The VPace C4M 29er Rigidracer in the BIKE test: Full throttle without compromise at 8.2 kilos

As the VPace C4M hangs on the scales, the eyebrows of our BIKE test lab staff are raised involuntarily. 8.19 kilos is a rare sight in times when mountain bikes seem to be getting heavier and heavier. Current enduro and even all-mountain bikes can weigh twice as much. Logical: The lightweight carbon rigid fork saves a lot of ballast even compared to the lightest XC suspension forks. Nevertheless, the weight of the C4M is extremely impressive when you lift it. However, we in the BIKE editorial team have known for a long time that a small number on the laboratory scales doesn't make a good race bike. So we were all the more excited to take the lightweight off-road.

VPace C4M on the test bench: Best values from the lab

The lack of a crumple zone alone only partly explains the low weight of the VPace hardtail. Where the in-house components of many manufacturers do not arouse much enthusiasm among "weight weenies", VPace chooses a different path and uses its own products with lightweight construction potential for the rigid fork, saddle, handlebars and aluminium seatpost. The 740 millimetre wide flatbar handlebars are made of carbon, as is the frame of the minimalist saddle. Thin and super-light ESI silicone grips form the contact points with the cockpit.

Magura's MT8 Race brakes with Storm SL discs hardly weigh anything on the scales and the narrow (by today's standards) Schwalbe tyres also keep the weight down. The latter are fitted ex works with thin Schwalbe Aerothan tyres, which are hardly inferior to a tubeless setup in terms of lightness. Sram's mechanical GX Eagle delivers a whopping 520 per cent gear range without the additional weight of a battery.

Then there is the custom wheelset, which delivers very good acceleration values on the test bench with VPace hubs and Duke rims. The centrepiece of the lightweight VPace hardtail is, of course, the frame. This saves a few extra grams by dispensing with openings on the head tube. The cables for the gears and brakes are routed through the headset into the inside of the frame. However, the lack of any frame protection on the chainstay makes this minimalism questionable. Nevertheless, a steering stop limiter is designed to prevent the fittings from crashing into the top tube in the event of a fall.

The all-black look of the C4M fits perfectly with the sporty understatement on the scales. It's nice that the price remains absolutely fair at 3199 euros. The VPace can also be ordered with a suspension fork (surcharge of 350 euros) and an electronic Sram GX Eagle AXS Transmission groupset (surcharge of 250 euros). The VPace is well known especially for well-designed children's bikes and a large Commitment to promoting young talent. The C4M Hardtail proves that the small brand from Baden-Württemberg also has an interesting mountain bike for adults in its programme.

Fast as greased lightning: the VPace C4M in a practical test

The good acceleration values from the test laboratory are confirmed from the very first metre. At the slightest twitch of the cranks, the C4M accelerates forwards. The carbon hardtail is not only significantly lighter, but also more agile off the mark than most gravel bikes. There is no stopping it on tarmac and gravel: This lightness of being is simply fun! In keeping with this, the VPace puts its rider in a sporty riding position. In combination with the sweeping 463 millimetre reach (in size L), the 80 millimetre stem stretches the rider comfortably over the bike.

The low front with flat bar does the rest and ensures that the C4M moves forwards with a lot of pressure on the front. For leisurely tours and very long laps, this could be too much of a good thing for many bikers. You should turn the stem to the positive-angled position. A tried and tested tuning tip for bikes with a front-heavy riding position like the VPace: Inner-Barends. The "horns" not only provide an additional grip option for stressed hands, but also aerodynamic advantages that can be utilised to great effect on the thoroughbred racer.

Thanks to the rigid fork and good stiffness, no watts are wasted even when pedalling. The lightweight VPace is much more explosive on steep ramps than bikes weighing two or even three kilos more. During the test period, we often found ourselves in sprint mode. That's where the C4M really feels at home and you can't help but grin. With a little practice in terms of weight transfer and timing, even technical trail climbs can be mastered with the C4M despite the rigid fork. As long as it doesn't get too wet, the Schwalbe Rocket Ron scores with good traction.

