Earlier this year, we posted a preview of the Van Dessel Motivus Maximus from Rock Lititz. Later on during the road season, Van Dessel was kind enough to provide us with our own Motivus Maximus for a longterm review. During that time, we were able to test the bike out in a few different configurations and in the end, we really did not want to give it back.
The Motivus Maximus is a versatile frame set. It blends aero queues with a comfortable rear triangle, a steady front end with a stout bottom bracket, and ways to keep it a viable option for years to come. What you get, is a nimble frame that is begging to go fast.
The frame can be run with rim or disc brakes just by swapping the brake specific fork. The rim brake fork uses a standard quick release and does not include disc brake tabs, while the disc brake fork uses a 15mm thru-axle and does not have provisions for a rim brake. Both brake configurations were successfully raced this year by Van Dessel riders like Lenore Pipes, Erica Allar, Jared Nieters, Guillaume Nelissen, and Edwin Bull.
We had the chance to run the disc brake configuration, and found it to be very capable, regardless of the situation. Beyond the benefits of disc brakes, the thru-axle really tightens up the feel of the front end, even with entry level wheels. The first wheel set we worked with was a pair Mavic Aksiums that were thru-axle front and standard quick released rear. Later on in the testing, we were provided two pair of Van Dessel branded wheel sets, a pair of carbon tubulars and a pair of aluminum clinchers, both being thru-axle front and rear. This offered us the opportunity to see the frame morph again.
The slick design enables you to swap out the rear dropouts to convert the frame from a rear quick release to 12mm thru-axle, or possibly other “standards” we haven’t seen yet. The swap is pretty straight forward. Two small hex bolts on each drop out and the rear derailleur are all you need to remove and reinstall. While you lose the relatively quick wheel changes with quick release, the increased torsional rigidity makes an already stiff bike stiffer.
So back to our impressions of the bike. Our testers had a chance to ride it in many different conditions, from beautiful sunny days on the country roads of Lancaster County, to the rainy, rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, and it shined everywhere. Common feedback was a comfortable ride, a rock solid frame when putting power down, and  a great set of brakes in the from of the SRAM Force 22 Hydro’s.
Along some of the country roads, we had a chance to take it on some gravel sections and rail trails. The sculpted, thin seat stays did a great job soaking up chatter, while the front never seemed too harsh. The wide stays and fork easily took a pair of Vittoria Open Pave’s in 700Cx28, and could probably even go a little wider if needed. During some week day training races, testers had the chance to run it with the Van Dessel branded aluminum clinchers and carbon tubulars (Reyonld’s rims and DT Swiss hubs). In both cases, the set ups handled the rolling hills and fast descents well. It’s not a pure climbing bike or a pure aero bike, but positioned as something in the middle that will get you through anything from a fast, technical crit to a hilly Gran Fondo.
The looks and finish on the bike make it stand out. Internal cable routing keeps things tidy, and you have options to run mechanical or Di2. Many companies have transitioned from the stealth look to a bright hi-viz, but Van Dessel’s signature black or carbon frames with red accents give them a touch of class that won’t go out of style any time soon. The red accents on the inside of the fork and seat stays give it a pop of color, along with the polished silver branding on the downtube and fork. The red “V” badge on the headtube keeps things simple up front. And if you ever forget what bike you are riding, all you have to do is look down at the top tube to see a polished silver Motivus Maximus.
The frame starts at $1799, and you have options from there. Â As tested, with the Force 22 Hydro Disc build, FSA cockpit, Prologo saddle, and Van Dessel aluminum clinchers, it would be priced around $4499. Swapping the carbon tubulars, the price jumps to $6649, taking it into the range topping market.
With 27 build kits from Shimano (mechanical and Di2 with cable or hydro brakes) and SRAM (1X and 2X set ups with cable and hydro brakes, eTap will probably be added too) to start off with, three cockpit options, five wheel sets, six frame sizes, six bar widths in two different drops, seven stem lengths, five crank lengths, and two seat post options, you have a lot of choices. Their website is easy to navigate though, so building you dream bike isn’t overwhelming. If there is something you want, but it is not listed, contact Van Dessel, and they will see what they can do to get you the build kit you are looking for.
Overall, the Motivus Maximus is a bike that will take you many places for many years to come. The comfortable stays will keep you out on the road longer and the rigid frame with front and rear thru-axle lets you put all the power down and fly through technical sections. With all the build options, you are bound to build a bike that meets your needs.
http://www.vandesselcycles.com/
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year