When Sacha White started building bicycles in 1999, it was his fanatical attention to detail and dedication to the craft that quickly established a cult-like following. In many cases, Vanilla Bicycles were elevated to a status symbol leading to a wait list for bicycles that was years-long. That led to the introduction of Speedvagen in 2007, where Sacha added a staff that was equally talented in various fields to create the Vanilla Workshop. Now, it appears that Vanilla Bicycles is back, but with an approach more similar to the bikes from Speedvagen.
Calling it a collaborative effort that includes all nine of their current staff, the new Vanilla Classic is every bit a Vanilla, and it’s almost just as rare…
Like all Vanillas and Speedvagens, the Vanilla Classic is hand built in Portland, Oregon. The frames are custom fillet brazed using Speedvagen custom steel tubing. For the classic, there will be just four color options, Race Red, Curtes Silver, Alpers Blue, and Classic Vanilla Cream – all from the original Vanilla DNA. Each one of these colors will be offered in just 11 bicycles, which was announced today on 11/11. Fitting, right?
Notably, the Classic will only be offered in rim brake, but that’s why it’s called the Classic. But these aren’t just any Dura Ace rim brake. They’re hand polished with a custom Speedvagen logo by CycloRetro.
That custom hand polished treatment extends to the entire Dura Ace group and it really ties the room together.
Of course, with their Portland roots there is a full complement from Chris King with painted to match hubs as standard. These incredible hubs are laced to hand polished HED Belgium rims to match the polished group. Tire include Vittoria Corsa Control in a 700c x 28mm size.
They also make it very clear that these bikes are meant to be ridden. If you plan on getting this thing dirty instead of hanging it on the wall, then you are the intended customer. The intended customer also must be willing to pay for a bike that’s “inline with their custom offerings.” No price is given, but if you have to ask…
We’re told that about 33% of the build spots are already reserved, which means there are about 29 bikes left out of the total 44 from all four colors. If you’re lusting after a Vanilla Classic, hit up the link below and drop a $1,000 non-refundable deposit to get started!
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Full custom fillet brazed Vanilla Classic frame, featuring Speedvagen Custom tubing. Rim Brake Mechanical Only. #savetherimbrake!
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Four iconic color options: Race Red, Curtes Silver, Alpers Blue, and Classic Vanilla Cream.
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Fork: Enve Road
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Wheels: Hand Polished HED Belgium’s laced to Painted to Match Chris King Hubs comes standard.
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Tires: Vittoria Corsa Control 700x28mm
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Saddle: Fabric Scoop Ti rails
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Stem: Enve or Upgrade to out Built In House Integrated CK dust cap
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Seat post head: Enve 0º
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Headset: Chris King
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Bottom Bracket: Chris King
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Group set: Hand Polished Dura Ace by CycloRetro
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Plus, all of the features of our standard Speedvagen frames.
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Each Color is limited to 11 total frames and about 33% of the build spots are reserved.
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Plenty of next level upgrades.
