Van Dessel’s New Day Ripper and Titanium Gravel Prototype – 2019 Sea Otter Classic – Cyclocross Magazine

Van Dessel typically proudly displays its new creations at Interbike in September, but with the Cancellation of Interbike 2019, the company impressively compressed its development cycle and unveiled two new models at the Sea Otter Classic, along with updates to current models.

One new model is the Day Ripper and the other is a prototype titanium gravel bike. The Straight Up and WTF are among the bikes that got updates.

We take a look at Van Dessel’s impressive collection in our latest dispatch from the 2019 Sea Otter Classic.

Tripping Over the Day Ripper

The sparkling red and copper Day Ripper is Van Dessel’s newest model.

Van Dessel’s newest do-it-all bike, the Day Ripper, which replaces the WTF 853. 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

The versatile, do-it-all machine has its heritage in the WTF 853 LTD model and boasts Reynolds’ air-hardened lightweight 853 steel. The bottom bracket got a bit lower and the head angle a tad slacker compared to the WTF 853.

It’s also got the expected set of updates, with flat mount disc brakes, adventure mounts on the fork, a move from 15mm thru-axles to 12mm up front and tire clearance for at least 700c x 42mm or 650b x 47mm tires.

Van Dessel’s newest do-it-all bike, the Day Ripper, comes with the company’s cross fork with adventure mounts. 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

The test bike was also showing off a prototype 27.2mm FSA dropper post with a barcon-style drop bar lever. Van Dessel said it’s also working on its own dropper lever.

Van Dessel’s Day Ripper and the prototype titanium gravel bike featured dropper posts with an FSA dropper post lever. The company is working on its own lever. 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

In typical Van Dessel style, the frame uses a PF30 bottom bracket shell and offers an eccentric bottom bracket option for singlespeed applications.

The frameset retails for $1,499, while there are full bike build options as well, with Van Dessel’s customization options. An Ultegra 2x drivetrain model comes in at $3,499, a Force 1 for $3,899 and a SRAM Red 1 eTAP AXS drivetrain for $4,699.

Prefer a flat bar? There’s also a Shimano SLX flat bar build for $2,399.

Testing Titanium

The company also showed off a titanium prototype gravel bike and said it was testing the market on its possible release. Based on the show response, the company said it’s very likely to come to market.

Van Dessel was testing the waters with dealers with a new titanium gravel bike. Based on the response, the company is likely bringing this model to market in the near future. 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

The titanium gravel model looks to be a titanium version of the Day Ripper, with the same tire clearance and dropper post compatibility, but with a BSA threaded bottom bracket. It’s also got a full set of rack mounts.

Van Dessel’s Day Ripper and the prototype titanium gravel bike featured dropper posts. 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

The company describes the new frameset as a “thoroughly modern new school road bike,” and it uses butted, shaped titanium tubing for the frame. Given the prototype nature of this frame, pricing and availability are TBD.

Straight Up, WTF Get Updates

We first saw the Straight Up at Interbike 2018, but the bike is now available and has received a few updates since it was unveiled.

Van Dessel swapped out WTB Byway tires for WTB Venture rubber with more knobs. The GX Eagle drivetrain turned into NX Eagle, and the price bumped up a tad to $1,099.

We first saw the Straight Up in Reno at Interbike, but it’s now available and has received bigger knobs and tires for more rugged adventures. Van Dessel’s new cyclocross and gravel bikes. 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine

The WTF also received a new color scheme, with a charcoal briquette fade, but retains the same swoopy 4130 tubing.