Yes, there is still a stainless steel sprocket from the CDX series on the pre-production model of the Vitess N8! It's the fault of belt manufacturer Gates, who were only able to present all the components of the low-cost CDN series at Eurobike. And promises that all components are now available: The forged crank with Gates imprint, the chainring and sprockets for all kinds of hubs made of a plastic compound, which are connected by a belt with a smooth outer surface and a centre track groove to prevent slipping. The service life of this series is designed to last between 20 and 30,000 kilometres. In other words, a bike's lifetime, assuming "normal" mileage in the low four-digit range per year.
The Vitess N8 is the perfect bike for this: It places its rider in a relaxed, upright position with a good overview, offering a high level of ergonomics with low maintenance and riding comfort. The modern frame not only has a clean look and beautiful finish, but also all the necessary mounting points to make the bike suitable for everyday use and leisure touring. The belt drive shines with absolute smoothness and reliability all year round. Adjusting the tension once is enough to prevent elongation. An occasional wash with soapy water and the removal of stones from the CT groove are the only maintenance the system requires. In order to maintain the price point of 1000 euros, Bergamont also had to work a little magic; the Vitess features a lot of mid-range technology such as the long flickering Axa light, which has a somewhat narrow light field, simpler own-brand mudguards instead of branded products. Or the entry-level discs from Shimano, which have no functional disadvantages apart from a little more weight. The lightweight wheels and high-quality Supreme tyres are very pleasing, as they make the pretty bike easy to steer and give it a portion of liveliness that translates directly into riding fun. Another clever feature is the stem, which can be adjusted in height by three spacers and in angle between eight and sixteen degrees thanks to an eccentric sleeve: this gives the cyclist the choice - quickly reversible - between a sporty and a more upright riding position.
Plus:
- Nimble everyday bike with plenty of comfort and minimal maintenance requirements
- Very elaborate frame
Minus:
- Shift direction "low normal" inhibits acceleration
The article was published in Trekkingbike issue 6/2016. You can download the issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play) or order it in the DK shop.
