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The Funnest Adventure Bike You Never Knew You Needed (For 5'11"-6'2") - $2,400 (berkeley north / hills)
The Alameda near Solano Ave
bicycle type:
gravel
frame size:
56 CM Large
wheel size:
650B
bicycle frame material:
steel
brake type:
disc (hydraulic)
condition:
excellent
make / manufacturer:
Van Dessel
model name / number:
Whisky Tango Foxtrot
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Build Spec's
Salsa Cowbell 2 bars
Ultegra 6700 shifters
Cane creek Crosstop levers
Chris King disc hubs laced to Velocity Dyad rims
Brooks B17 saddle
Brooks perforated handlebar tape
TRP HyRd hydraulic mechanical disc brakes
Shimano Hollowtech II 105 double 50/34
11-34 cassette
Deore SG long cage rear derailleur
Maxxis tires
Bike Rumor
Project: World’s Funnest Bike – It begins with the Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot frameset
This bike, which I’ve affectionately dubbed “Project: World’s Funnest Bike” has been a long, long time in the making. Last summer, Van Dessel revised the finish on the WTF (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot), their double butted steel do-it-all bike frameset that can be built into anything from a flat bar commuter to a cyclocross racer to an adventure/gravel/ultra-cross cruiser with 29er tires.
Shortly after posting about the latest version and just before Interbike, Van Dessel sent us the $699 frameset (frame, fork, headset and seat collar) to review. I had some loose plans for it, but one thing led to another, some parts didn’t work out as planned and, well, tradeshow and other travel conspired to keep the frame hanging on the workstand for far, far too long.
The upside? When things finally did come together, it was glorious. Some parts were things that had been lightly used on other bikes and fit the bill. Others were new and sent in specifically to make this project even better. Others were actually earmarked for a different project road bike but ended up being so perfectly matched to this frame that I just couldn’t resist.
The result is nothing short of a phenomenal bike, but it all starts with the frame…
The current WTF has a tinted clear coat that shows the bare metal through, yet protects the frame inside and out from corrosion. Some of the discoloration from welding the mounting points on shows through, providing depth and character.
These weights mean the bike can take a beating like a tank, but it sure doesn’t ride like one.
The seat tube is made for 27.2 posts, which generally provide a more compliant ride than their more rotund siblings. The headtube is made for an inset headset, but sticks with a classic 1-1/8″ straight steerer.