Volagi Viaje Looks for Adventures on Dirt, Funds on Kickstarter – Interbike 2012

We here at Cyclocross Magazine always have our eyes out for new bikes that can serve the ‘crosser in myriads of ways. Mutli-function is at the roots of ‘cross culture – be it a monster bike, a curb-hopping commuter, or that awesome B bike that takes everything winter can throw at it. With that in mind, Volagi Cycle’s two new “Adventure” bikes, the Viaje SL and the Viaje XL, caught our eye while at the Outdoor Demo at Interbike 2012 this past week.

Volagi Cycles comes from the world of endurance cycling; their road bikes are designed to perform with comfort across hundreds of miles and all have disc brakes. So it is with that mindset that they are debuting the Viaje – steel tubing for comfort, a similar “Long-Bow Flex Stays” geometry as to their carbon road bike models, and the ability to throw on an impressive 44c set of tires.

The Viaje certainly looks different than a typical cyclocross bike. Its curved tubes remind us a bit of the original Van Dessel Country Road Bob or bikes from Retrotec Cycles. But below the surface, a quick look at the frame geometry suggests a short chainstay cyclocross bike with a longer-than-normal rake (50mm) for quicker steering. The Viaje should easily convert to a ’cross rig on race days, and with braze-ons for fenders that still allow for a 32c tire, you can throw in some gravel on your weekday commute. With the ability to put on such large diameter tires and the inclusion of disc brakes, the Viaje might be a fantastic option for hitting the trails, as well. If you’re looking for a jack of all trades or for a bike to handle long days in the backwoods, this may be a bike to check out.

Both models will be available as a frame only or as a complete build. The Viaje XL, made from Reynolds Double-butted 4130 Chromoly tubing, comes equipped with  Avid BB7 mechanical discs and a SRAM Apex drivetrain, as well as Volagi’s Ignite XL 32-spoke wheels. It will retail for $2200.

The Viaje SL gets a slight upgrade in both frame material (Columbus Spirit) and components. An Ultegra drivetrain pairs with TRP’s Parabox cable-to-hydraulic disc brake conversion system to manage acceleration and deceleration, and Volagi’s Ignite EL wheels drop the spoke count to 24 for some weight savings. It will retail for $3200.

Both the Viaje SL and XL frames feature internal hydraulic rear brake lines, a tapered head tube, and an oversized BB386 bottom bracket. Both come equipped with carbon forks, although the SL sheds the XL’s alloy steerer for a carbon steerer.

In a unique approach to marketing the frames, Volagi is starting a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to enter full production. Both frames and full builds are available, at reduced prices. Those who donate $600 on Kickstarter will get an early XL frame, which will have the fork upgraded to the SL model. $900 will get the SL frame and fork. $1900 and $2900, respectively, will get full builds. Volagi’s goal is to raise $100k by Saturday, September 29th. They currently have $37,500 raised, so they have quite a ways to go, but if you’re looking for a versatile bike, check it out.

To learn about other 2013 cyclocross and gravel bikes, visit our cyclocross bikes directory.

Don’t miss our endless stream of cyclocross tech content from Interbike 2012!

2013 Volagi Viaje Steel Adventure / Cyclocross Bike Photo Gallery: