I have this bike for 2 month now and I have made something like 180km with it, it is absolutely awesome ! The tyres are great, the frame is beautiful the suspension is pretty good.
I have this bike and have no complaints,nice video. My friends both bought trek roscoes and pretty sure paid more than what I have, even the welds on my bike looked better and components were no match
How tall are you and what size frame did you get? I'm in between frame sizes, and I'm having a difficult time choosing. And, did wheel size affect your decision? Thanks in advance!
This is now only list for a new hardtail. I have around £1,000/$1,300 for a new hardtail, but relatively new to the sport. Sold my 2016 Marlin 5 last year and ready for a better bike.
I get that having great tyres straight from the factory is nice but are you really gonna give it the win primarily because of that when in a recent plus hardtail test you fitted the same tyre to each bike?
I think they took into account that most people buying hard tails at this price are just going to ride it as is and are not going to go out and buy a bunch of tyres to find the best ones.
Tyres are the biggest topic of contention with the Transmitter on the Sonder Bike owners group Facebook page. It's a fantastic bike and it's a shame it lost out for that very reason. I love mine, and I rode the WTBs till they were dead, but I stuck some Maxxis Rekon+ tyres on and they made the hugest difference.
Wasn't just the tyres in the end. The Vitus is lighter, has a more compliant frame 10mm extra fork travel and we prefer the lower BB height. It's a great bike though, no question.
Was thinking I was set on the nukeproof scout 275 race or the db sync'r. Was the scout in this test? Now this and the sonder are peaking my interest as well. Such a hard decision. Maybe by next year when I buy my new hardtail there will be a more clear decision.
why the heck would you base the bike of the year on the tyres? they are usually the first thing a new owner changes, OEM tyres are almost always a cost cutting area for the brand, along with pedals. and any 1000£ bike buyer would definitely know better to put some decent tyres on his new bike.
Anthony V I mentioned the geometry AND the tyres. Cheap bikes have to factor in tyres as at about £40-50 each in some cases that’s a large chuck of the value of the bike.
Luckily I live in Poland where Dartmoor Primal Pro 27,5 costs 1120 pounds, normally comes with a 51pounds voucher, but as a preorder it came with a 102 pounds voucher, so for pretty much the same price I've got much better equipped bike(but had to spend extra on gear though-voucher). I wonder how it would stack up, but sadly it is not noticed by MBR despite being well known brand in many countries and in UK their frames are even popular for custom order builds.
Polish guy with hard to spell name ;-p we’ve got a first ride on a Dartmoor in the next issue. 👍 Define popular in the UK though. Do you have accurate numbers on frames sold over here? We would genuinely be surprised if they sold more than Halfords own brand Voodoo or Chain Reaction/Wiggle’s Vitus.
Obviously I don't have the numbers, but if Dartmoor reaches Brasil, then it beats mentioned brands in nicheness category. Plus....Hornet....nuff said ;-p
I have the bike in the video. From memory when comparing the two. I think the VR+ has 1 extra gear, 11 v 10 and a slightly superior fork. I live in a very hilly area and need that extra cog. Both great bikes, really love mine. Don't think you'd be disappointed with either.
Clement Blanc Think the fork on the VR+ is partly constructed from different materials, making it lighter. Not by much though and they're really light bikes anyway.
I'm surprised all bikes in this price category don't have internal cable routing , and in this day and age, if they did not have internal cable routing, it would lose a few points...
why does tyre choice even come into a test you can replace the rubber with anything you want so to judge something and factor in the OEM tyre doesn't really make sense
Can someone tell me what the day to day difference would be between the £1000, £750 and £500 winners? I get that more cash gets you a better spec'd bike but would a beginner to the sport be better off with the more expensive bike if they don't know what discipline they're going to end up riding more? Or would they be better off with a cheaper bike to start with and worry about upgrading if they stick it out long term?
Mountain Bike Rider Thanks. I figured it would be better components. Would a beginner to the sport notice or appreciate the difference though or would it be better to spend say £650 on something like the Bizango and another £300 on tools and kit?
