The name Vanwoid is a play on words that pokes fun at the brand's Lower Bavarian origins. "Woid" is a distinctive dialect pronunciation for "forest", which characterises the landscape around Bayerisch-Eisenstein. Founder Oliver Kraas develops sports equipment that is as simple and practical as possible, which is particularly suitable for long journeys without losing sight of performance and riding enjoyment. The brand is also committed to sustainability, more than just incidentally. This not only includes the consistent use of titanium frames, which are considered to be particularly durable and - unlike carbon - can also be effectively recycled. On the website, Kraas is also comparatively honest about what other measures he is taking and what is not possible for what reasons. For example, the company avoids using as much plastic and packaging material as possible by sending the frames in packs of 10 from the supplier. The frames are dispatched to end customers in used cardboard boxes from children's bikes.
From the "Woid" is more sustainable
Vanwoid openly admits that the frames are produced in China because, according to him, there is simply no more sustainable alternative. The use of carbon fibre for the forks, handlebars and wheels has so far been without alternative when weighed against the technical properties, but solutions are being sought. The planned transport route by rail through Russia has been cut off since the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, but solutions are constantly being sought to further reduce the carbon footprint.
Vanwoid now with 3 models
Vanwoid has only launched one model so far: the "Hunter" is an all-road bike with a titanium frame that balances on the border between road racer and gravel bike with 38 millimetres of tyre clearance. The frame kit is available from 2299 euros. Only framesets are sold as standard, with customised builds available.
Vanwoid Attaquer: Road racing bike with a modern look
The portfolio is to be expanded in two directions with the introduction of two new models: The Vanwoid Attaquer is a consistent road racer with a short wheelbase and manoeuvrable handling, the geometry is based on modern high-end competition bikes. With maximum 32 millimetre wide tyres, it feels most at home on the road; integrated cables and an integrated seat clamp ensure a clean, sporty look. Build-ups of less than seven kilograms should be possible, but then with many carbon components and only one chainring - the front derailleur base of the Attaquer can be removed.
Vanwoid Canapee: Titanium off-roader with MTB look
The Vanwoid Canapee is a self-proclaimed monster gravel bike with MTB tyres for epic tours in difficult terrain. Tyres up to 2.4 inches wide with a 29-inch diameter fit, and MTB wheels also fit in the frame. Nevertheless, narrow road bike cranks should also be possible. The frame triangle is designed to be as large as possible to accommodate a lot of luggage; there are also eyelets for attaching a frame bag so that straps can be dispensed with. There are also a number of eyelets for attaching bottles, pannier racks or toolboxes. Vanwoid is designing matching panniers together with Reisefix from Halle. The two new products should be available from spring 2025, first impressions can be found in our gallery, pre-order and further information via www.vanwoid.com.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
