Van Nicholas (Netherlands) - Press Release: The Astraeus has been the pinnacle of Van Nicholas racing design since its launch in the early days of the company, but this year sees a new evolution of the model they believe is the fastest yet. And it also comes with the opportunity to own a genuine piece of Van Nicholas history – the first Van Nicholas Titanium bike available with your choice of coloured, anodized decals. But you’ll have to be quick – only the first fifty bikes rolling out of their workshop this year will have that option.

“We have always adopted a minimalist, less-is-more approach to design,” says Ralph Moorman, General Manager of Van Nicholas, “which translated to a uniform look for our decal branding that we love, and we think makes them instantly recognisable, whatever component configuration our customers choose. But who doesn’t love a bit of colour in their lives?” Van Nicholas frames are never painted (because Titanium frames, unlike aluminium or steel, don’t require an added layer of protection against the elements) so this is the first time customers have been given the option to add a splash of colour of their choosing to their bike, and they hope it’ll excite potential buyers.

Not that anyone looking to buy an Astraeus needs any more reasons to get excited – Van Nicholas believe the Astraeus is the best Titanium bike on the market. It’s aggressive poise and race geometry combine with a host of technological, manufacturing and design innovations. Hydroformed tubing is used to maintain strength while minimising weight. Key stress points, such as the threaded T47 bottom bracket, dropouts, head tube and seat tube/seat stay/top tube connection area are cast as single pieces, ensuring maximum strength and rigidity, which in turn optimises power transfer and handling. Internal cable routing provides an aerodynamic advantage and is designed for electronic or mechanical shifting and disc brake systems. The rear dropout is even engineered to accommodate the new Universal Derailleur Hanger from SRAM. Every millimetre of the bike has been analysed, enhanced and refined to deliver competitive race performance.

Van Nicholas suggest component configurations on their website, but you’re free to choose from a wide selection via their innovative bike-builder tool, that also allows you to see how your chosen components would look on the Astraeus with a simple click of a mouse. Your Astraeus can be as unique as you are, even if you’re not one of the lucky first fifty who get to choose the colour of their decals.

“Titanium has a timeless quality that we love,” says Ralph, “and the Astraeus is a bike I personally never tire of riding – every time I get into the saddle it excites me. The way it looks, the way it feels, the way it makes me feel… the whole package!” If you share that love for the timeless magic of Titanium, the new Astraeus is the ultimate bike for you, the peak of Titanium perfection – whatever colour decal you choose.

Sizing and pricing:

The Astraeus is available in sizes XS (48cm), S (51cm), M (54cm), L (57cm) & XL (60cm). It can be pre-ordered now from their website as a complete bike with a total price from €5,549. The frame (including front fork) is available for €3,999. Frames will be available for delivery from the end of April.