Andrew's "Campyvalent" Polyvalent

 

Between 2017 and 2021, I rode over 3,600 miles on a 1984 Schwinn Voyageur. Unfortunately, that frame broke shortly after I acquired this 2021 Velo Orange Polyvalent. I like to think that the Voyageur was reincarnated in the Polyvalent, as the new bike has served as an honorable companion on a further 4,350 miles as of this writing in early 2024.

 

I started scoping out a new "all-road" bike in 2019, with a vision of long-distance riding. Even though I’d spent that summer racing short road, crit, and CX events in Colorado, the allure of long days on the bike appealed to me. Although the Voyageur would have been well-suited to this task, I wanted something a bit sturdier and equipped with modern technology like integrated shifters, wide tires, and disc brakes. After extensive research and some false starts during the supply chain disruptions of 2020, I settled on the Polyvalent due to its classic design, steel construction, and compatibility with my preferred accessories: Velo Orange fenders, racks, and bags!

 

In a nod to the classic design of the Polyvalent, I prioritized silver components for the stem, handlebar, fenders, and rack. I am especially proud of the wheelset, which was the first full wheelset I built from scratch. To accomplish my goal of modern shifting & braking performance, I acquired a Campagnolo Chorus 12-speed disc groupset. Although I would have preferred a groupset in a more classic silver color, this equipment still looks great and has performed wonderfully so far. I am a big fan of Campagnolo running gear and it has lent itself nicely to my nickname for this bike: the Campyvalent!

 

One notable quirk of the build resulted from disc brake mounting standards. The Campy Chorus groupset uses flat mount calipers, but the Polyvalent frame uses IS mounts. I initially attempted to use an FM-IS conversion bracket, but it was not compatible with the frame. Campagnolo developed their hydraulic disc brakes in partnership with Magura, so with some light bodging, I was able to mate a set of Magura disc calipers to the Campagnolo system. My local Campagnolo shop has been able to service this system twice now (with no leaking in between services), so I consider it a massive success.

 

Since completing the build in November 2021, I've ridden the bike on several notable rides, including a few brevets with the local randonneuring club here on the Front Range, an attempt at the 2022 Coast-to-Coast Gravel Grinder in Michigan, and a successful finish at the 2023 FoCo Fondo "Triple Dog Dare" 118-mile gravel race. Now that I have a few endurance events under my belt, I'm thrilled with how this bike has performed, and although I'm taking a break from the extensive training required for these events, I still look forward to riding the Campyvalent for many more miles in the coming years. Thank you Velo Orange!

 

Frame: Velo Orange Polyvalent 2021, size L (57cm) in Sage Metallic
Wheels: self-built Pacenti Brevet 650b rims with Sapim Leader spokes and Bitex hubs
Tires: Panaracer Gravelking SS+ 48mm, tubeless
Groupset: Campagnolo Chorus 12-speed hydro disc
Cassette 11-32
Crankset 48/32, fitted with rubber crank boots from eBay
Brakes: Magura M/T Next 2015 with hacked adapters to fit with Campagnolo levers, and Magura IS-PM adapters to fit the frame
Brake rotors: Shimano IceTech, 180mm front, 160mm rear
Saddle: SQLab 611 Ergowave CroMo 14cm
Seatpost: Kalloy Uno 602
Stem: Pictured: Salsa Cycles Guide, 100mm / Now Using: Generic Alloy stem, 110mm 
Handlebar: Salsa Cycles Cowchipper Deluxe, 44cm
Bar tape: Brooks Microfiber
Fenders: Velo Orange 650b x 58 wavy
Rack: Velo Orange Randonneur rack with integrated decaleur
Bag: Velo Orange Randonneur bag, by Roadrunner Bags
Bottle cages: Pictured: Velo Orange Moderniste / Now Using: King Cage Iris stainless steel
Pedals: Shimano SPD

Pump: Topeak MasterBlaster

Saddle bag: TransIt Speed Wedge