Having now completed over 3,500 miles on the bike, including a couple of Continental tours, I can vouch for the quality of build and finish. The bike handles well and is very comfortable to ride for long hours in the saddle. Much has been made of the noise from the Rohloff hub, particularly in the lower gears, but that has settled with the miles and is only now obvious, though considerably less so, in 6th and 7th.

The range is more than adequate; as one neighbour with a Rohloff describes it, “in 1st you should be able to climb a wall”. Certainly, touring with panniers I’ve never run out of gears.

Two minor complaints. The bike came equipped with Continental City Contact tyres, which have a wide slick centre section which is somewhat out of kilter with the bike’s trekking pedigree and are absolutely hopeless off road. They’ve now been exchanged for Schwalbe Marathons. The Rigida Sphinx rims are wearing well, despite off road and winter use with the hydraulic rim brakes, but are a pig (or should it be schwein!) for tyre fitting. Happily, I’ve had few punctures.

In summary, the bike feels sufficiently well made to tour the planet (in fact Mark Beaumont's Kioga that recently circumnavigated the globe shares most of the VSF equipment!). It is equally good for the daily commute, and has been a delight to ride. By far the best-built and most comfortable bike I’ve owned. The audax bike has languished in the garage since the VSF came on the scene!

.mike bonar

.imported from Vakantsfier in Amsterdam
.enquiries to Laid Back