I think it depends whether you're sold on the sport or not. If you are, then going for the more expensive bike makes sense as you will benefit from it straight away and it will save you money in the long run (from upgrading a cheaper bike which is always more expensive than buying the bike with the spec you are after). If you're unsure about mountain biking than buying the 650 pound bike makes more sense IMO.
Okay I need some help Because I live in the USA and no-one has this bike to look at I have some questions that need to be answered. First off I come from BMX background but looking to get into dirt jumping / trail riding I'm looking for a bike that can handle some abuse on the jumps but the same time be large enough for me to have a good time on on the trails I stand 6'3 180 pounds but also want a bike that I can throw around. definitely not interested in a 29 in wheel. I don't know how the 27.5 will handle being that all dirt jumper bikes run about 26. But is this frame solid even though it's light? Is the shifter going to be slipping or bouncing around through gears? You have any other bike options I should look into? My budget is right around $1200 or less Thank you vary much.
We're afraid the harsh reality is that any new suspension bike under £200 is not going to be worth buying. Your best option is to buy second hand at that price.
ryan wakefield well just the fact that you make a comment like that is just straight up offensive... the fact that reviewers can’t just praise a company for genuine good work without immediately being defined as being bias, is so disrespectful. It would also be illegal. Stop spreading so much negativity and give vitus props
AF25 get off your high horse sweet pea it was a joke that's why I put lol at the end of what I said plus you didn't even know what kick backs mean so I would not go calling anyone any names. Also I ride a vitus Sommet vrx so I like them that much I put my money where my mouth is, now jog a long sweet pea before I offend your evolved sensibility anymore, and please tell me which law is being broken by them being paid to promote something? isn't that called sponsorship? you my silly little friend are just a really bad and dare I say it dumb internet troll
ryan wakefield well my friend you seem to be just as uninformed. It is illegal to advertise a product through a sponsorship witthout making it clear in the video dumbass. If you really feel the need to latch on to what I say then let it be known any old fool can predict what kick backs are I was simply asking for clarification before getting pissed at you, very well informed I am in that case. The use of ‘lol’ does not make anything you say into a joke. TH-cam comments are notorious people accusing reviewers of getting paid. If you are not aware of this then I suggest getting a bit more ‘informed’
I just bought the Vitus Sommet vr 2018 full sus After riding my Kona for around 5 years What a difference Vitus really have there bikes nailed
I have this bike for 2 month now and I have made something like 180km with it, it is absolutely awesome !
The tyres are great, the frame is beautiful the suspension is pretty good.
I have this bike and have no complaints,nice video. My friends both bought trek roscoes and pretty sure paid more than what I have, even the welds on my bike looked better and components were no match
I have the Vitus 2017 VR Sentier 29. I'd buy another. I did swap forks for a Pike with 51 mm offset, which made a big improvement.
How tall are you and what size frame did you get? I'm in between frame sizes, and I'm having a difficult time choosing. And, did wheel size affect your decision? Thanks in advance!
Just bought one of these, added a dropper and some DMR flats and it’s awesome.
Voodoo and vitus hv been killing it these last few years lv them
Btw ive got a 2016 voodoo bizango and i love it
the best bike is the one you're riding
hydra66 my voodoo or are r u talking in general?
I have the VRS+ it was the same price on release and it’s a sweet ride , well happy with my Vitus and the huge saving I made
This is now only list for a new hardtail. I have around £1,000/$1,300 for a new hardtail, but relatively new to the sport. Sold my 2016 Marlin 5 last year and ready for a better bike.
have you got your bike yet
So how would the Vitus Sentier 29 VR HT compare to the VR+ ? and why no 29ers in the test?
I get that having great tyres straight from the factory is nice but are you really gonna give it the win primarily because of that when in a recent plus hardtail test you fitted the same tyre to each bike?
I think they took into account that most people buying hard tails at this price are just going to ride it as is and are not going to go out and buy a bunch of tyres to find the best ones.
Interested to hear which would come out on top if you put the same tyres onto the sonder!
seems like the sounder is better besides the tires,
Idk, I was thinking the same thing but he did mention that the sonder's BB was way too high
Tyres are the biggest topic of contention with the Transmitter on the Sonder Bike owners group Facebook page. It's a fantastic bike and it's a shame it lost out for that very reason. I love mine, and I rode the WTBs till they were dead, but I stuck some Maxxis Rekon+ tyres on and they made the hugest difference.
