mm drop and 80mm reach), but it retains the 10-degree forward sweep on the tops.
It’s set to be available in 17 sizes, ranging from 380-440mm wide (centre-to-centre) and 90-140mm effective stem lengths.
What’s the likelihood we might see Jonas Vingegaard opting to use it this year?
Updated Vision SC wheelsets
Also knocking about were Vision’s latest Service Corse wheelsets, set to launch some time later this year.
The new aesthetic is designed to mimic the brand’s top-spec Metron wheelsets, but the update is more than skin-deep.
The new wheels will be available in three depths – 30, 45 and 60mm, compared to 30, 40 and 55mm of the predecessors – and have wider rim beds to better suit wider tyres.
The SC45 and SC60 wheelsets feature a 21mm internal channel, which is suggested to match best with 700x28c tyres. The shallower SC30 rim has a 23mm internal channel that will see a 23mm internal rim width, which Vision says makes it better suited to gravel use.
All of the rims remain hooked, but Vision remained quiet on any potential improvements made to the hubs.
Titanium and steel Eddy Merckx bikes
Eddy Merckx bikes are back, and two standout models on show at Velofollies were the Pévèle T and Corsa Pévèle.
The Pévèle is the brand’s gravel platform and can be had in these titanium and Columbus steel frames, as well as carbon and aluminium versions.
Tomorrowland X Ridley Invenio Kanzo Fast
Sister brand Ridley was also showing its latest bikes, but the pick of the bunch was this Kanzo Fast Tomorrowland special edition.
Known as the ‘Invenio’, the bike sees a limited-edition black and gold paintjob, complete with a gold chain to complete the look, with a Shimano GRX Di2 drivetrain.
Tomorrowland is a Belgian electronic dance festival, with the partnership claimed to celebrate both brands’ desire to encourage future generations to “choose a greener and healthier way of travelling”.
Thompson Falcon Super Record Wireless build
Thompson is a brand best known in Europe, making custom bikes using its online builder and extensive colour options.
The Falcon is an aero race bike, but it’s the colour scheme on this particular example that made us stop in our tracks.
The iridescent mirror treatment shines red-through-blue, with a matching integated handlebar for good measure.
The bike has a no-expense-spared build, with a Campagnolo Super Record Wireless groupset.
Diablo Fat Boy
If a motorbike and a Raleigh Chopper had a child, maybe this is what it would look like.
The Diablo Fat Boy ebike makes quite a statement, and is designed to make it on urban streets. It’s powered by an AKM hub motor system, and has fully-functional front and rear suspension.
The provision of a leather luggage bag is an especially nice touch, although we’re not sure many will want to get it wet in the rain.
Gazelle Makki family car ebike
Electric cargo bikes are big business in Europe, and the Gazelle Makki might be the one that makes ditching the second car a reality in 2024.
The cargo box, which features space for up to three children, is mounted higher than normal to improve occupants’ safety (on top of the two harness seatbelts fitted as standard), but has a low step access to make getting in and out easier.
A sprung-loaded kickstand has been designed for stability, and there are a series of accessories available, including a car seat adaptor, waterproof cover, rain hood and storage drawer.
The rider is catered for with a comfortable upright position, and the assistance of a 65Nm Bosch Performance Line motor which, it’s claimed, can provide 85km-worth of pedal assistance.
Atom 6 – THAT custom Barbie bike
Atom 6 had some striking paintjobs on display, but none stood out more than this Barbie tribute Grava Fast gravel bike.
As in-house film buff Oscar Huckle will attest, Barbie was one of the most highly rated films of 2023, so this bike would be perfect for a fan*.
*We can neither confirm nor deny whether Oscar is a fan of the film himself
Gulf Porsche livery custom bikes from Switzz Bikes
Motorsport and cycling aren’t always the happiest of bedfellows, but this reproduction of an iconic motor racing livery was certainly a head-turner.
It probably helps that one of the bikes under custom paintwork and decals is a muscular Leader Fox Braga electric fat bike – a statement bike if there ever was one – while the design was also applied to a low-step urban ebike.
Custom painter Switzz says it can take any livery and turn it into a custom paintjob.
While I’m a fan of the famous Gulf livery (natural conflict with the petrochemical element notwithstanding), I’d settle for a Martini Racing design (Google ‘Martini Racing Lancia Delta HF Integrale’, if you’re interested).
Garmin Tacx Neo 3M smart trainer
Garmin was showcasing its latest Tacx Neo 3M smart trainer – a flagship replacement for the Neo 2T.
