The young Australian bike brand Vuelo Velo, headed by ex-professional cyclist Martin Renwick, has released a performance Titanium road bike, the Vuelo 8. Shimano have selected this bike for their first public release of the Di2 Sprint Shifters which were spotted at this years Tour Down Under.
The Vuelo 8 weighs in at 6.37kg and features the signature Vuelo Velo curved seat post. This creates the illusion that the seat is further back though the geometry is actually standard for a road bike. The rear wheel however sits in tightly and the shorter wheel base (388mm) creates a more ‘lively’ feel and a bike that eats up hills, corners and sprints.
In addition to the new Shimano Di2 Sprint Shifters which are destined to become a must-have for Di2 riders, the (Calfee Design) Di2 battery is concealed in seat post. This build features SRM cranks, Tune lightweight parts and Mad Fiber wheels that use an innovative construction method (see the video here).
The Shimano Di2 Sprint Shifters are thumb operated and can be mounted anywhere on the bars.
The bike was built in the US and and also assembled by pro tour mechanic Nick Legan (US) and in this configuration costs approximately $17,000 while the frame alone is $4,500.
This release features the striking orange highlights with the Titanium frame however can be configured to buyer preferences.
More pictures and information is available from the website: www.vuelovelo.com. As a boutique bike brand, there is already a five month (plus) wait for the custom made bikes, so get in early and chat to Martin Renwick about your own dream bike.
Photos ? Brad Kaminski
