The way the test bike rolled into the editorial office, the stamp was actually missing: Attention factory tuning. With the 2012 V.XM, the fine-tuning of the frame is manageable (SAG display, geometry, cable guides improved), the bike has not been reinvented. Product manager Jürgen Obermeier, on the other hand, has brought the equipment up to date. This includes Rock-Shox dropper post with remote control, Bionicon chain guide, suitably selected mixed tyres with matched rubber compound (Trail Star front, Pace Star rear), 203 brake disc at the front, wide cockpit (750 handlebar) and fully adjustable suspension thanks to the high-end Fox suspension elements. The damper was tuned to the kinematics together with Fox. Now you could say: The equipment alone does not make a good bike! That's right, that's why we hit the trails.
The riding position is pleasing, the angles are well chosen. The bike climbs very well, the 13 kilos do not hinder sporty riders. On very steep climbs, however, the rider's weight moves backwards due to the seat tube offset and the suspension dips - time for the platform on the shock and the lowering on the fork. Platform position one worked best on the test lap, it calms the suspension but does not restrict the riding comfort. The compression damping of the fork can be increased slightly to suit this. A small disadvantage of the frame construction: the low shock mounting makes it difficult to reach the platform lever. You feel safe downhill, the frame is stiff and the suspension is plush. However, it feels a little more progressive than the Ghost AMR Plus (page 6), which was ridden in direct comparison. On the equipment side
you are well catered for, nothing is missing. This is how all-mountain bikes should be! Votec offers four equipment recommendations for the V.XM, a free configuration is just as possible as the choice of an individual design using frame colours and decor.
Conclusion: In the tested configuration, the V.XM is close to the perfect all-mountain bike. Price and performance fit!
PLUS Customised frame design, sophisticated equipment, wide range of applications
MINUS Position of the damper
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