Von Hof Cycles started three years ago with a focus on American-built cyclocross bikes. In the years since, the brand has moved manufacturing from Portland to New Paltz, New York and nudged its way into the road category with several smart steel options. For the Philly Bike Expo, the brand took the opportunity to show off its new women’s offering, the DIA, an all-road model. For those watching the brand and its emphasis on serving women in the New England racing community, the DIA’s launch is far from a surprise.
The DIA (which stands for “do it all”) has been in the works since the beginning of the brand. VonHof co-owner Diana Palmer wanted a road bike that was nimble like the unisex models but would fit her as a woman of small stature. At a time when the necessity and execution of women’s cycling product is under a lot of debate, Von Hof’s approach is refreshing. Same feel as the unisex Steel Road model. No speculation. No flowers. No frills. “Any other way would be demeaning,” commented brand representative Andrew Reimann when asked why there weren’t other points of differentiation.
The model is designed with tire and toe clearance for 700c x 28mm tires and was tested by Von Hof sponsored athlete, Kathryn Cumming (seen above). She rode it first in the Vermont Overland Roads on untamed gravel roads and single track where, according to Reimann, she “tried to beat the hell out of it.” Afterwards, she raced the DIA in the Wilmington GP. The verdict? It feels good on single track. It is fast and nimble in a crit.
The frame is constructed from oversized Columbus Spirit triple butted steel tubing and has ports for internal Di2 routing. It has allowances for a PF30 bottom bracket and tapered steerer, putting this solidly in the realm of a modern steel race machine.
The sizes range 44cm to 54cm frames with stack, reach, and standover considerations for women across those sizes driven by data pulled from actual women’s professional bike fits in the area. When asked why the frame sizing did not extend to women of taller stature (as this author is 5’11”), Reinmann said that fit data showed that sizing of their existing unisex steel road model served women in the upper range well as is, so extending to those sizes would be unnecessary.
With the DIA was the unisex Steel Road model. Same tubing, spec, and frame accouterments as the DIA, only an extended size range for larger riders 52cm to 60cm.
Both frames are available now for $1950 MSRP.
