Our fons: a custom-made road bike

In our configurator, you can assemble your bike to your own specifications. You can choose the colour of the frame and the logo and a metallic or matt finish. In addition, you have different options in wheels, brakes and group sets. Because we find it important that your Fons suits you, we will explain all of the configurator options below. If you have trouble assembling a bike online or you'd like more information about the options, please don't hesitate to contact us or make an appointment to come and see us in the showroom. We're happy to discuss all the options for your Fons as there are even more possibilities outside the configurator! Talk to us about your wishes and we can help you design your Fons. You can also view all the RAL Colour-Chart colours in our showroom. 

Options in group sets

At Fons we solely use Shimano group sets because they're most beneficial for female cyclists, such as: high quality, adjustable braking handles (female hands are usually smaller than those of a man), reliability, global availability, choices and a widespread service network. This means that you can have your Fons maintained almost anywhere in the world without any technical problems or limited availability of components. A very reassuring thought, we think. 

The quality level of the Shimano group sets is indicated by the name. This doesn't make it easy if you're not familiar with the name. Therefore, we've put the different Shimano group sets in order starting with the lower priced one for novice cyclists to the most advanced, high quality group set. 

At Fons we have chosen to provide different options in disassembly depending on budget, demands and usage. This is to help you choose a Fons that suits you completely. In many product descriptions of road bikes you'll see the term 'group sets' a lot. In addition to the frame and the wheels these so-called group sets determine the final quality and price of a bicycle. However, these group sets can cause some confusion, time for some explanation.

When the term group sets is used this means the package of parts related to the gear shifting and drivetrain of the bike. We are talking about things like shifters, brakes, crank, front and rear derailleur, chain and cassette. These components together are called a group or group set and are used in bike assembly. 

Each manufacturer has a number of group sets of different quality. These different group sets are referred to by their own name or number, such as Ultegra or Tiagra. A group set contains components of comparable quality. The quality difference between the group sets is noticeable in the speed and reliability of the gear shifting, component durability, component parts and total weight. You will have to ride a lot of bikes to notice the difference in shift performance and durability. If you only go on short bike rides, mainly in the summer, you can wonder if the most expensive group set is a smart investment. However, everything is possible at Fons.

When manufacturing new bicycles, parts of the same group set are often chosen. If a bike has been mounted with Shimano Tiagra then mainly Tiagra group components are being used. However sometimes manufacturers choose to use a mix of parts from different groups when building a bicycle. A higher quality is then chosen for visible parts such as shifters and derailleurs. Parts that wear more quickly come from a smaller group, in this way manufacturers try to keep the purchase price low or try to achieve a higher profit margin. At Fons we don't agree with that!

At Fons we do not mix high quality parts with a lower quality. We think that if you expect to buy a certain quality then that is what you should get. In fact, all our bikes get the highest quality chain mounted and that is something you notice when shifting gear and its durability. 

Shimano Tiagra is an ideal choice for a novice cyclist. The shifting system is reliable and the components last a long time. Compared to the more expensive groups, the shifting is slightly less precise and light and the components are a bit heavier. Despite the fact that these group sets are on the heavy side, you can still enjoy long rides at high speed and climb the steepest mountains! Many women prefer a triple group set that allows them to cycle carefree without having to replace parts. Because there are a lot of gear options with the Shimano Tiagra you can even attack the steepest hills and mountains. We have discovered that the current Shimano Tiagra groups are surprisingly good and are underestimated by most cyclists. 

The Shimano 105 group is the best choice if you are looking for value for money. The difference in quality between 105 and Ultegra is minimal. The 105 group is a little bit heavier and the finishing a little less refined. Shifting is also a bit less quick than the more expensive groups but this difference is only noticeable under heavy load. 

The Ultegra group is the perfect choice for the more demanding cyclist who has a high expectation of her equipment but does not necessarily have to ride with the finest and most expensive equipment. Shimano Ultegra is the gear group for cyclists who want the best value for money. This group does not make much difference with the high-end Dura Ace but is a lot better value. Almost all of Dura Ace's techniques are used, only the material used is less expensive. As a result, its weight is slightly heavier and the components are a little less sophisticated. The Shimano Ultegra is available with a mechanical or electronic shifting operation (Di2). 

