The Fleet (Part 2)

Since I still get a lot of hits from people researching this frame, Ive returned to this post to update it with more info on my experience, and how the Vitus compares to my other bikes.

This old frame served well as a winter bike. I felt it a shame to equip it with my bad weather wheels, wheels which are a sorry cluster of loose spokes and beat up rims, but I didn't want to build an appropriate set of wheels, so I retired the frame. Now my Vitus Dural 979 hangs in my shop, entombed in a heavy plastic bag.

I believe this frame is late eighties vintage, and far lighter than steel frames of the same era. Sean Kelly, the King of the Classics, set a speed record on a Vitus, proving the frame race worthy. Other cyclists hate it because of the frame flex, and refuse to ride it, regardless of its history.

People seeing my Vitus assumed it was a fast bike, equating light weight with speed. Truthfully? It is sort of fast. With a good set of wheels borrowed from my Somec, the Vitus is impressive, but the flexing of the frame doesn't let me accelerate like good steel (such as my 1984 Trek 760) or new aluminum. The flex is like a little thief stealing a wee bit of my power with every mile. On the other hand, the Vitus isn't harsh. Riding on bumpy roads doesn't lead to the fatigue that I experience on my other aluminum bike (a Cervelo).

I enjoyed the history and reputation of the Vitus. Not one of the other bikes I own evokes a reaction as consistently as this one. Walking into a bike shop with the Vitus is like stepping into a Spaghetti Western scene.

Scene 1
Local Bike Shop, Interior

The door swings open. Rider with Vitus steps inside.

Bike Shop Boy recognizes the frame and announces its arrival

Bike Shop Boy
"Vitus Dural. Nine seven nine."

Sound of staccato whistle from off screen,
followed by "Wa Waa Waaaa."

Here's the stats:

Frame: Vitus Dural 979 aluminum 56cm
Class: Foul weather long distance trainer
Nickname: French Noodle