The 160 mm fork, the wide handlebars and an enduro-compatible setup bridge the gap to the category of the same name. And almost 160 millimetres of travel can also be squeezed out of the rear. Nevertheless, the VM is categorised by Votec as All Mountain, the Enduro model is called VE and has 170/180 mm travel. Votec has a manageable model range and offers an excellent price/performance ratio thanks to direct sales. Measured against the 2999 euro price tag, the equipment is sensationally good. The suspension is also superior. Downhill, the VM is in a league of its own, you can jump off rocky edges where others roll down, it doesn't get any more confident in this test group. Uphill, on the other hand, becomes a compulsory programme: the riding position is comparatively rear-heavy and upright, the shock platform could be firmer to counteract the dive. Great: Votec supplies the shock pump, tubeless milk and valves.
Conclusion: top equipment, a downhill-orientated focus and an attractive price. If you're looking for downhill fun, you'll get the best package in the group. Others are better suited for touring.
The alternative: If you can cope with the eleven gears of a single-speed drivetrain, the more affordable VM Pro model (2599 euros) offers a great package. It is shifted with the Sram GX groupset. The core features remain the same.