Wasn't just the tyres in the end. The Vitus is lighter, has a more compliant frame 10mm extra fork travel and we prefer the lower BB height. It's a great bike though, no question.
Was thinking I was set on the nukeproof scout 275 race or the db sync'r. Was the scout in this test? Now this and the sonder are peaking my interest as well. Such a hard decision. Maybe by next year when I buy my new hardtail there will be a more clear decision.
why the heck would you base the bike of the year on the tyres? they are usually the first thing a new owner changes, OEM tyres are almost always a cost cutting area for the brand, along with pedals. and any 1000£ bike buyer would definitely know better to put some decent tyres on his new bike.
They actually stated that the bottom bracket was too high on the second place bike. The geometry and tyres of the Sentier won it first place.
@@richardcollins8766 yeah I don't think the tires won first place, it was just the one thing that set the vitus just slightly ahead
Anthony V I mentioned the geometry AND the tyres. Cheap bikes have to factor in tyres as at about £40-50 each in some cases that’s a large chuck of the value of the bike.
I'm still riding my 2013 26" wheel nsbikes clash1 it still rocks
Awesome group test altogether. Congratulations guys!
Is it better than the Commencal Meta HT AM Origin?
Hello, Just wondering if you would go for the Vitus or the Bossnut V2 with £1000 budget?
Luckily I live in Poland where Dartmoor Primal Pro 27,5 costs 1120 pounds, normally comes with a 51pounds voucher, but as a preorder it came with a 102 pounds voucher, so for pretty much the same price I've got much better equipped bike(but had to spend extra on gear though-voucher). I wonder how it would stack up, but sadly it is not noticed by MBR despite being well known brand in many countries and in UK their frames are even popular for custom order builds.
Polish guy with hard to spell name ;-p we’ve got a first ride on a Dartmoor in the next issue. 👍
Define popular in the UK though. Do you have accurate numbers on frames sold over here? We would genuinely be surprised if they sold more than Halfords own brand Voodoo or Chain Reaction/Wiggle’s Vitus.
Obviously I don't have the numbers, but if Dartmoor reaches Brasil, then it beats mentioned brands in nicheness category. Plus....Hornet....nuff said ;-p
Is the cheaper Sentier + (not VR) a good option ? and what made the Roscoe loose his 2 points ?
I have the bike in the video. From memory when comparing the two. I think the VR+ has 1 extra gear, 11 v 10 and a slightly superior fork. I live in a very hilly area and need that extra cog. Both great bikes, really love mine. Don't think you'd be disappointed with either.
grizcuz thanks ! I dont understand the difference beetwen thé regular and the gold fork tho
Clement Blanc Think the fork on the VR+ is partly constructed from different materials, making it lighter. Not by much though and they're really light bikes anyway.
I'm surprised all bikes in this price category don't have internal cable routing , and in this day and age, if they did not have internal cable routing, it would lose a few points...
why does tyre choice even come into a test you can replace the rubber with anything you want so to judge something and factor in the OEM tyre doesn't really make sense
When a bike costs £500, spending another £50-100 on a decent pair of tyres becomes more significant.
What size was the sonder in the line up?
This or the 2018 whyte 901?(currently 1k)
Can someone tell me what the day to day difference would be between the £1000, £750 and £500 winners? I get that more cash gets you a better spec'd bike but would a beginner to the sport be better off with the more expensive bike if they don't know what discipline they're going to end up riding more? Or would they be better off with a cheaper bike to start with and worry about upgrading if they stick it out long term?
1424Matt lighter, more durable, better suspension in a nutshell.
Mountain Bike Rider Thanks. I figured it would be better components. Would a beginner to the sport notice or appreciate the difference though or would it be better to spend say £650 on something like the Bizango and another £300 on tools and kit?
I think it depends whether you're sold on the sport or not. If you are, then going for the more expensive bike makes sense as you will benefit from it straight away and it will save you money in the long run (from upgrading a cheaper bike which is always more expensive than buying the bike with the spec you are after). If you're unsure about mountain biking than buying the 650 pound bike makes more sense IMO.
