Test: The Dutch manufacturer Van Nicholas has presented another beautiful titanium wheel with the new Boreas. Even if it is more in the endurance range and thus focuses on comfort, the Boreas also cuts a fine figure at higher speeds. The Van Nicholas Boreas is a great bike for those who are usually a little more reserved on the road, but want to feel the sporty aspects of cycling every second.
Van Nicholas Boreas—Overview
Frame: titanium
Fork: carbon
Attachments (optional): Shimano
Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62
Prices
Frame set: €1.799
Complete wheels: from €2836
Like no other manufacturer, Van Nicholas stands for high-quality titanium frames. This sets the Dutch bikes apart from the competition and the matt gray material exudes a thoroughly exclusive charm. The velvety surface and the organic, timeless look magically attract every bike lover. However, there is also a reason why, for example, none of the professional teams rely on bikes with titanium frames. The big counter-argument is always the considerable additional weight compared to modern carbon frames - this disqualifies the frame material for professional use. However, when every tenth of a second is not at stake, the advantages of the high-quality metal prevail - the Van Nicholas Boreas is an example that titanium could be the right choice for many drivers.
Van Nicholas Boreas: Frame
Ralph Moorman, Chairman of Van Nicholas, repeatedly emphasizes that the Borea was designed primarily to be as stiff as possible. The result is what is said to be the stiffest bike they've ever built. But thanks to the unique properties of the titanium frame, it literally absorbs vibrations from the road and thus balances almost playfully on the fine line between stiffness and comfort. The tapered head tube and the oval down tube are primarily responsible for the high rigidity values. The high top tube also ensures that the rider sits in a fairly upright position. The classic, round head tube is also emblazoned with the classic Van Nicholas logo.
There is room for tires with a width of up to 28mm in the frame and fork of the Van Nicholas Borea - on the one hand, this takes into account the trend towards ever wider tires on road bikes. Even in the professional sector, 25mm tires are now standard and, depending on the route, 28mm are no longer uncommon. The significantly improved comfort due to the higher tire volume fits perfectly with the concept of the titanium endurance racer and makes long journeys much more pleasant. A second look also reveals that the decision was made to route all cables and lines on the outside of the frame. This also underscores the classic-traditional orientation of the bike and also makes it much easier to maintain - fans of the clean look of modern carbon frames will have to get used to it, however.
Van Nicholas Boreas: Fork
The fork on the Boreas is one of the few add-on parts that isn't made of titanium - but it still does a formidable job. The carbon fiber material keeps the weight low and as a driver you get direct feedback from the ground. The black color sets a pleasant accent and fits nicely into the overall design of the bike - for example, the black Van Nicholas logo on the down tube is no longer so isolated.
Van Nicholas Boreas: test drive
We had the opportunity to test drive the Boreas during the Van Nicholas/Koga/FFWD press camp in Mallorca. On the more than 100km of our ride, during which we also climbed the notorious Sa Calobra (9km at 7,5%), the rider and the titanium bike really got to know each other. Our test bike was equipped with a Shimano Ultegra group (50/34) and came with FFWD F4R clinchers. The bike played its comfort cards on the flat: The upright, relaxed seating position feels great at a constant speed, but the bike also mastered short, crisp climbs and speed increases with ease. Poor road surfaces are less of a concern on the Boreas as the frame really absorbs most of the vibration.
We were positively surprised by the climbing performance of the Van Nicholas bike, especially when we finally found the optimal speed. We kept catching our hands on the drop bars during the climb. Once at the top, we once again had to pay tribute to the successful geometry - no pinching in the loin area and apart from the burning thighs we had no other complaints to report. The few grams of extra weight weren't really noticeable - only a few drivers will actually notice that anyway. During the following descent we again enjoyed the good self-damping of the frame and even tight corners were no problem at all. After just a few kilometers we were able to approach our limits and trusted the bike at all times.
Van Nicholas Boreas: Conclusion
There's no doubt about it: the Van Nicholas Boreas is a great bike. It can handle almost any terrain and excels in terms of comfort. The last kilometers of our test drive pushed us to our limits and it was in these moments that I perhaps got to know and appreciate the Boreas best. Even in the toughest moments we felt comfortable on the bike. The bike compensates for the extra weight with outstanding comfort and endurance - the titanium bike shows its strengths especially during long days in the saddle. We were also really impressed by the look: Sure, color and style are often a matter of taste, but the Boreas is simply a beautiful bike. You have to shell out €2.836 for the cheapest complete bike: Certainly there are bikes for less money and beginners may be more likely to look to other alternatives. However, if you consider that titanium is one of the most durable frame materials, the price is put into perspective: With the right treatment, the Boreas will last decades on the road without any problems and the lifetime guarantee from Van Nicholas is another icing on the cake.