Vitus Escarpe VRS SLX 1×12 2020 –
The Vitus Escarpe mountain bikes are entry level and midrange treats for trail and all-mountain riders. With some choice Shimano componentry and performance-ready specs, these bikes do shine on the trails. On the downside, they are heavier than average, but they do pick up some great speeds. Read full review
Vitus Escarpe Review
Since the 70s, Vitus has been producing some brilliantly stiff and impressive rides. The Escarpe models are geared for the entry level and regular trail riders. We took them out to the nearby trails, the roughest we could find, and tested them out.
These bikes look amazing, no doubt, but they are pretty heavy compared to most bikes in their class. If you’re just starting on trail and mountain riding or you don’t intend to compete, then this won’t be an issue for you.
The bikes we tested had good travel, handled well throughout the test rides, except for the one little issue we had with the wheelset on the Escarpe 290 VR. They felt a little sluggish for our liking, and took a bit of time to pick up speed. Once they do get going, they’re smooth and fast. The VRS was the most responsive, with excellent traction and acceleration. The gearing is superb on steeper and longer climbs.
+Pros:
- Looks great
- Suitable for all mountain riding
- Mostly smooth and fast on the trail
- Excellent responsiveness
- Solid traction and acceleration on VRS
- Good gearing and componentry (Shimano SLX and Deore)
- Good for new and regular trail riders
-Cons:
- On the heavy side
- Sluggish wheels on some models
The Verdict
Overall, these are excellent bikes for the trail and for endurance riding, but they’re not meant for the enthusiast or competition.
We certainly liked the Vitus Escarpe bikes, but we would only recommend it if you need a bike to hit the trails with leisurely and frequently. If you are looking for something to get into competition or practice with, there’s better out there.
Vitus Escarpe 29 VRS Bike (SLX 1×12)Built to explore every off-road route and climb the steepest hills, this stunning MTB finds the perfect balance of fun and efficiency. Using its 140mm rear travel, the Escarpe makes for the perfect trail bike, ascending every incline with ease and using its modern geometry to hold steady on the way back down. This venturesome full suspension steed is available in 27.5″ or 29″ sizes to ensure there’s an Escarpe to suit your riding style.High-Performance, Alloy-Framed, Full Suspension MTB This VRS model comes equipped with the high performance 150mm Fox Float 36 Performance fork and 140mm Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock to eat up the most rugged terrains. It also features Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed gearing, Shimano SLX disc brakes, plus internal dropper post routing for the Brand-X Ascend dropper post. The adventurous Vitus Escarpe 29 VRS Bike (SLX 1×12) rolls upon DT Swiss M1700 wheelset and 2.6″ wide Maxxis 3C tyres, giving a tubeless-ready, high-grip and easy-handling performance as you flow along the singletrack. Escarpe 6061-T6 alloy 29″ frame with boost spacing and modern aggressive geometry 140mm rear suspension, 150mm front suspension Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed groupset Brand-X Ascend Internal Dropper Post Metric Trunnion mount shock with sealed bearing upper shock mount Tubeless-ready Maxxis 3C Tyres with tubeless rim tape fitted and valves includedFeatures: Frame: Escarpe 29″ 140mm travel full suspension frame, Boost, 6061 Alloy Fork: Fox Float 36 Performance 150mm, 29″, Grip Damper, Kabolt 110, Offset 44mm Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance, 3pos lever, Trunnion, Evol LV air spring, 0.8 Spacer, 185mmx50mm, custom tune Headset: ACROS, ZS 44mm/56mm BB Parts: Shimano BB52, Threaded 73mm BSA Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm Rise, Back 9-deg, up 6-deg, Bar Diameter 31.8mm, Width – S-780mm, M-780mm, L-800mm, XL-800mm Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm bar diameter, 0-deg rise Grip: Vitus, Tapered, single alloy clamp, sticky rubber Rims: Front: M1700 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 110x15mm; Rear: M1700 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 148x12mm, Shimano 12-speed MicroSpline Hubs: M1700 Spline Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29″x2.5″WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR; Rear: Maxxis Minnion DHR II, 29″x2.40″ WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR Spokes: DT Swiss Chain: Shimano SLX 12-speed, CN-M7100 Crankset: Shimano XT 12-speed, FC-M8100-1, HollowTech 2, 170mm, 30T, Chain Line 52mm Brakes: Front: Shimano SLX M7100, metal pad (with fin), 203mm rotor; Rear: Shimano SLX M7100, metal pad (with fin), 180mm rotor Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT 12-speed, RD-M8100, XT, SGS 12-Speed, Top Normal, Shadow Plus Shifter: Shimano SLX 12-speed, SL-M7100-R, 12-Speed RapidFire Plus Freewheel: Shimano SLX 12-speed 10-51T, CS-M7100-12 Saddle: WTB Volt 142 COMP Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever, S-100mm, M-125mm, L-150mm, XL-150mm Rear Hub Axle: Vitus 12mm x 181mm, M12, Pitch 1.5mm x Length 20mm Chain Guide: MRP 1x CS, 28-34T ISCG-05 Black ON SALE: Mid DecemberEasy AssemblyWhen you order a bike, one of our trained mechanics will carefully prepare and pack your bike for shipping. Upon delivery, the assembly is simple and all necessary tools are conveniently included in the box.Depending on the delivery service and destination, bikes will either be delivered in a large or a small box. Below is a guide as to how your bike will arrive: All bikes for delivery within the UK and Republic of Ireland will be delivered in a large box, except for kids’ bikes and BMX bikes, which are always delivered in manufacturer’s boxes. All bikes for delivery within the EU on a standard service will be delivered in a large box. If an express delivery option is chosen, your bike will be packed into a small box. Again, the exception is kids’ bikes and BMX bikes, which are always delivered in manufacturer’s boxes. All bikes for worldwide delivery outside the EU will be delivered in small boxes.This video demonstrates assembly from a SMALL BOX.This video demonstrates assembly from a LARGE BOX.Buy Vitus Bikes from Chain Reaction Cycles, the World’s Largest Online Bike Store.
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