There's something distinctive and familiar about the
Camargue bicycle, especially the build used in Velo Orange's advertising in publications. Time and again, I turn a magazine page and the Camargue stops me. I must stare at the sage green color scheme, the gum wall mountain bike tires, the thin steel tubing, curved front forks, rear rack, low gearing, cantilever brakes, and from the vantage in the advertisement, the handle bars resemble flat bars with bar ends. I'm drawn to the Camargue because it appears this particular model has come full circle. Even with 29" wheels, the look is classic 1980s, early mountain bike. Bravo, Velo Orange, for re-introducing this beautiful species!
Is there a particular bicycle that you find yourself repeatedly drawn to?
Annie, those handlebars look like Bull horn bars to me, perhaps? Like these.
ReplyDeleteI am drawn to the Camargue as well. In fact, it was a tough choice to make between this and the Campeur that I ended up buying. I thought the Camargue would be slightly better suited for more off-road terrain whereas the Campeur probably would do slightly better on paved roads (though I think either would do fine on either surface). I appreciate that VO is making products that are more affordable steel options that have a bit of classic appeal to them. "Affordable" is always a dangerous word, I know, but I suppose when compared to some other options VO's choices are, let's say, more affordable.
I go through stints of being drawn to different bicycles, and I think much of the change has to do with the type of riding I'm interested in at that time (paved, racing, off-road, etc). At the moment, I seem to be repeatedly drawn to Honey Bikes for some reason.
I'm digging that aesthetic too. Which is why avoiding cycling publications and bike shops is important. Just results in too much wanting for me.
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is the Camargue just confirms that my 1980s bikes are still valuable and worthwhile bicycles. Just like anything else, wait 20 years (or in this case 30) and bike (or clothing) styles will come back in fashion. Unlike you, I'm not tempted to spend money: I'm only admiring beautiful bicycles.
DeleteThose are VO Casey's Crazy bars and I want some! They have both horns and swept-back grips.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I knew they weren't really bar ends attached to traditional bars. It's just the photography angle. I believe the website calls them H-bars but whatever the title they sure are funky, though I imagine very practical.
DeleteI really would like to have a new/modern bike but I haven't found one I'm particularly drawn to. I'm also scared of making what turns out to be a wrong choice. At first glance I do like the looks of this one. Thanks for sharing it as I hadn't seen it.
ReplyDeleteIts a beauty all right, they make great stuff, I briefly had one of their Rando bikes that I built up mostly their stuff. I regret I had to sell it in a fit of unemployment, Fortunately I was able to replace it with a 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, but I still miss that VO bike.
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