Polyvalent MK II Frame and Fork

"Easily the most versatile bike out of dozens tested, the chromoly Polyvalent handles like a dream on long city voyages with as much as 40 pounds on the front rack"  

Outside Magazine Buyers Guide 

The Polyvalent is an urban bike that's also capable of being used for cyclo-touring, brevets, and fast club rides. Polyvalent is French for "general purpose."

The frame is a low trail French inspired design, much like our old VO Gentleman frame. It's designed for front loads.

The paint is a glossy dark green. The decals are subtle outlines.

Wheel size is 650b, which we feel is really the best choice for a comfortable ride on bumpy city streets or rough country roads. Maximum tire size with fenders is around 44mm and around 55mm without, but the frame handles best with a tire around 38mm wide.

The rear dropouts are short horizontal dropouts. The reason we used short horizontal dropouts is to allow internal hubs and single speed wheels to be used without the need for a chain tensioner. Longer dropouts would make wheel removal difficult on a fendered bike. Rear spacing is 132.5mm so both 130mm and 135mm rear hubs fit.

There is a kickstand plate. A spring can be fitted between the kickstand plate and the front of the rear fender allows the fender to flex forward for wheel removal, while maintaining proper fender line.

There are shifter bosses on the down tube.

The tubing is all 4130 double butted chrome-moly. This makes for a light frame and a supple and comfortable ride. The tubes are TIG welded.

Frame geometry can be found here.

The rear brake cable housing is uninterrupted. You can sit on the top tube at the cafe without fear of bare cable marring the paint, or your office pants. The cable is not run under the top tube so as not to dig into your shoulder when carrying the bike up the steps to your apartment.

Includes frame and 1" threaded fork.

The Polyvalent frame takes a 27.2mm seatpost and 28.6mm front derailleur clamp.

Any components ordered by retail customers at the same time as the frame will be discounted by 10%. (This discount will be added after you check out and when we process the order. It will be reflected in your final invoice/shipping notice.)

Note: this is an oversized item, so for orders to the contiguous US an additional $25.00 shipping charge will be added. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, military addresses, and overseas will be quoted separately. Due to size restrictions, we can't ship wheels or rims to certain countries (at least not at reasonable cost).