While the accuracy claims remain the same (＋/- one per cent power measurement), the trainer sees motion plates fitted at the feet, which enables the attached bike to rock forwards and backwards in response to rider input.
The Neo 3M is claimed to be able to simulate gradients up to 25 per cent and record power bursts up to 2,200W.
Perhaps most striking is the price – it costs an eye-watering £1,749.99 / $1,999.99 / €1,999.99. Our smart trainer guru Simon von Bromley will be testing it over the coming months.
Prorace Desertfox X gravel bike
This Prorace Desertfox X gravel bike caught the eye with its special faux-aged multicoloured paintjob.
Prorace offers a wide range of configurable colour designs, but is also able to create special one-offs like this in response to customer requests.
The frame itself is made using expandable polystyrene (EPS), to create a smoother and stronger internal finish. The frame also uses ‘carbon nanotubes’ alongside standard carbon fibre, which are said to improve durability and strength.
Classic steel Wilier Ramato bike
Over to the Wilier stand, and the clear standout bike was this 1983 Ramato Columbus SL.
The Ramato colour comes from treating the steel underneath it, and while the brand offers the Ramato colourway on select carbon bikes today – plus a steel Superleggera tribute bike – this application (complete with sprayed-on and hand-painted brand logos) is particularly characterful.
The bike is fitted with a Campagnolo Super Record groupset of the same time period.
Fulcrum Speed 25 wheelset
Bringing things right up to the present day was Fulcrum, showing off its latest Speed 25 wheelset.
It’s said to be the lightest carbon wheelset ever produced by the Italian brand, tipping the scales at a claimed 1,270g.
The rim is 26mm deep and 21mm wide internally. The hooked design preserved clincher tyre compatibility, and the rim doesn’t require rim tape thanks to the brand’s ‘MoMag’ spoke installation technique.
The cup-and-cone hubs feature Cult ceramic bearings, with all contact surfaces inside treated with a ceramic coating to boost efficiency. Weight is also said to have been shaved from the hub design, contributing to the low overall figure.
Rayvolt Cruzer and Rayvolt Beachin’
If I lived in Vice City (made famous by the Grand Theft Auto series of computer games), these are probably the bikes I’d ride.
The Rayvolt Cruzer takes low-rider motorbike inspiration to new levels, with a choice of two hub-based motors and two battery options. The model pictured has the larger, 100Nm motor and optional light kit fitted, while there are luggage accessories and white-sidewalled tyres also available.
The Rayvolt Beachin’ is said to gel with a beachside lifestyle. Niche, perhaps, but this also comes with practical luggage options – making it more than just a fashion accessory.
Basso Diamante SV Signature Series Act 1
The first act of Basso’s Diamante SV signature series bike was on display.
The bike features a special taupe-chrome paintjob, and can be specced with components from Shimano, Fulcrum and CeramicSpeed.
The specs aren’t fixed – customers can choose between Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 and Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupsets, and from three sets of wheels: Fulcrum Speed 57 or Wind 42s, or Basso-own brand Microtech RE38 wheels. Every bike comes with a CeramicSpeed OSPW (over-sized pulley wheel) system.
The bike is available for a limited time (before, presumably, Act 2 comes along), and costs between €8,000 and €11,000 depending on the final specification.
New Mavic wheels
French brand Mavic was hiding three new wheels in plain view: the Cosmic S 42, Allroad SL Carbon and E-Crosstrail SL Carbon.
Mavic representatives were coy on the full details, but the Cosmic S 42 appears to be a new entry-level carbon wheelset, with a claimed weight of 1,595g priced at €989.
The Allroad SL Carbon, on the other hand, is a range-topping gravel wheelset (all of Mavic’s other currently available Allroad wheels are alloy) with a visibly wide internal channel. This is said to weigh 1,550g a set and costs €1,489.
The E-Crosstrail SL Carbon wheelset is designed primarily for the demands of electric mountain biking. It weighs a claimed 1,725g and is set to cost €1,549.
None of the wheels appear on Mavic’s website yet, so availability is still unknown.
Classified Powershift custom hub shell
Classified’s Powershift hub system has made headlines in recent times, and this little beauty was hiding on a custom Cinelli build hanging at the Classified booth.
A one-off hub shell design, but perhaps a sign of things to come as Classified begins to push into greater customisation of its – thus far – black and white aesthetic.
Pilot Seiren 3D-printed titanium road bike
This Pilot Serien titanium frame is completely 3D printed, which the Dutch brand says enables it to combine the ride qualities of titanium with the behaviour of a “Tour de France-winning bike”.
