Vitus Dominer review - Dirt

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Vitus Dominer review

DH belter from Belfast

Ready to roll at the right price

Straight out of Belfast and pushing its fellow Irish stablemate the Nukeproof Pulse really hard, the designers of Vitus have in no way held back with this bike. It delivers everything and arguably more than that which the other brand did when it was launched not that long ago. Today its very clear there’s two serious bike brands form Belfast, and both capable at the highest level.

Now we’ve been used to the trail and enduro bikes form Vitus for some time and have been impressed with the performance and reliability of the range for what are quite reasonable prices. In fact, the Dominer takes some of the features of the Sommet. Sizing is small/medium/large with the latter just about fitting a six footer to give you some reference point. Vitus recommend this bike for riders 5’11” to 6’3”.  Weight, about 36lb for the large.

Overall the Dominer for £2399 this 200mm bike is insane value for money comprising a solid specification. But we’d not rate it if it didn’t deliver, which it does in so many respects.

Components

Vitus have gone for strength and reliability in this bike and Shimano Zee is at every key point in braking, gearing and cranking. Suspension is taken care of by a RockShox Boxxer Team and Vivid R2C rear shock on the bike which drives their horst link suspension via floating shock mount. 

Feeling

There’s a mild nature to the Vitus in that it doesn’t overpower with too much progression in the suspension. There’s enough but not too much. This in turn leads to an easy ride characteristic which doesn’t generate too much fatigue and is simple for the to achieve a balanced set up very quickly. It’s a pretty quiet bike too. Overall we feel that its pretty much good to go racing certainly in terms of controls, tyres and geometry. For those maybe new to racing it simply needs correct springs front and rear and you’re set.

Limitations

The Dominer is pretty much ready to roll the only distractions are pretty minor for example there was considerable ingress of dirt around the bottom bracket area which needs sorting with a fender. The welding looked a bit ugly in that area too. Purely cosmetic. Sizing however does need a bit of a look and can easily see the day when this large becomes the medium. It’s border line for a six foot rider.

Verdict

This is a very cleverly put together bike that delivers on so many levels. It tackles geometry, affordability, reliability and the huge momentum that comes from German direct sales. In a few short years since they became established this brand is definitely on the move producing neat, well thought out bikes that are on the money. And simply ready to roll.

Price: £2399

vitusbikes.com

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