Airborne Valkyrie was infact two models, so care is needed to make sure you are considering the correct model. Initially the Valkyrie was a non mudguard model and later they introduced a second variation. At the time I was running the CTC shop franchise and the only model they had back then relevant to fast long distance mile eating that could also take guards and lugagge was the Carpe Dieme (that evolved into the Amazon), I mentioned to Jan-Willem that here in the UK an even lighter lighter spec’ bike that could still take narrow guards and light luggage was common place, where as he said in Europe those who wanted a lighter, faster set up would normally ride a race or sportive bike; a trend to be fair that remains to this day.
Like now, they did back then offer custom built frames, so I had some built to our own spec’, effectively the Valkyrie model but increasing the clearances slightly at the back end to allow for guards, added a fork with mudguard eyes (initially ITM Millenium) and changed the spec’ slightly to include pannier bosses and a slightly shallower head angle to allow for stability if lugagge was carried. This was just what I was looking for, Jan-Willem then added this model into the range and it became known as the 'Valkyrie Audax' and yes later it evolved into the 'Van Nicholas Yukon'; it remains to this day one of the most popular bikes in their range here in the UK.
Paul Smith
Touring Tips