Raleghi tokul 3 is quite a good bike as well
Is there a reason nukeproof wasn't in the lineup?
No specific reason other that we have a finite number of bikes we can include, and Vitus were in there from the same CRC/Wiggle stable.
Mountain Bike Rider oh that is true, they are pretty close too, just the nuke proof looks flashier
Is this bike still available I cant seem to find it online?
The 2018 bike sold out almost instantly. 2019 models should be available though.
This or splash an extra £700 for the whyte 905 2019?
Okay I need some help Because I live in the USA and no-one has this bike to look at I have some questions that need to be answered.
First off I come from BMX background but looking to get into dirt jumping / trail riding I'm looking for a bike that can handle some abuse on the jumps but the same time be large enough for me to have a good time on on the trails I stand 6'3 180 pounds but also want a bike that I can throw around. definitely not interested in a 29 in wheel. I don't know how the 27.5 will handle being that all dirt jumper bikes run about 26. But is this frame solid even though it's light? Is the shifter going to be slipping or bouncing around through gears? You have any other bike options I should look into? My budget is right around $1200 or less Thank you vary much.
Atlanta Or Bust a marin san quentin it is great for jumping trail riding downhill its a solid bike
@@verogroenewoud9681 Thank you!!
Please do best full suspension under £200 etc
We're afraid the harsh reality is that any new suspension bike under £200 is not going to be worth buying. Your best option is to buy second hand at that price.
Mountain Bike Rider thank you for your reply, sorry that’s meant to say £2,000 hahah
I’m looking at getting this vitus but not sure which size to get. I was wondering how tall the testers were and what size frames they used ???
Tom Parker hi Tom, testers were 5’10”-5’11” and we rode a size large 👍
There's a size chart on the CRC page for the bike
are you guys getting kick backs off vitus lol
ryan wakefield what do you mean by kick backs?
AF25 it means are they being paid by vitus
ryan wakefield well just the fact that you make a comment like that is just straight up offensive... the fact that reviewers can’t just praise a company for genuine good work without immediately being defined as being bias, is so disrespectful. It would also be illegal. Stop spreading so much negativity and give vitus props
AF25 get off your high horse sweet pea it was a joke that's why I put lol at the end of what I said plus you didn't even know what kick backs mean so I would not go calling anyone any names.
Also I ride a vitus Sommet vrx so I like them that much I put my money where my mouth is, now jog a long sweet pea before I offend your evolved sensibility anymore, and please tell me which law is being broken by them being paid to promote something? isn't that called sponsorship? you my silly little friend are just a really bad and dare I say it dumb internet troll
ryan wakefield well my friend you seem to be just as uninformed. It is illegal to advertise a product through a sponsorship witthout making it clear in the video dumbass.
If you really feel the need to latch on to what I say then let it be known any old fool can predict what kick backs are I was simply asking for clarification before getting pissed at you, very well informed I am in that case. The use of ‘lol’ does not make anything you say into a joke. TH-cam comments are notorious people accusing reviewers of getting paid. If you are not aware of this then I suggest getting a bit more ‘informed’
Trek X Caliber is under $1000 usd and has full XT drivetrain with a decent fork and DT hub internals. Go figure?
X Caliber is a cross country bike,all these bikes are trail bikes so doesn't qualify for this.
What about the roscoe, same frame but longer fork, plus, and a dropper
Tyres of the year?
Buy more aggro geo & sell/buy tyres ;-P
King Rat this
That was my thought. Rather have a frame that is more modern and upgrade-worthy then the best tyres.
Great advert for vitus ! How much they pay you.???
lucolucas007 is that a new fork?
lucolucas007 'The sister xxxx fork'😂😂
Is so is it lubed?.... this is degenerating fast....
Iv got this bike I love it
Stuart Beeson same here :) awsome bike really
Id buy it if it had wider rims
Please tesr the zoom suspension 680dh
Adem Vojvoda it’s so shit
Exactly same tyre combo as on my Spectral!!
please test the zoom suspension 680dh
Very niceeeee
It might be a good bike but I would not buy it because i do not like the looks of it.
trek roscoe 9 is better and has a better spec
kernalmusterd and more then 1k
5th comment
So, two guys sitting in a room talking about a bike. Lame.