This cannot be denied even when riding through less demanding terrain: The VPace is a firm journeyman with little comfort at the front. In addition to the rigid fork, the thin grips on the flat bars offer hardly any damping. Bikers looking for comfort shouldn't expect too much from the tyre/rim combination either. The inner width of the Duke rims is extremely narrow at 23.5 millimetres - narrower in fact than on many modern gravel bikes. This does not increase the width of the thin Schwalbe tyres. Without a tubeless setup, the tyre pressure can only be lowered to a certain limit. All in all, long rides can put a lot of strain on your wrists. Meanwhile, the VPace saddle, despite its minimalist appearance, delivers an astonishingly high level of bum comfort

Regardless of losses: the VPace C4M rigid fork bike on the downhill

One thing is clear: the VPace rigid fork hardtail is not a bike for the downhill track. The lack of reserves in the suspension and tyres require a very active riding style and solid riding technique. Also, the low front end and the lack of a vario seat post are detrimental to the feeling of safety in challenging terrain. However, a telescopic seatpost that can be operated from the handlebars could theoretically be retrofitted. Thanks to the long reach and moderate steering angle of 68.5 degrees, the C4M can also cope with high speeds on descents. In terms of geometry, the bike runs smoothly. However, the stiff chassis sets an early limit off gravel and tarmac. As you would expect, the bike is extremely demanding on the XC trail. Strong arms and a stable upper body are definitely helpful here.

With its sporty geo, rigid fork and light weight, the VPace encourages you to play with the terrain. Thanks to the short chainstays, bunny hops are possible despite the rigid support and the bike can be actively pushed over off-road crests. The handling of the rigid bike is thoroughly successful. Annoying on the other hand: Without any frame protection, the noise level is high when small stones splash against the voluminous carbon frame.

Is the VPace C4M the better gravel bike?

Overall, the optimal area of use of the VPace rigid fork hardtail overlaps with that of a gravel bike to a striking extent. In recent years, this type of bike has been pushed more and more in the direction of mountain bikes with wider tyres and even suspension forks. With narrow tyres, a sporty, lightweight chassis and a rigid fork, the C4M is definitely poaching at the limits of the various disciplines. Its advantage lies in the wider handlebars, the grippier tyres and the longer, flatter geometry as soon as the route turns from the forest motorway onto a rough forest path or even trail.

Although the frame of the VPace has no additional mounts for luggage apart from the two bottle cages, if you are looking for a sporty bike for light terrain, it could actually be the better gravel bike. Personal preferences, such as the preference for MTB or racing handlebars, are more decisive. As a fast commuter bike or ambitious training machine, the lightweight rigid fork bike is definitely a hot tip.

Details of the VPace C4M 29er Rigidracer

• Frame material: Carbon
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Price: 3199 Euro
• Available from: Consignors / Specialist retailers
• Warranty: 2 years

As a fitness bike and partner for full-throttle party laps, the C4M absolutely convinced me. Trail detours take a lot of energy on this stiff bike. You really have to want a rigid fork on a hardtail, but then the combination of minimal weight and long geometry is a real fun factor. Every sporty, ambitious biker should actually have a racing bike like the VPace in their fleet. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor

Equipment

• Fork: VPace carbon rigid fork
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520%
• Brakes: Magura MT8, 180 / 160 mm
• Seatpost / diameter: VPace aluminium / 27.2 mm
• Wheels: Duke rims, VPace hubs
• Tyres: Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Addix Speed Super Race TLE, 29 x 2.25"

Measured values

• Total weight: 8.19 kg (without pedals)
• Weight of wheels: 3877 g
• Impeller inertia: 2757 kg x cm²
• Seat comfort: 7.87 mm

>> Read all about the new test system at BIKE here

Conclusion from BIKE test editor Jan Timmermann

With its light weight and rigid chassis, the VPace C4M is the perfect race bike for fast laps in endurance sprints. Trained athletes will love this lack of compromise. Off-road, the C4M benefits from its progressive geometry, but offers hardly any comfort and forgives few mistakes. Thanks to its fair price, the rigid bike is a serious alternative to sporty gravel bikes.

Pro

• Extremely low weight
• Excellent acceleration
• Lightweight construction at a fair price

Contra

• Hardly any comfort at the front
• Rigid fork and support limit off-road capability