The wonderful thing about custom building your own bikes is that you get to choose what you want. It is about experimenting and experiencing the different type of technology available so that you can appreciate what it can do for you. More importantly, it gives you a chance to compare and conclude what really works for you instead of just settling for whatever the bike you bought came with. The Vitus Dee started as a single-speed 29er city bike. However, I knew it had the potential to be enhanced further.
For a start, the original cockpit was replaced by an On One Mary handlebar. With its swept back and slight riser, this handlebar proves once again that looks is not everything. The retro looking bar is really comfortable. Mechanical disc brakes were replaced by Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. The stem is a Kore 80mm fitted in a flipped-over position so that the front end is not so high.
Brand X headsets are cheap and good. The golden handlebar gives some colour to the bike which would otherwise by blackish all over.
Shimano Alfine generator front hub provides constant power to the headlamp. The lamp is made by B+M Lumotech. It is really bright and provides illumination without being glaring.
The carbon fork is light and strong. It is not anything branded but it does the job.
Shimano Alfine 39 teeth crankset is simple and elegant.
Shimano Alfine 8 speed internal hub are amazing. Changing gears is almost instant and the smoothness of the change is incredible.
Shimano disc brakes never fails to impress me no matter what grade they are.
A Fireeye seat post is mated to the original Vitus saddle. This is probably the sole item that was retained. The rest have all been replaced.
It says hand crafted on the seat tube. Whether it is or not does not really matter, the bike looks and feel handmade.
Vitus makes great bikes. The finishing is very good and no flaws or unsightly welds can be seen.
This bike rides really well. The 29er custom-made Spank wheels matched to Freedom Thickslick tyres provides plenty of go. While you need to be a strong rider to get this thing going fast, you have the option of kicking back and enjoy a leisurely ride without much effort thanks to the Alfine gear system.
This is the bike in its original configuration.
Hi, i just bought the Vitus dee 1 single speed with 26 inch wheels and i am thinking next year to mount a rear wheel with alfine 8 internal gear hub. Now i have a chainline att 46mm. Did you have any issues with the chainline when mounting the alfine? how much is your chainline and if so how did you adjust it? I see from shimano they recommend two chainlines - which depens on the alfine 8 hub you buy - and they are : 41.8/47.7 (not 46).
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance!
I did not have any problem with the chain line. It was a straightforward installation because there isn't much changes you can make. I used an Alfine crankset with a hollowtech bottom bracket. Everything just fitted nicely. Keep everything to the Alfine series and all should be well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your answer. I thought keeping the original crankset instead of buying a new alfine so the budget will stay a little lower :) ....we ll see
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