I see you want to get a Vitus, and your mates told you that Vitus bikes are great. Vitus is one of the top-rated bike brands out there.
Vitus has a community of cyclists who have sworn allegiance to the brand, and you can be one of them.
Vitus has a specific model for every discipline. We will discuss every Vitus mountain bike model that we have tried and tested for an honest review based on personal experience. Here is a Vitus bikes review.
Best Vitus Mountain Bikes Reviews for 2022
1. Vitus Nucleus
Specs
- Fork: 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail XC bike
Vitus Nucleus is Vitus’ budget bike. Despite being the most affordable Vitus model, the bike has excellent features making it such a fantastic deal. Chain Reactions were sure enough to ensure that all the models in this line come with Shimano Deore drivetrains.
The brand comes in various models, which include women-specific Nucleus 27 VRW. Others include Nucleus 29 and 27.5 VR and Nucleus 29 and 27.5 VRS.
The bikes feature a lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum frame that’s so light and a threaded bottom bracket.
Nucleus also comes with a chainstay protector from the chain that slaps the stay from time to time and space for a water bottle.
The models also come with the budget Suntour forks which you can upgrade. The bike is a powerful climber, just like most hardtails.
It’s not forgiving on descents as the rear wheel loses traction. However, the WTB tires that come with the bike do their best to dig on earth and provide grip.
The Vitus Nucleus bike is the bike to buy if you are on a budget and want a bike that can perform better on light trails, ride around town, and run errands.
When it comes to technical trails, taking a Nucleus to that type of terrain will be like throwing the mice under the cat’s paws.
The bike will not manage, and the chances are that you’ll have a lot of service and maintenance to do if you attempt it.
2. Vitus Sentier
Specs
- Fork: 130 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”+/29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail XC/Trail Bike
If you want a bike that can offer you a smooth ride with its wide tires and performance-enhanced components, but you are on a budget, Vitus Sentier is the bike to go for. Its 27.5” wide tires and the 120 mm travel forks are the catch here.
It will take you forever to find a bike with the same features as the Sentier going for the same or a lower price. Chain Reaction Cycles did justice to the bike by blending performance, quality parts, and affordability.
Any beginner getting to cyclists will love starting with this bike, especially if you are an upcoming trail rider. What’s more, the model is welcoming to any upgrades that you may want to make.
One of the greatest additions to the bike is a dropper post, which is a real deal, considering that they come in handy when you are descending. You also get an X-Fusion air fork and a Shimano Deore 1x drivetrain to make it all fun.
The Sentier has a slack headtube and seat angle. The 650b-wheeler is more popular, but if you opt for larger wheels that can run over obstacles, you can go for the Sentier 29er.
The overall performance of both bikes is to par, and considering how affordable the model is, this will be a great score at that price. Sentier models include a lady’s bike.
Vitus Sentier is a hardtail bike built to conquer the trails and XC, and that means you can hit any terrain with the bike as long as they are not too technical.
If you are on a tight budget but looking for a bike that you’ll enjoy riding and look forward to hitting the trails with every weekend, Sentier is going to be your partner in crime.
However, the Sentier is not a great bike to ride over rocks and for jumps. You’ll not love the experience at all.
3. Vitus Rapide
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Hardtail XC Bike
Vitus Rapide is top of the range hardtail from Vitus. There are several 29er models of Rapide, including one with a carbon model.
The carbon model weighs 24 lb without pedals. The bike is stiff on the trails but not as brutal as a full-suspension would.
Rapide is assured on the cross-country ride, and you can challenge some of the XC champions with the bike.
It’s also fast and more fun to ride. Rapide is only available as a 29er, which isn’t great news for those that prefer 27.5-inch wheels.
On the highs, though, the bike is light and easy to ride. Its ability to take corners and run over obstacles is incomparable, and it’s a hardtail bike you’ll ride with confidence.
For the forks, you get nothing below RockShox for smoother rides on the trail. The drivetrain is also a 1x Shimano SLX or Deore.
