Van Dessel Cycles Introduces its 2008 National Cyclocross Team
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (August 20, 2008) Van Dessel Cycles will span the nation this cyclocross season by sponsoring racers from ‘cross hotbeds in the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, and Colorado. Elite racer Kerry Barnholt, who finished fourth last season at the national championships, junior national champion, Jeff Bahnson, masters national champion, Fred Wittwer, and Mark Kutney, who finished second in his masters age group, will be joined by Adam McGrath and Adam Myerson, to make sure that Van Dessel will remain at the front of races nationwide. The team will be showcasing Van Dessel’s new proprietary 1.5″ tapered forks on its premier Gin & Trombones ‘cross bike.
Myerson, who is regarded as one of the mightiest influencers in the growth of ‘cross in North America, will be representing Van Dessel for the first time.
“In the past 20 years, I’ve watched things go from very regional and very local – where race registration took place out of the back of a truck and where racing scenes from New England, the Northwest, Colorado and California only go to bang heads with each other at nationals - to one where the best riders get to race on the best courses every weekend,” Myerson said. “The biggest thing I’ve been working on these past few years is to bring all those regional organizers together in a national association of UCI organizers to create a calendar where pros can make a living, and regional riders have well-organized events to compete in.”
In addition to his ‘cross influence, Myerson also had a bit to do with the geometry of the G&T. The addition of the new fork stiffens the front end up quite a bit, which gives better handling and less brake chatter. The frame remains mostly unchanged from last season - except for a 1.5″ tapered headtube and added barrel adjuster for the rear brake. The bike pairs extra-light reinforced 7005 aluminum with just enough carbon to create a bike that subscribes to the “light, strong” credo demanded of today’s ‘cross bikes. Born out of a race environment, the G&T was created exclusively for performance, function, and dependability.
“People get carbon crazy so we do get a lot of requests for carbon ‘cross frames,” said Edwin Bull, Van Dessel’s owner and president. “But, the problem with carbon frames is that while they are quite strong when ridden “as intended” - they do not crash well.”
As Bull puts it, carbon fiber tubes on a ‘cross bike can act much like a Dixie cup, which crumples on impact. Since crashes are pretty likely in ‘cross, Bull maintains that a high-end, triple-butted 7005 aluminum is - by a long shot - still the best choice for a top-end cyclocross race frame. This is probably why Van Dessel’s Hole Shot ‘cross bike also features high-end, triple-butted 7005 tubing throughout.
The Hole Shot, a full alloy version of the G&T, uses larger diameter tubes for added strength and 1-1/8″ carbon fork with alloy steerer to keep the cost down. While the sizing is a bit different (five sizes for the Hole Shot compared to six for the G&T), the geometry and handling are the same. Upgrading the fork to a full carbon fork would bring the performance on par with the G&T.
Carbon seat stays, oversized chainstays, and the new 1.5″ tapered fork compliment the aluminum G&T frame to tip the scale at 1450 grams (54 cm.). Shoppers can choose from five different builds including Shimano Dura Ace, Ultegra SL and 105; and SRAM Force or Red. The cost of a complete stock Gin & Trombones ranges from $2,199 - $3,899. Frame, fork and headset are available for $999.
For racers on a budget or racers desiring a sturdier frame, the Hole Shot’s modest price defies its performance capabilities. The Hole Shot offers the same builds as the G&T but stock builds range in price from $1,799 - $3,449. Frame, fork and headset are available for $649.
To try out a G&T or Hole Shot, Van Dessel will have bikes available for demo as part of the 8th Annual Cycle-Smart Northfield Cyclo-cross Camp, which takes place September 5-7, 2008 in Northfield, Mass. For more information about the camp, visit cycle-smart.com
To set up an interview with members of Van Dessel’s ‘cross program, or for editorial test/demo requests, high-resolution images, or further detail, contact Bull directly at: Edwin@vandesselsports.com or via phone at 866-835-5454
Ride inspired since 2000, Van Dessel Cycles is dedicated to maximizing performance, function, and dependability in every Van Dessel bike. Van Dessel’s 2009 line of bikes debuts at www.vandesselsports.com and features the Gin & Trombones with 1.5″ tapered fork, carbon Rivet road bike, the full-suspension Jersey Devil FS and the single-speed Country Road Bob. Determined to build up the sport from its grassroots, Van Dessel believes in promoting cycling through talented, results-oriented athletes. Look for Van Dessel Cycles beneath teams like the New England Van Dessel Factory Team (formerly Colavita New England), the New Jersey Van Dessel Factory Team, the Virginia Van Dessel Factory Team, Deno’s Wonder Wheel out of Brooklyn, NY, Kissena, Project Velo Racing, and the Iraq Junior National Team. In addition to these teams, Van Dessel now sponsors the Juice Plus+ pro women’s team, the Colavita U-19 team and the Georgetown University cycling team. To see Van Dessel bikes up close, find a dealer at www.vandesselsports.com
