AdvDragonfly44SQ

More About Adventure Models

Calfee Adventure/Gravel Vision

Manta RS Adventure

Founded upon the DNA from our road frames, we designed our Adventure platform to be as versatile as you. Available in all of our models and tubesets, we build each frame to accept 700c, 650b, or both. The slackened head-tube allows for confidence on loose gravel roads, but with all the performance features to keep-up on the weekend group ride. Further, if you prefer randonneur or bike-packing Adventures with frame bags, fender or rack mounts, you will travel in confidence and comfort. We build every frame with your exact needs in mind. The Adventure is yours!

Overview of the Adventure Platform;

  • Available in our MantaDragonflyTetraLuna or Bamboo frame models
  • Choose Classic or 44 tubesets
  • Performance-driven paired with versatility
  • Utilizes slacker head and seat tube angles
  • 43cm chainstays (+1.5cm more than Pro geometry)
  • Maintain 7cm of bottom bracket drop
  • 650b x 47mm and 700c x 45mm tire clearance
  • Compatible with full-wrap fenders
  • Flat-mount disc brake option (mechanical and hydraulic)
  • Multiple full carbon fork (steerer and lowers) choices with disc brake and eyelet options
  • Integrated lighting options
  • Click here to review Adventure geometry and key features.

We are very excited to introduce the Calfee Adventure. Click here to view geometry and features. We debuted this model in Austin, TX at the 2011 NAHBS. After the show, we met for a ride with a group from Waco, TX.  We “enjoyed” a 110 mile ride on beautiful, rolling gravel roads.  This video captures the Calfee Adventure, comfortable in its intended environment.  Both the cycling press and cyclists themselves were thrilled with our execution; enjoy this coverage from James Huang, technical editor with Cyclingnews.com, as well as this October 2011 review in Mountain Flyer Magazine, featuring our Bamboo Adventure.  Jan Heine, Editor of Bicycle Quarterly, published a review of our Tetra Adventure in the Autumn 2011 issue.  He hated to give it back.  Here is a link to the complete review.  Years later, Jan revisited our Tetra Adventure platform (Bicycle Quarterly, Vol.12 No.1, Autumn 2013), riding this very bicycle featuring 650x42mm tires, dual hydraulic disc brakes, and a generator hub.  His test ride; the Volcano High Pass 600 Super Randonnee.  His take-away, “…nearly perfect”.

Along these same lines, earlier this year, Zap and Neil at Road Bike Action asked us to build the frame module for a gravel road race project bike.  The challenge; build a bike that Neil (recently retired top domestic pro) could race to victory in a grueling gravel road race.  RBA’s October issue landed and here is a link to the 10 page feature.  Here is a link to complete online coverage of the bike, rider and race.  The results are in; Neil won the King of the Mountains competition and second overall in Crusher in the Tushar aboard this Dragonfly Adventure.  Our Dragonfly with Adventure frame options proved the “perfect” bicycle for the rigorous event.  This video captures Neil and the balance of the Pro field throughout the difficult day; rain, gravel, altitude.

While we’ve been building this road frame for years, we are only now formalizing its station in our model range. This frame is a high-tech take on a frame that has traditionally been built out of steel or, more recently, titanium. Our definition of “comfort” is “avoiding those things that make a rider go slow”. Consider how wide-tire clearance, full-wrap fenders, integrated lighting systems, optional luggage, enhanced stability and improved vibration dampening, among other features, might enhance “comfort” and then “performance”.

Calfee offers our Adventure platform in every tubeset: Manta, Dragonfly, Tetra, and Luna. It is important to note that each of our tubesets have a specific purpose. For instance, the Luna is the most durable tubeset, while the Manta utilizes tapered tubes and patented rear-suspension technology. Since each frame we make is exclusive to each rider, we want to help you discover exactly which tubeset and platform best suits you and your riding style. All of our frames are handmade in Santa Cruz County, California. They are backed by an unprecedented warranty. Finally, Calfee Design continues to build truly sustainable bikes that are made to last a lifetime. So, what’s your Adventure?

Calfee Design 1-800-965-2171