The cheaper Rapide comes with a 10-speed cassette, while the carbon model is equipped with a 12 speed in the rear.
The bike is spacious around the cockpit and with a slack headtube for better handling. Also, the Shimano brakes will give you enough stopping power on descents.
Rapide is a race-ready XC hardtail that will leave the spectators talking and make other racers sweat with fear.
Vitus Rapide is the bike to get if you are looking for a bike capable of leaving a trail of dust behind as it rolls on an XC terrain.
The bike will move as first as you push it. Rapide is also a good climber, especially if you lock the forks.
However, when it comes to descents, it’s not as great. The bike is also unsuitable for more complicated terrain like rocks, roots, and any enormous obstacles.
4. Vitus Mythique
Specs
- Fork: 140 mm travel
- Shock: 140 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension Trail Bike
Vitus Mythique is a wonderful bike and one of the most affordable bikes I have tried. The Mythique is the mythical quiver killer from Vitus.
All bike brands have their own quiver killers, and Vitus has the Mythique. The model is available in 650b wheels for those looking for better cornering, and there’s also a 29er model with a sensible geometry just for you to ride through the trails with a lot of confidence.
Of all the Vitus bikes that I rode, the Mythique was the best in handling the technical terrains, and it has a super comfortable seat.
The aluminum models are light, while the carbon one is lighter. The chainstays are longer to offer more traction on the rear, especially when climbing and descending.
The bottom bracket is slightly raised in height, so the rider enjoys riding the bike on a tower height.
The drivetrain is not complicated, with a 12 speed SRAM Eagle with a 50-teeth large cassette to help you climb the hills like Elijah’s chariot.
With X-Fusion rear and front, we can say that the suspension system is in check and waiting to hit those trails.
The rider’s position on this bike is impressive on and off-saddle. This is quite the perfect choice if you are looking for an aggressive trail bike.
The technical terrains can be really messed up and unforgiving, and you deserve a bike that equally unforgiving on such courses, and it’s none other than Vitus Mythique. The bike is a terrific performer and quite a runner.
However, if the terrain you ride on is not complicated but smooth enough to ride a hardtail on, riding the Mythique in that same trail will limit its potential.
5. Vitus Escarpe
Specs
- Fork: 150 mm travel
- Shock: 140 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension XC/Trail Bike
Vitus Escarpe is an absolute joy behind bars, and the latest model comes with updated geometry and suspension to make the bike more capable and badass on the XC and trails.
The bike comes in two different frame materials, alloy and carbon, and you get to choose which one suits you best.
The previous models came with curved tubes, which looked less attractive. Vitus considered changing to straight tubes for the bike, and it looks incredible.
The bike also gets a slack and seat and head angle and a flip-chip button to raise the bottom bracket.
You get the RockShox love and care with a 150 mm travel Pike Select forks and a Deluxe Select, 140 mm travel shock on the front and rear, respectively.
Another noticeable feature is the 1×12 Shimano SLX drivetrain that will push your bike to wherever as long as you keep spinning.
It would be correct to say that Escarpe may be Vitus’ second quiver killer because, with its DT Swiss wheels and the stock-made dropper seat post, the bike will turn from a two-wheel beauty to a rocket on the trail.
The bike is quite extraordinary to ride. You will notice immediately you sit on it. Escarpe is not the best climber, though, but when the ground shifts and it points downwards, the bike becomes one of the fastest bikes you’ve been on.
Besides, the suspension allows you to play on the trail, jump, run over rocks, roots, and perform tricks here and there if you get points for that.
The full Susser is the bike to buy if you want to hit the trails and wouldn’t mind showing up in an XC race with it. You don’t need two different bikes when an Escarpe can do both jobs.
6. Vitus Sommet
Specs
- Fork: 170 mm travel
- Shock: 162 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Carbon/Aluminum
- Bike Type: Full Suspension Enduro Bike
If you are looking for a tough and able enduro bike, Vitus has the Sommet, and it’s incredible. With the Fox Factory 38 forks with 170 mm of travel, this bike can’t tackle any terrain and overcome all the challenges on that trail.
