First introduced to the world in 2005, Vassago Cycles has always had a bit of a cult following. Known for their steel 29er frames with quirky names and Wet Cat geometry, single speeders and riders looking for something different that wouldn’t break the bank became quick fans. The brand continued to grow through 2010 with low price points and solid bikes, though leading into 2011 Vassago was shifting to online sales and due to personal issues, Kris Fowler, the original owner closed the doors in 2011.
At that point the future of the brand was in question, if no one had stepped up Vassago was in line to become a major online retailer’s house brand. Fortunately for Vassago, Tom Ament couldn’t let that happen. A brand like Vassago as a house brand? Not on his watch. As a racer for Vassago and their main prototype tester who also possessed a degree in engineering and strong business background, it was an easy choice. In a little less than a year, Vassago was up and running and better than ever.
Rider owned and focused on quality and affordability, we got a chance to chat with Tom about the future of Vassago. More after the break.
One of the biggest sticking points for Tom when it came time to take the reigns was to retain the rider owned spirit of Vassago that inspired the loyal followers in the first place. That, and the focus on quality bikes at an affordable price was equally important. The goal of Vassago is to provide bikes worthy of your hard earned dollars but also still being able to afford your rent. In addition to the Jabberwocky and Bandersnatch which are still made overseas, Tom has expanded the line to included the Black Label Series – bikes made right here in the US of A. Surprisingly affordable bikes, in both steel and titanium.
Now based out of Phoenix, AZ, Vassago has a fairly small facility with offices and a warehouse, though it is growing fast. Tom hopes to take the relatively small Vassago to the point that it could be considered a medium sized brand that is sold only through bike shops. Currently there are a few established dealers, though frames can still be purchased directly through Vassago’s website. Vassago will be making a big push to get the bikes out to dealers as bikes and availability ramp up.
After the launch of a new website this past December, the next big announcements for Vassago were the introduction of the Verhauen and redesign of the OptimusTi. As the first bikes of the Black Label series, the steel Verhauen and obviously titanium OptimusTi were a big step for the brand offering handmade quality at an unbeatable price point. Production of the OX Platinum Verhauen was sourced through Zen Bicycle Fabrication out of Portland while the OptimusTi production was kept local in Vassago’s own manufacturing facility in Phoenix.
Stepping away from the Wet Cat geometry, the Verhauen features the refined and more nimble FastCat geometry along with size specific tubing for the ride you expect from a steel hardtail. Built with a stainless steel insert in the seat tube to prevent rusty seatposts, a 44mm headtube for 80-100mm travel straight or tapered forks (or suspension corrected rigid), and Paragon’s sliding dropouts, every detail on the Verhauen is US made. Even the water bottle bosses and powdercoat were sourced from the US to keep it local. Thanks to the Paragon sliders, the Verhauen can be run single speed, 142×12 rear thru axle or standard quick release for compatibility with just about any wheelset you currently own, with the ability to upgrade down the road.
As Vassago’s latest project, the Fisticuff monster cross bike will be back in a few months. Built on a cross platform but with trail bike tubesets, drop bar geometry, a straight blade fork, and huge tire clearance, the Fisticuff will be a true monster. What you do with it is up to you.
