I will call it "Vandy."

So I read an article in Bicycling Magazine who had this complex with a folding bicycle. He loved it but despised it as well. Long story short, he called his bike "Foldy." I decided to name the Van Dessel Jersey Devil FS with a similar name, "Vandy." I plan to have the HT and SS version of this bike over the coming year. I believe they will be the only bikes I need in the stable to complete Leadman and the races I plan to do over the next two years. I am tired of looking at bikes and trying to figure out what I need to meet my needs. Now, I am running with one exclusive manufacturer who will meet my needs effectively.


I started building Vandy this weekend. I have attached some pictures of the build below. The FS version is setup with a cross country platform backed up by front and rear Fox suspension. I wanted a 2x9 setup so I went with an Origin-8 crankset. I like it a lot, however it is somewhat heavy. My goal is to get the bike right at 25lbs. A lite set of wheels are in order and I will most likely go with Stans ZTR. I plan to ride this bike in the Winter Park series in 2010 as well as the Breckenridge 100. I feel both of these courses will be technical and having the rear suspension will be extremely beneficial. I thought Winter Park was a great series this past season but it was a lot to absorb on a hardtail 29er with an 80mm travel Lefty. I don't like the idea of having only one water bottle holder though.

The hardtail version will most likely be used in Leadville, most of my Xterras, and Battle of the Bear. My belief is that if it isn't overly technical, I will stick with the HT. I am fast and effective behind a HT. Not so sure about a FS, even if it has lockout. I am also excited about the carbon seat stays on the HT. When I rode my Cannondale 29er, I was almost completely happy with how it felt, however a small amount of cushion would be nice. Either way, the HT will be a solid bike and I plan to build it up exactly the same as Vandy, minus the rear suspension. I belive the HT will resemble the early 29er version Cannondale produced which I loved so much. The second generation and new Flash 29er do not neccessarily impress me.

The SS will be a growing bike. I want to build it cheaply as an SS to run at the Leadville winter races in 2011 as well as Battle of the Bear. I should have the frame by next week. Still haven't found a HT but I am on the hunt.

I do not plan to buy another mountain bike for a few years after these three bikes are prepped to ride. Other areas to focus such as running 100 miles and training time will take precedence over bike building time.

I am off.