V
VSF FahrradmanufakturT-500
trekking
01
Origin
The T-500 sits between the classicist T-300 (steel fork, rim brakes) and the premium T-700 (Shimano Cues 22sp, XT disc). Introduced around 2005, it gained hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano Cues components by the mid-2020s. An Alfine 8-speed hub-gear variant with optional Gates carbon belt drive makes it attractive for low-maintenance commuters who still want disc-level stopping power. The double-butted CrMo frame gives a noticeably livelier ride than straight-gauge budget steel.
02
Specifications
- Frame
- 25 CrMo 4 chromoly steel, double-butted; handbuilt in Oldenburg
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Shimano Cues 20-speed 2×10 (FC-U6000-2 170 mm 46/30, CS-LG300 10-speed, CN-LG500); Alfine 8-speed hub-gear variant also available
- Brakes
- Shimano Deore BR-MT410 hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotors front and rear
- Wheels
- 28" (622 mm), Schürmann YAK19 aluminium rims 36h, Shutter Precision PL-8 dynamo front hub, Shimano Deore rear hub, Niro 2.0 mm spokes
03
The verdict
+Strengths
- Disc brakes with double-butted CrMo frame is a compelling combination for all-weather touring
- Hub-gear + Gates belt variant offers near-zero drivetrain maintenance
- Noticeably lighter than T-300 at ~14 kg due to aluminium fork
−Weaknesses
- Aluminium fork loses some of the legendary VSF full-steel ride compliance
- 20-speed Cues range (46/30 × 11-39) may feel limited for mountain passes under heavy load
- Fewer frame geometry variants than T-300 (no Anglais/mixte option)
04
Tags
05
Related models
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