The Shimano Dura Ace group is Shimano's top end product and yours if you choose high quality. Bicycles assembled with Dura Ace are used by cycling professionals and by cyclists who only want the best equipment. The speed and precision of shifting the Dura Ace sets are sublime and the weight of the components is minimal. Dura Ace is available with electronic (Di2) or mechanical operation. In 2016 the latest version of Dura Ace was launched, the group is also available with hydraulic disc brakes. If you really want to treat yourself and budget is not an obstacle, then this is a great choice for you! 

Di2 is the Shimano technique to allow remote control of the derailleurs. It makes shifting lighter and more precise. Our frames are suitable for mounting Di2 groups. If you want to use Di2 equipment keep in mind that the battery is fully charged before you set off on your journey, a fully charged battery goes a long way though. Di2 requires an extra (substantial) investment. 

Options in brakes

At Fons we love to ride our bikes fast but also like to come home in one piece. Riding fast also means that you must be able to brake fast and preferably under all circumstances. That's why, at Fons, besides conventional brakes you can also get the latest technology in disc brakes. 

The disc brake works better than the conventional brake in most areas and is seen by many as the future for the road bike. At Fons we are really convinced of the enormous added value of the disc brake. You can control the brake power of a disc brake much better which gives you more control over your braking distance.

Compared to the conventional brake, the disc brake works much better in wet weather. You can count on a good braking force in all weather conditions because you do not need to brake the water or dirt off your rims first. This allows you to keep the braking distance meters shorter in wet weather, which can make the difference between a collision and a safe stop. The disc brake allows you to mount wider tyres with lower rolling resistance, allowing you to ride even more comfortably and with greater grip and speed. Because there is no wear on the rim, your wheels can last longer. Thanks to the disc brake the friction heat of the brake is not directly on the rim so you can say goodbye to a blown-up tyre by overheating when descending in the mountains!

Fons constructs its bikes with the latest technology, we use thru-axles for stiffer mounting of the wheels to prevent tearing and squeaky brakes. In addition, we use the compact flat mount assembly of the brake calipers and we only use hydraulic brakes because they are more consistent. At Fons we put great importance into your safety! 

Of course at Fons you can also choose conventional brakes. An excellent choice if your budget is a bit more limited or if you want to use your Fons in road racing, at the moment it's not clear what the future rulings will be for disc brakes in competitions. The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) is busy testing the disc brake this season.

If you have your Fons equipped with optional carbon wheels but you doubt the braking action, you do not need to worry! We have great trust in the Dutch brand Scope, who with their conventional brakes and special Scope brake pads are renowned for their excellent braking power. 

Options in wheels

At Fons besides colour, finish, brakes, group sets and size you can also choose your wheels! There is a choice of different sizes and materials. For our optional carbon wheels we work with the Dutch brand Scope, this brand is renowned for its incredible good value for money. At Scope they have a choice of different rim heights and you can choose your decal colour. You can always find a wheel set that suits your Fons. 

Our Shimano wheel set is also of high quality, very reliable and durable. These wheels have very good bearings which gives you a lower rolling resistance and they are also really easy to maintain. 

Scope's R3 is an ideal wheel set for a comfortable mountain climb due to its lightweight. If you choose to have conventional brakes in any of the Scope tyres, then these carbon wheels are delivered with special Scope brake pads so you can brake with maximum safety. Scope wheels are the best braking carbon wheels on the market and are tubeless ready. 

The R4 is the most all round wheel of Scope. The wheel set is suitable for a serious climb as well as a fast road race. If you choose to have conventional brakes in any of the Scope tyres, then these carbon wheels are delivered with special Scope brake pads so you can brake with maximum safety. Scope wheels are the best braking carbon wheels on the market and are tubeless ready. 

The Scope R5 is an aerodynamic wheel set. This is the ideal choice for cyclists who like speed! If you choose to have conventional brakes in any of the Scope tyres, then these carbon wheels are delivered with special Scope brake pads so you can brake with maximum safety. Scope wheels are the best braking carbon wheels on the market and are tubeless ready.