As I understand it, Van Dessel is a bike company in New Jersey that builds mostly track bikes. The Superfly and a few related bikes represented an entry into a new market for Van Dessel. The experience must not have been very positive, because Van Dessel discontinued the bikes. There seems to be a cult following of the Superfly and the Country Bob, and I am happily a member.
The short list of what's cool about the Superfly: Aluminum frame, Cannondale-style headshock, front disc brake, rear drum brake (neither brake suffers any performance penalty when it is raining or snowing), suspension seat post, full fenders, and perhaps most interesting, a Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal gear hub. The Nexus hub means that the drive gears are shielded from weather and dirt. Here are a few photos of mine.
I have found this bike to be a perfect implement for commuting. Well, almost perfect, because not long after I started commuting on it, I built a fixed-gear bicycle. More about that later. I really like this bike, and even though I don't use it much any more, it is so cool that I can't bring myself to part with it. It is a perfect bike to lend to friends because there is nothing to explain about it. Just ride it and twist the grip shifter if you want to change gears. I have used it to pull a kids trailer around Bar Harbor, Maine, and it was perfect for that.
My only complaint with the bike is that the front brake squeals sometimes.
I have pulled off the funky moustache handlebars and replaced them with a flat MTB bar. I couldn't get used to the other handlebars. Frankly, I think they are a bit gimmicky. I also removed the headshok and put in a normal fork. I may put it back--it doesn't make a big difference either way.
Strange question for you, but I am finally getting around to replacing my moustache handlebars, and I have no idea what diameter it is. Can you tell me what it is?
ReplyDeletei have the exact same bike. although it doesn' look as cool as most fixes, and it's really huge and heavy, i do love it in the rain and in the snow. after reading your post, i am glad i kept it instead of selling it on craigslist.
ReplyDeleteI bought the SuperFly and love this bike. It's in perfect almost new original condition and a blast to ride. A truly unique ride that draws constant attention and comments every place I go. If you ever have the chance to buy one i'd suggest jumping on it as they are fairly rare now.
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