I'm a trail rider looking to move up from my Trek X-Caliber 9 that I upgraded somewhat for more agressive riding.
I don't really care much for climbs or flat flowy bits - I like jumping, dropping and attacking the downhill sections as hard as possible.
I feel that my current bike with it's conservative XC geometry and 100mm travel is holding me back from what I really wanna do with on the trials.
However, I read some reviews of the previous Escarpe 29 models and it is highlighted as a general confidence booster with it's rolling momentum and smooth ride. Obviously the large wheels are a limiting factor as far as manoeuvrability is concerned and the bike is obviously not built for super hard hitting stuff.
What would you lean towards in my situation?
Link to the bikes:
Escarpe 29 VR: http://vitusbikes.com/products/escarpe-29-vr-2018/
Sommet VR: http://vitusbikes.com/products/sommet-vr-2018/
Thanks
The Sommet will climb ok but if you care more about drops and downhill go for that. Great bikes are vitus
Sommet will climb ok but if you care more about drops and downhill go for that
Yes.
Generally: you are trail biker and "Enduro" type travel might be no advantage for you.
But from the two options you picked I would also go for the Sommet.
27.5 inch will be more playful and most probably more fun.
Moving from an older style 29 inch XC hardtail to an modern 27.5 trail full suspension bike makes a huge difference. You will love it.
The Sommet looks nice. Maybe check also the trail bikes from Commencal and compare.
Well balanced 27.5 bike 140 mm front , 130 mm rear travel, head tube angle 66.5 deg or less, long, stretched frame, tires around 2.3 inch ("Enduro" style tire)might be a good pick for trail riding.
The Sommet is very close to that. Maybe a bit too much travel and a bit too heavy (for trail riding).
But a very good bike!
The Escarpe 29 is closer to a "trail bike". But 29 inch is not as playful and fun as 27.5 inch. At least that's what I think.
So, I'm now in a position where I can get 'this/last' years Sommet model ( http://vitusbikes.com/products/sommet-2017/) for around 1800 USD. That model made the Dirt 100 and has 155mm travel, compared to this years 170mm. Also has the Manitou Mattoc Pro, which is supposed to be on par with Fox 36/RS Pike.
As an alternative I'm looking at the YT Jeffsy 29 Al One: https://www.yt-industries.com/en/shopware.php?sViewport=detail&sArticle=1248&sCategory=509
I'm pretty sure the Jeffsy is the bike I need for my riding right now, however it's almost twice the money in Europe - would it be worth it?
The Sommet looks like a great all-rounder enduro bike.
If you're looking at CRC, do they have any deals on the outgoing Mega 275? That sounds like it'd be right up your strasse.
I'm pretty sure the Jeffsy is the bike I need for my riding right now,
haha. Then you should go for it - or?
Personally like the 27.5 inch YT (aluminium) trail bikes. The 29 inch Jeffsy I don't know. Can't say anything about it.
Sommet: for sure a very nice bike. But easy to make a mistake by selecting too much travel for a trail bike. In the mountain bike group I'am biking some of my friends picked Enduro style full suspension bikes for trail riding. They are not too happy right now...
I'am a friend of 27.5 inch trail bikes with moderate travel.
Means your question is too difficult for me to answer..
1800 USD sounds o.k.
Twice: would bust my budget...
But that's not your problem!
Have fun & good luck with the new bike!!!
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i've got the 2017 Sommet VRX and its bloody great! i've done 60 mile XC rides on her no sweat.Crap paintwork is it's bad point but hey!
I have the Sommet Pro as a frame only I built up. It’s a great bike, similar geo to the Patrol.
Thanks for all your comments. I'm still leaning towards the deal on the Sommet, as it is simply amazing value.
I've just ordered a Sommet VRS. Amazing spec for the cash! 65 degree head angle & nice long reach. On paper it looks like it can't be beaten for value
Have the 2016 Sommet. Currently sat in shed though. In truth found it too much travel / too heavy for me. I now ride a 17 Giant Trance 2. Kind of riding I do is usually fast(ish), steep, rocky. Drops usually not more than a couple of feet, three feet max. Trance is the best bike I've had at descending that type of terrain (not surprising given it's basically a DW-Link, like Turner and Pivot). And it's great at going back up again. With 150 upfront and 140 in back there's more than enough travel. Don't get me wrong the Sommet is a good bike (I've ridden Snowdon, Ard Rock and Jacob's on mine + loads of others) but imho the Giant is in a different class..
funkrodent-bloke:
In truth found it too much travel / too heavy for me.
Great post.
A fantastic bike quickly turns into frustration when the trails and the bike isn't matching up. For me the Sommet looks like a real fun bike - but I see the above mentioned danger as well.
In my mountain biking group: in the "Enduro wave" many bought really expensive, nice, long travel bikes. Not all are happy now...
The one thing I would say about the Vitus. Spare parts may be difficult even with them still making and selling the bikes.
I have been trying to get a rear mech hanger for my vitus. Out of stock everywhere. No response at all from Vitus, and CRC just said they will let me know.
I have been trying to get a rear mech hanger for my vitus. Out of stock everywhere. No response at all from Vitus,
...time to open a new "Vitus / no response" thread here...?
The sales guys at Vitus will kick some asses then and you have your mech hanger quick...
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