German bike builder VSF Fahrradmanufaktur has added a new GX gravel bike to their range, calling it an expansion into more “sporty” bike production. Leading up to their 35th anniversary next year, the new limited first edition GX-1200 gravel bike will combine a classic Columbus steel frame with a premium Campagnolo Ekar 1x 13-speed build…
VSF Fahrradmanufaktur GX-1200 steel gravel bike, made in Germany
VSF Fahrradmanufaktur has created a brand over the last 35 years of chromoly steel trekking and touring bikes, (over?)built to be durable & reliable steeds for anything from local commutes to global adventures. Now, the new anniversary first edition GX-1200 aims to translate that premium build quality and reliability into a new lightweight, premium steel gravel bike.
VSF’s ambassador Johanna Jahnke, well-known German podcaster of The Wondrous Cycling World, worked with VSF on the development of the GX gravel bike, and speaks highly of the steel bike’s comfort, “Not only did it fulfill a little dream, but the result actually exceeded my expectations and made me a real lover of bikes made of steel.”
Tech details
The new GX gravel bike features a lightweight chromoly frame welded in Oldenburg, Germany from premium double-butted Columbus Zona tubing. It gets a reinforced, straight 44mm headtube for the full-carbon tapered steerer fork, a BSA threaded bottom bracket, flat mount disc brakes, 27.2mm seatpost, plus a stainless steel serial number plate on the side of the seattube.
The new frame features compact hooded dropouts for the 12mm thru-axle, with integrated rear rack mounts and a replaceable alloy derailleur hanger. Plus, it gets plenty of braze-ons to haul anything you could imagine, including 3-pack anything cage mounts on both seatstays, on top & below the downtube, and on each leg of the Columbus Futura Cross+ carbon fork. There are also regular bottle cage bosses on the seattube, an extra set under the center of the toptube, and direct-mount bosses for a Bento-style toptube bag.
The bike features mounting for modular, fully external cable routing, plus internal wiring ports for an integrated dynamo lighting setup. Tire clearance is up to 700c x 47mm for both frame and fork.
Gravel geometry
Geometry is described as “sporty, balanced” with a 71° head angle and 440mm chainstays with the goal of crafting a “true gravel all-rounder” that can comfortably transition from quick weekend rides over to full-on bikepacking touring. The bike is available in four stock sizes, 48-60cm.
VSF GX-1200 gravel bike – Pricing & availability
VSF Fahrradmanufaktur’s steel GX gravel bike is available for pre-order now in just one limited edition GX-1200 complete bike build, with a Campagnolo Ekar 13 groupset for 6000€. Only 50 complete bikes are to be made, available at dealers in the first quarter of 2022 in Dirty Mustard yellow, each kitted out with Ritchey WCS carbon VentureMax cockpit, Brooks C13 carved saddle, Campy Shamal Carbon wheels, and fast-rolling new 45mm Schwalbe G-One R tires for a claimed complete bike weight of 9.3kg.
A small range including more affordable GX gravel build options is expected to debut next year, as well.
