With rather inconspicuous but attractively priced titanium bikes, Van Nicholas has carved out a firm place for itself in the world of racing bikes. The brand has been part of Koga since 2012 and is therefore part of the Dutch Accell Group, which also includes Lapierre, Ghost, Haibike and Winora. The top model Zephyr, which has only been on the market since 2022, stands out with its striking design at the front of the frame, which bears a striking resemblance to the Falconry Aristos R cannot really be a coincidence. Both obviously use the same supplier.
However, the head tube on the Zephyr is a cast part and not 3D-printed. Beyond that, the bikes are also very different. The riding position on the Zephyr is emphatically comfortable and suitable for long distances, the brake lines are not integrated but disappear behind the headset through welded-in inlets in the down tube. The dropouts are also designed differently, and the headset features a simple carbon fork instead of a titanium work of art.
The bike is completed with a simple Ahead stem and a round titanium seat post, which should please fans of classic, simple road bike technology. The less eccentric approach is reflected in significantly lower prices; with a mechanical 105 groupset and simple aluminium wheels, the Zephyr is available for less than 5000 euros. The frame set with fork is sold for 3199 euros.
Van Nicholas Zephyr: Individually configurable
As with the Falkenjagd, the frame is relatively heavy; despite the carbon wheels, our test bike with Ultegra groupset weighs more than nine kilograms. In return, you get decent stiffness and comfort values and very smooth, predictable handling. A major strength is the configurator, in which the bike can be customised in a simple process: There is a lavish selection of Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM groupsets to choose from, as well as a range of wheels to satisfy all requirements. The stem length, handlebar width and crank length can also be customised here.
Orders can be placed either directly in the online shop or at a dealer - Van Nicholas has by far the densest network of service partners among titanium suppliers. In addition to the Zephyr, the brand offers a wide range of models, which is particularly interesting for those looking to save money: a complete bike with a titanium frame is available from just 2799 euros.
The Van Nicholas Zephyr in detail
- TOUR grade: 2,5
- Price: 7530 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 9.2 kg
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Info: www.vannicholas.com
Geometry
- Seat / top / head tube: 545 / 560 / 187 millimetres
- Stack / Reach / STR: 610 / 365 millimetres / 1.67
- Stack+ / Reach+ / STR+: 664 / 569 millimetres / 1.17
- Wheelbase/caster: 1005/62 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One 32 mm (eff.: 32 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: FFWD Tyro
- Impeller weights: 1433/1961 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Large selection in the modular system, dense dealer network, lifetime guarantee, good value for money
- Minus: Relatively heavy frame
These are the other titanium bikes from the test
Jens Klötzer
Editor
