The German label VPace stands for sporty children's mountain bikes like no other brand in this country, and the Matz model once laid the foundation for its success. In 2015, then still under the name "Max", it was one of the first bikes for young bikers to integrate large 29-inch wheels into an age-appropriate chassis. This meant that young riders could now also benefit from the better rolling characteristics of the large wheels. Under the new name "Matz29L", the youth bike is designed to fit children around 160 centimetres tall. We tested the VPace Matz29L together with the MTB-experienced children and teenagers at the BIKE youth camp in Sankt Englmar.
Other children's bikes in the comparison test
VPace Matz29L in detail
- Field of application: Crosscountry / Trail
- Spring travel: 100 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Size recommendation: around 160 cm
- Weight: 11.2 kg
- Price: 2149 Euro
Equipment of the youth MTB
- Suspension fork: Manitou R7 Expert
- Circuit: Sram GX Eagle, 1 x 12
- Translation: 30 / 10-50 Z. (500 %)
- Brakes: Magura MT4, 160 / 160 mm
- Seat post / stroke: Kind Shock Dropper / 150 mm
- Impellers: VPace SL / Duke
- Tyres: Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Addix Speed Super Race, 29 x 2.25
How the VPace hardtail rides on the trail
Thanks to its slim tubeset and weight-conscious combination of wheels and tyres, the VPace Matz29L is pleasingly light. Other youth bikes with 29-inch wheels and aluminium frames are easily a full kilo heavier. The lightweight Duke rims are fitted with inner tubes ex works, but can be converted to a tubeless setup. The restrained weight is a blessing in terms of handling. Young tester Magdalena (158 cm / 12 years) praised the light-footed cornering behaviour. Despite the large wheels, the chainstays remain compact at 433 millimetres and help with tight zigzags between rocks. Our young test riders also liked the climbing capabilities. With a hard rubber compound but grippy tread, they had no problems with traction on wet roots.
On the downhill, the Manitou suspension fork worked well even for lightweight testers and provided solid guidance on the trail descent without sagging too much in the damping. However, a little sensitivity is required during the setup process, as the adjuster for the rebound damping is not rasterised and only has a small adjustment range. A printed table provides sensible air pressure recommendations. Unfortunately, the fork smacks noticeably loudly. Safety is provided by the vario support, which, with an adjustment range of 150 millimetres, offers a great deal of freedom of movement for a youth bike. This encourages young riders to perform playful riding manoeuvres and can help train their riding technique.
One bike for everything
Tester Norah (163 cm, 12 years old) saw light and shade in the area of use and ergonomics: "The bike works equally well uphill and downhill. However, the stem is a little too long for me and the handlebars are too flat. That puts me a bit far forward on the bike." In fact, the Matz29L masters its all-rounder claim with flying colours, combines touring suitability with trail suitability and, with its balanced geometry, is a good companion for young mountain bikers in every situation. All the dimensions of the VPace Matz29L appear modern but not extreme. At the same time, it is more of a generalist than a specialist, unable to keep up with lighter youth hardtails such as the Cube Phenix Rookie with a carbon frame on the climbs or with proven downhill specialists with a more aggressive geometry but higher weight on the descents.
VPace has definitely done its homework when it comes to the details. The aluminium frame is neatly finished and is protected by a steering stop limiter integrated into the headset - a useful bonus for a youth bike that is sometimes carelessly put down or involved in a fall. Age-appropriate attachments from Reverse and VPace itself are ergonomic and round off the equipment. The cables run along the outside of the frame and make it easier to replace parts. At the same time, they are long on our test bike and rattle downhill. The cable of the dropper seat post ran roughly and required a lot of manual force on the lever. The Magura brakes are easy to grip even with small hands, but should bite a little harder on steep descents. Only one water bottle fits in the frame.
Geometry of the VPace Matz29L
- Reach: 424 mm
- Stack: 623 mm
- Top tube length: 616 mm
- Chainstay length: 433 mm
- Wheelbase: 1111 mm
- Bottom bracket height: 298 mm
- BB-Drop: -68 mm
- Seat tube length: 430 mm
- Protrusion height: 773 mm
- Steering angle: 69°
- Seat angle: 73°
- Head tube length: 105 mm
- Stem length: 70 mm
- Handlebar width: 700 mm
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight: 11.18 kg (without pedals)
- Impeller weight: 3882 g (incl. tyres, tubes, cassette, brake discs)
- Impeller inertia: 2829 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
Advantages and disadvantages of the VPace
Pro
- Versatility uphill and downhill
- Long vario stroke
- sensible equipment with touring suitability and child-friendly ergonomics
- Fast impellers
Contra
- heavier than a sporty XC bike
- more conservative than a powerful trail bike
Conclusion on the youth MTB from VPace
I enjoyed the bike both uphill and downhill. It climbs well over roots and doesn't slip. It's easy to get round corners. - Magdalena, BIKE youth tester
Versatility is the trump card for youth hardtails and the VPace cuts a really good figure both uphill and downhill. With no real weaknesses, it is likely to be well ahead in the favour of families. Young people who have not yet decided on a fixed discipline are usually right with the Matz 29L. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
