The Vpace Fred is a downhiller for kids who prefer to ride in the bike park and has already won the 2022 Rookie Cup. The Fred is a mullet bike. This means that a 27.5-inch front wheel spins at the front and a 26-inch wheel sits between the dropouts at the rear. This offers advantages when rolling over obstacles, but also keeps the bike compact and manoeuvrable.
Equipped in this way, the Fred is the basis for bike park adventures for children over 1.40 metres tall. At 13.6 kg, it is a little chunky for the wild, which is due to the robust equipment: fat suspension fork, thick 2.4 Maxxis downhill tyres, wide rims with an inner width of 30 millimetres, chain guide and bash guard - stability is key.
An extremely slack 62-degree steering angle signals that the preferred direction is downhill. However, it is still possible to ride uphill on home turf. The four-link rear suspension works perfectly and is harmonised with the Fox fork. A finely responsive 160 millimetres of travel is available at the front and rear. Plenty of reserves to really let it fly.
Magura's MT5 with 180 mm discs brake the bike reliably. The technology will rarely be the limit, only the riding ability sets the boundaries.
Test summary of the Vpace Fred 265:
Little shredders can really let rip with the Vpace Fred and will probably outride their parents - if they are prepared to invest 2799 euros for this fully. In view of the equipment, the most expensive bike in the comparison is still fairly priced.
Statement from Felix, 8 years old, test driver:
The suspension simply works great. Riding fully is much more fun than with a hardtail.
Technical data and rating Vpace Fred 265
Manufacturer information
- Price: 2799 Euro
- Frame material: Aluminium
Measured values
- Weight (without pedals): 13.6 kg
- Weight of wheels / inertia: 4828 g / 3381 kg x cm²
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 / Float X Performance
- Front / rear suspension travel: 160 / 160 mm
- Handlebar width / seat height min. - max.: 720 mm / 585 - 685 mm
- Crank (length) / Q-factor: Vpace 145 mm / 155 mm
- Gearing / transmission / range: Sram GX 1x11 / 30; 10-42 / 420 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Magura MT 5 / 180 mm/180 mm
- Seat post / stroke: aluminium 30.9 mm /-
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion, 27.5 / 26 x 2.4"
Weight: complete bike without pedals, wheel weight: incl. brake disc, cassette, tubes, tyres, seat height: measured from pedal surface (pedal height 18mm) in lowest crank position to top edge of saddle
PLUS: serious downhill bike for kids
MINUS: Special area of application
