1986 Vitus 979 Durlinox
1986 Vitus 979 Durlinox
Whenever there are great leaps in technology, early steps (and missteps) are often ridiculed in hindsight.
Take the Vitus 979, a major departure in the ’80’s from traditional steel lugged framesets. It was often derided for the same qualities that made it a such a giant technological step forward.
Vitus 979 framesets were made of small diameter 5086 aluminum tubing that was slip-fit onto aluminum sockets and then glued into place using a heat-activated type of epoxy. This version from ’86 happens to feature an ovalized downtube, a fastback seat lug, and an internal brake cable run.
Aluminum is real, too.
Modern and sleek, not ornate
Shimano 600 Components
Bikes like this one were lighter, springier, and in a lot of instances, more comfortable than what steel bike brands had to offer. Bikes like this one were designed perfectly for riders under 5’9″ tall and/or weighed less than 175 pounds. Big guys who rode a Vitus (or who lacked a smooth pedal stroke) were sorely disappointed. Called their bikes “whippy” or “noodly”.
Clean and modern
Look’s cheapest pedal
Biopace chainrings
The reputation of early Vitus’ took a bit of a beating over the years because the designers failed to properly scale up the specifications of their bikes to fit the demands that larger riders put on their bikes. People like me (5’7″, 135lbs) loved their Vitus.
I have an aside to share with anyone out there who sells bikes, reviews bikes, or reads internet message boards. Phrases like “steel is heavy” or “carbon fiber damps road vibration” or “titanium is springy” makes about as much sense as saying “Aluminum is too stiff.” If you don’t modify the preceding phrases with the words “This particular bike made of” then you’re just repeating nonsense. Because let me tell you, this particular bike made of aluminum rides like butter. Smooth and flexy to the extreme, the ride of an aluminum Vitus is an absolute pleasure. Bigger diameter “harsh riding” aluminum tubes may have been stiffer and more efficient at transfering power, but nothing beat the long distance ride quality of an Aluminum Vitus.