Sommet comes with a carbon frame, and alloy chainstay and seat stay, but they don’t affect the bike’s overall weight.
Besides, the bike comes with protection under the down tube to protect the frame from debris hits thrown by the front wheel.
The right chainstay also has some protection for protection against constant chain slaps.
The bike also features a rear Float X2 rear to help the rear wheel cushion all obstacles and make your ride as smooth as possible.
The smooth ride will ensure you don’t get tossed in the air over and over, and you’ll be confident all the way.
The forks and the rear suspension can be adjusted on the compression and rebound damping to give the bike the feel you want.
Unfortunately, the bike doesn’t come with a technology that allows you to adjust both the forks and shocks like you can do with a Scott Spark or Genius.
Some of the best features of this bike are the Shimano XT groupset and brakes.
Vitus Sommet is the bike to buy if you love everything enduro and it’s a lifestyle for you and also looking for a free dropper seat post.
You can either ride or race with it, as every moment counts. Anything else with this bike won’t be as enjoyable, but it would ride on trails as well.
You can also decide to try XC riding, but it would be advisable to tune the suspension first for a more enjoyable experience.
7. Vitus Dominer
Specs
- Fork: 200 mm travel
- Shock: 200 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
- Frame Size: S, M, L
- Frame Material: Alloy
- MTB Type: Full Suspension Downhill Bike
Vitus has one of the most affordable downhill bikes, the Dominer. It’s a fantastic bike for beginners in the downhill discipline.
Even though it comes with an alloy frame and a geometry that cannot be adjusted, you get one thing that you rarely get from other bike makers.
The bike does come not just tubeless-ready, but with a tubeless set up already to save you from the stress.
The bike features a coil shock on the rear, but you can upgrade to an air suspension if you wish to. Dominer features DH features such as the slack head tube.
For the forks, the bike is equipped with a RockShox BoXXer, 200 mm travel, to allow you to go hard on those downhill tracks with lots of confidence.
The bike is also equipped with an SRAM drivetrain and brakes. The bike is spacious and easy to maneuver. Its stability is second to none, and it’s the best bike to usher you into the world of downhill racing.
This is the bike to have if you are trying to figure out whether downhill is your thing and don’t intend to spend a lot on your first DH bike. Vitus Dominer will give you the experience you’ve been looking for.
Vitus Warranty
Vitus provides a warranty of material defects upon purchasing their bikes that last for five years.
The warranty covers the defects that occur within those five years. The warranty won’t cover defects such as normal wear.
The warranty serves as the purchaser’s protection against defects resulting from manufacturing.
The warranty is only available for the original buyer of the bike, and they should have the sales receipt as proof. A paint guarantee is provided for a year since the original date of purchase.
Any defective Vitus product will be repaired without charge through Vitus retailers. Non-Vitus parts are covered by warranties of the respective brands. If you experience any issues, contact your retailer for more information.
After-Sale Service
Vitus is dedicated to serving you as you experience your bike. For any issues or questions about your bike that you may need help with, and you don’t have to necessarily visit your bike shop, send them to info@vitusbikes.com.
A customer care rep from Chain Reaction will respond to you in less than 24hrs.
History of Vitus
One day in France, back in the ’70s, a bike company was founded. Vitus bicycles quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the leading brands in building road bikes with innovative techniques back then.
However, due to unavoidable circumstances, Vitus bikes fell from grace. An Irish company, going by the name of Chain Reaction Cycles, purchased Vitus in 2008.
Today Vitus is an international brand that produces bikes across many niches, from children’s balance bikes to trail-hitting MTBs.
The company still has a knack for inventing new bike designs and incorporating new technologies in their latest bikes.
The Ireland-based manufacturer builds value and market-focused bikes for all avid mountain bikers out there.
Final Thoughts Vitus Bikes Review
We’ve reviewed the most popular Vitus bikes, and now it’s up to you to pick a bike that fits your riding style while considering your budget. We are always a text away from help if you need any assistance.
