Alongside Bridgestone, Michelin is one of the world’s two largest tire manufacturers. The French concern is not just focused on keeping the rubber side down, it’s also known for their travel guides and maps, the Star restaurant rating system and the Michelin Man, Bibendum. Where did this massive industrialist begin? By inventing the first removable pneumatic bicycle tire back in 1888 in Clermont-Ferrand—home also to another manufacturer of quality bicycle parts, Victoire Cycles.
Victoire Cycles are known for their high-quality French-made hubs that include the Supersprint, designed in association with Chris at Bishop Bikes. They now offer a series of ‘Bespoke’ road, track and hard court polo frames. Choose a geometry, TIG or fillet brazing, steerer tube diameters, bottom bracket options and finish. Julien Leyreloup is a French ex-MTB and BMX pro living in the Auvergne region who recently built up a Victoire Véloce frame to his own specification.
“This frame is based on their Véloce road frame, that can be heavily customized,” Julien tells us. “I chose the Columbus Spirit tube set with Biconic custom chain stays that offer a bit of flex on the rear triangle. The frame has been TIG welded and clear coated in a ruby finish after the anti-rust treatment. The complete bike just weighs 7.3kg with not so expensive components, hand built wheels with Chris King hubs and Velocity alloy rims, so I’m quite psyched on it.”
Check out the Cycles Victoire hubs and ‘Bespoke’ frame program on their website. Massive thanks to Julien for the photos.
