VSF T-900: A classic with a belt drive and Rohloff – put to the test

​What more is there to say about this VSF classic? Essentially, the T-series embodies the DNA of a trekking bike more than almost any other bike out there. Even the more affordable models with derailleur gears Models such as the T-500 have been performing well in our tests for some time now.

The reason: all VSF bikes benefit from the superb steel frame, which successfully combines a noticeably high level of riding comfort with a forward-leaning riding position and a slightly sporty character. This means the bikes are just as well suited to long cycling trips as they are, of course, to the daily commute. The T-900, with its Gates belt and Rohloff, is certainly no exception as the top-of-the-range model. Or is it?

Fancy a bit more?

On the whole, of course not. However, there is still room for improvement in a few small details. The fast but low-tread road tyres unnecessarily limit the range of uses. The width of just 42 millimetres, too, could be more generous by modern standards – Both comfort and rolling resistance would benefit. The stem on our test bike is quite long, and the SKS mudguards rattled a bit.

Rohloff and belt drives: the dream combination

That said, the bike does a lot of things really well. It offers excellent propulsion, as well as a massive range and high efficiency when accelerating – thanks to Rohloff. So there’s no need to shy away from steep hills, and you can keep pedalling for a long time even on descents. Thanks to its durable belt, the bike requires no lubrication or maintenance of the drivetrain. Simply rinsing the belt with clean water every now and then is all the care it needs.

At 15 kilos, the weight is very reasonable for a versatile steel bike with in-hub gears, and with its extremely large 200-millimetre discs and XT calipers, the VSF brakes superbly. The premium kickstand and the Racktime luggage rack, with a 20-kilo load capacity, leave little to be desired, even for everyday use. The Ritchey headset promises a long service life. The handlebars and grips feel comfortable to hold.

No suspension fork – no problem?

You only really miss a suspension fork when encountering extreme potholes – and it wouldn’t really fit in with the bike’s minimalist design anyway. The biggest sticking point is the high price, which is typical of Rohloff bikes. Even at over 4,000 euros, details such as the saddle, lights and wheels don’t quite pull out all the stops.

This does little to detract from the overall positive impression. The T-900’s range of use is – as is typical for a high-quality trekking bike – extremely broad. Whether it’s the daily commute to work without having to lubricate the chain, short everyday rides or long tours with a bit of luggage. This sporty steel all-rounder handles all of this very well. Only those planning to go on a round-the-world trip with camping kit really need to look for a model more specialised for long-distance cycling tours.

Thanks to its responsive handling, good brakes and moderate weight, it’s certainly no shortage of fun either. In short: anyone who’s a fan of classic touring bikes without a motor will still find this an excellent choice.

The VSF T-900 at a glance

Strengths

• Low-maintenance belt drive
• Rohloff gear systems with high efficiency and a wide range of gears
• A timelessly comfortable steel frame
• Powerful brakes & moderate weight

Weaknesses

• Tyres a bit narrow
• Mudguards tend to rattle
• Despite the high price, it doesn’t feature a full range of high-end specifications