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Test downhill bikes 2023Kavenz VHP 18

Dimitri Lehner

 · 27.11.2022

Test downhill bikes 2023: Kavenz VHP 18Photo: Dimitri Lehner
Downhill bike test 2023: Kavenz VHP 18
"Is that a prototype?" we were asked in the lift queue and yes: with its straight round tubes in a raw look, the Kavenz VHP 18 downhill bike can look like one. Some say old school, others say refreshingly different - a matter of taste!

The young German label Kavenz (Kavenzmann = freak wave) from near Münster in Westphalia offers a lightweight frame platform with a high pivot point that can be built up as both an enduro MTB and a downhill bike. Complete bikes are not yet available, but the customer can register 1000 wishes (colour, geo, sizes, parts, etc.) and put together a "custom" downhill bike. The Kavenz VHP 18 Downhiller is only available as a mullet, i.e. with a small 27.5-inch rear wheel.

Play with me! The Kavenz weighs as much as an enduro bike, which makes it nice and agile. This makes it easy to swing over bike park stunts.Photo: Lars ScharlPlay with me! The Kavenz weighs as much as an enduro bike, which makes it nice and agile. This makes it easy to swing over bike park stunts.

You can find an overview article on our three tested downhill bikes and the other individual tests here:

Nominally, the chainstays measure a super-short 417 millimetres, but the rear end elongates under load. In contrast to the downhill bikes from overseas with 200 mm travel, the steel spring damper only squeezes 180 millimetres out of the Kavenz VHP 18, but we hardly felt this, only in full downhill mosh did we have to take the throttle out earlier and let the big guns from America pull away. On the other hand, the VHP 18 comes up trumps on playful bike park trails thanks to its slim weight. At 6000 euros, the Kavenz is no bargain, but it is more than 3000 euros (!) cheaper than the Specialized Demo. This price difference is not reflected in the fun factor.

STRENGTHSHandling, light

WEAKNESSESnot quite as smooth

Conclusion FREERIDE test team:

The Kavenz VHP 18 has a high fun factor, an unconventional raw look and enduro weight - the downhill bike from the German custom forge wants to be more of a freerider than a downhiller. We give it a thumbs up!
Steel rear suspension: The rear end of the Kavenz seemed a little overdamped. We rode with the rebound fully open. That worked well. However, we would have liked to have tuned it faster.Photo: Dimitri LehnerSteel rear suspension: The rear end of the Kavenz seemed a little overdamped. We rode with the rebound fully open. That worked well. However, we would have liked to have tuned it faster.A matter of taste: the thin, straight tubes seemed a bit out of date with all the hydroforming nowadays. But the Kavenz is definitely an eye-catcher.Photo: Dimitri LehnerA matter of taste: the thin, straight tubes seemed a bit out of date with all the hydroforming nowadays. But the Kavenz is definitely an eye-catcher.

Statement from Laurin Lehner, FREERIDE tester:

"The slim Kavenz VHP was a lot of fun in the bike park. On steep, fast descents, however, it reaches its limit sooner. That's where the thoroughbred downhill bikes from the USA clearly have the edge."
Laurin Lehner (height: 1.78 m), FREERIDE editorPhoto: Wolfgang WatzkeLaurin Lehner (height: 1.78 m), FREERIDE editor

Technical data and notes for the Kavenz VHP 18

Manufacturer information

  • Distribution: 77design GmbH
  • Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S, M, L (tested size), XL, XXL
  • Price / weight without pedals: 6000 Euro / 15.7 kg

Measurement data

  • Front / rear suspension travel: 200 mm / 180 mm
  • Rear suspension system: VHP

Equipment

  • Fork / shock: Fox 40 Factory / EXT Arma V3 (375 lbs)
  • Cranks / gears: Shimano SLX / Shimano SLX
  • Brake system: Shimano XT
  • Wheels:: Industry Nine hub; WeAreOneUnion 29 carbon rim
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip TR DH 2.5, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxGrip TR DH 2.5
  • Reach: 466 mm
  • Stack: 648 mm
  • BB drop: -12 mm
Kavenz VHP 18 downhill bike - Geometry dataPhoto: FREERIDEKavenz VHP 18 downhill bike - Geometry data
Kavenz VHP 18 - Driving behaviourPhoto: FREERIDEKavenz VHP 18 - Driving behaviourKavenz VHP 18 - Characteristics and notePhoto: FREERIDEKavenz VHP 18 - Characteristics and note

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Dimitri Lehner

Dimitri Lehner is a qualified sports scientist. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne. He is fascinated by almost every discipline of fun sports - besides biking, his favourites are windsurfing, skiing and skydiving. His latest passion: the gravel bike. He recently rode it from Munich to the Baltic Sea - and found it marvellous. And exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting!

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