GEOMETRY

It’s a given to expect a bike of this nature to be given the ‘long, low and slack’ treatment but the foundations of the older 27.5” wheeled Escarpe were a good blueprint even back in 2015. The blend of crisp handling and surefooted stability was there from the start.

The 29er has come of time and the days of goofy geometry and questionable handling are in most cases long gone. Four frame sizes are available (S-XL), with a low-slung standover height and short enough seat tubes to allow a 150mm stroke dropper post on the M, L and XL frame sizes.

The Escarpe 29 is bang up to date with its vital stats reading well: A slack 66° head angle, middling 74.5° seat angle, 467mm reach, 483mm seat tube and 1238mm wheelbase on our size large test bike are promising figures. The seat stays measure 450mm across the size range and are 5mm longer than the Stage 5 – the 135mm travel 29er from Orange.

Vitus has based the geometry around a 150mm travel fork, with Boost 110mm hub spacing and a 51mm crown offset. Whyte has opted for a custom 42mm offset on its 2018 S-150 29er, another bike that we’ve featured in this Dirty Dozen test.

SPECIFICATION

There’s very little, if anything that needs changing here. The RockShox Lyrik fork is the better spec RCT3 model, the SRAM Guide RE brakes are a Dirt 100 pick and the Reverb dropper is a benchmark component. Add in the 1×12 GX Eagle transmission, a cockpit with sorted dimensions (and shape) and a solid wheel/tyre package and you have a bike which is ready to roll regardless of the terrain you show it.

Frame:  Hydroformed Triple Butted 6061-T6 Aluminium V-Link rear  140mm travel

Fork: RockShox Lyrik RCT3, 150mm travel

Brakes: SRAM Guide RE Hydraulic Disc, 180mm rotors

Chainset: SRAM Descendant Carbon Eagle, 170mm, 32T, MRP chainguide

Transmission: SRAM GX Eagle 1×12

Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon, aluminium 25mm rise; 780mm (S/M) 800mm (L/XL)

Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm/31.8mm

Seat Post: RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6mm x 150mm drop (125mm Drop on size S)

Wheelset: DT Swiss E1700 Spline 30, Tubeless Ready

Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″WT DD (F), Minion DHR 2.3″ DD (R)

opinion – IEUAN WILLIAMS

Vitus are firing into this Dirty Dozen mix with what is by far the cheapest bike on test. The Escarpe VRX 29 comes in at a groundbreaking £2,699, a clean £1100 cheaper than the aluminium NukeProof Mega 290. That’s a decent holiday. Don’t go thinking that this means poor quality mind. The killer specification of SRAM Eagle GX mated up with some Guide RE stoppers is the correct setup. Cheaper but smooth gearing with powerful reliable braking is a great combo. With some DT Swiss wheels on Maxxis rubber really gives the Vitus a solid feel.

Keeping on the componentry topic the dampers that are chosen are most definitely something that would be expected of a higher priced machine. The fully revised 2018 RockShox Lyrik fork really compliments the chassis too. At the rear the same design suspension system that can be found throughout the range of Vitus bikes is present. The four bar V-link design and trunnion bearing upper shock mounts allow for a supple damper feeling.

‘Cheapest bike here, bang on specification and silent as it gets’

Ride wise the Vitus is not a climb slayer. The extra weight being the short fall here weighing in as 14.5kg or 31.9lbs. It is still a bike that isn’t scared of some hills though, with the 12 speed gearing allowing for some winch like assistance when it gets tough.

Point that nose down the hill and this is where the Vitus comes to life. The Escarpe really is a silent bike. It is always a great feeling being able to hear the tyres on the trail when riding. Chassis wise there is a great feeling of rigidity, yet this is not a harsh frameset, giving some great feeling toward the fatigue side of a ride. Good smooth damping and a great shape and size also contribute to feeling a safe, planted speed with very little abuse being taken on. This is a great thing when you have to winch the old girl back up the hill.
Vitus really have come leaps and bounds in the past few years with one of the early carbon Escarpes being strongly liked here at Dirt. And with the Vitus Sommet being a past Dirt 100 bike this seems to be following suit.

Fast on the descents, clean looks and great build quality. Cheapest bike here, bang on specification and silent as it gets. The Vitus Escarpe has nailed it on the head. With a little diet this bike should climb more than adequately to. All this said is why I have chosen the Vitus Escarpe VRX 29 as the best value for money in the Dirty Dozen line up. Not just because it is the cheapest but because it is one of the best. Keep your eyes peeled for some more on this bike as the year goes on.

PRICE: £2699.99

vitusbikes.com