The frame itself is said to weigh “just above” 1kg, which Pilot claims is achievable due to the reduced wall thicknesses (relative to standard titanium tubing) 3D printing allows. It’s made in three parts, owing to the size of its 3D printers, with each part glued together.
Pilot also says the process means the frame is without the traditional stress points and means it has added material where needed for optimal stiffness, while preserving the ability to customise the bike to the customer’s needs.
In turn, it says, this produces less waste, while the titanium material itself is fully recyclable.
Fabio Wibmer’s Canyon Torque DH bike
If you’ve not heard of Fabio Wibmer, open a new tab in your browser or head to the YouTube app and stick his name in the search bar. He is, simply, one of the most talented and creative riders on the planet.
This Torque was custom built as part of four bikes that appeared in his Video Game – GTA in Real Life edit, and is dubbed the Guardian Angel.
The Öhlins fork was pumped up hard for the heavy landings that feature in the clips, and Fabio picked the Swedish brand’s stiffest coil spring for the rear.
As you can see, the bike took a beating, with the SRAM rear derailleur scratched up from the botched landings that are inevitable in making such a video.
Of course, the custom graphics can’t go unnoticed, drawn for Fabio by artist Schwabian Fabegger.
Custom paint BH Aerolight by Raisa Álava
Spanish brand BH has partnered with Basque artist Raisa Álavz to stunning effect to create this one-off special edition Aerolight.
Álava was supplied with a white-painted blank canvas frame, on which she has hand-painted her design in a mix of bright and fluorescent colours, using Rotring pens.
The artist also created artwork for the 2023 Tour de France Grand Départ in the Basque Country, having enjoyed a lifelong relationship with cycling.
CyclOn Speed Brake Roller
The CyclOn Speed Brake Roller isn’t a tool you’ll find in every home mechanic’s workshop, but it’s said to be a key part of a professional team mechanic’s tool kit.
The roller uses a powerful motor system to spin a bike’s wheel up to speed, which is switched on using a foot pedal.
The mechanic then repeatedly applies the brakes in order to bed in new brake pads, which CyclOn claims boosts performance from the first ride, while reducing the chances of glazing and annoying squealing.
ENVE Mog with custom Orion Paintworks paintjob
This ENVE Mog gravel bike custom paintjob has been put together by Orion Paintworks on commission from Greg Mohawk, owner of French distributor Mohawk’s Cycles.
The pink splatter-on-white colourway might look best when clean, but the bike certainly appears ready for plenty of off-road fun.
It is specced with ENVE SES 3.4 wheels with Chris King hubs, a dropper seatpost, and a SRAM Force 1x / Eagle XX AXS mullet drivetrain.
Canyon Inflite CF SLX ‘Average Rob’ Love Print
This Canyon Inflite CF SLX custom cyclocross bike was created for brothers (and Belgian social media stars) Rob and Arno Van Impe, who – as generally regular bike riders – decided to enter a pro cyclocross race.
Sadly, the story goes that the brothers were hobbled by the UCI’s qualification regulations, stopping them from competing alongside Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock at the Diagem Superprestige race.
That said, they organised a short two-lap race for amateurs and former professionals just before the stars took to the course, fulfilling (at least, in part) their desire to compete in front of over 25,000 fans.
The Inflite’s paintjob was designed and produced by Geraardsbergen-based custom paint shop, Color Monkey.
Zafi wooden bikes
Zafi’s wooden bikes were a sight to behold, but we’re told there’s more than simple novelty here.
Thanks to its natural structure, wood is said to offer smoother ride properties than the other materials typically chosen for their compliance (such as low-modulus carbon, steel and titanium), which comes in handy when heading off the beaten track.
It is also said to have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, while all frames are made to meet the international ISO 4110-6 safety standards governing bicycles.
To demonstrate the point, one of its bikes has already undertaken a round-the-world trip, and was on show at Velofollies.
Zafi says it sources its sustainable wood from the Sonian Forest, near Brussels, while customers have a choice of ash and walnut, or detailed in-laid designs featuring both.
Jaegher FL.X Ascender 1912 Unlimited steel bike
Jaegher is Belgian legend Tom Boonen and current racer Tim Merlier’s latest interest, with the Ascender road bike launching at Velofollies.
The brand specialises in made-to-measure steel bikes, and now has the Ascender road bike platform to go with its pre-existing gravel bike design.
The lugs are 3D-printed with custom Columbus tube lengths and the resulting geometry determined by a rider’s bike fit.
The brand offers customisation of the build (from five ‘builder’s’ presets) and a full suite of custom paint options.
