We completed a first build on the Vendetta prototype this week.

Currently running a Silvio front end, this bike will allow us to evaluate a range of ergonomic and fitment questions. There is a second rear brake position behind the top of the seat, that will take the calliper out of the airflow.

I put new Ultegra on it, the brifters of which now has both brake and gear cables under the bar tape which is very nice. The brifters also have a socket for an electronic gear change signaller, or so it appears to me. The crank is 170 with 39/53 on a 12/27 10 speed cluster.

The question has been asked, is there a timeline for putting this into production. Answer, no. I do have a draft design of the front triangle and fork, the mainframe is 90% validated, I want to provide framesets to a cyclosportif team in Perth next year. I don't want to rush it, when I feel the design is right, I'll commit it to prototyping, and refine and repeat where needed. I need time to ride it and understand its personality and figure how to adapt it. I need to evaluate its performance by benchmarking to other key bikes. The frame is set up to allow use of folding handlebars, when I get around to designing those for production as well.