So what is it, the Virtue 3? An all-mountain or a trail bike in disguise? Our test lab doesn't answer the question: frame weight, stiffness, drivetrain efficiency and suspension characteristics are inconspicuous and ambiguous. So off we go to the practical test: It only takes one lap on the test track on Lake Garda to know what the Virtue wants. The sporty riding position literally pushes you to accelerate uphill. The fork lockout for the intermediate sprint is always within reach. You have to maintain body tension downhill, where the suspension travel feels like less, and in fact you have to choose the fighting line to tease out suspension travel. Long chainstays and a large wheelbase keep the bike on track at speed. The full carbon frame comes at the expense of the componentry: the Deore drivetrain is not competitive, and you can expect more from the most expensive bike in the test field.
ConclusionThe Virtue has a sporty character despite its 135 mm fork. Weak warranty performance and favourable equipment cost the carbon bike points.
The alternative: With a Rock Shox Pike fork, DT Swiss wheels, Reverb Stealth seatpost and Shimano XT drivetrain, the Virtue 2 is equipped to a much higher standard. It also costs considerably more: 4599 euros.
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