Vitus E-Mythique LT: Inexpensive E-Enduro with Bafang motor on test

With the E-Mythique LT, Vitus is putting a brand new E-Enduro on its tyres. Mullet wheels, modern geometry and generous suspension travel - these are classic gravity dimensions. Having recently tested the older E-Sommet (Click here for the article!), we were particularly keen to see how the newcomer would perform. After all, the only thing that really bothered us about the E-Sommet was the outdated drive system with a small battery and Shimano's E7000 motor. The newcomer has a surprise in store in this respect: the less common Bafang M510. It aims to impress with a torque of 95 Newton metres. We tested the bike and motor.

>> Overview: Technical data and sheet music Vitus E-Mythique LT VRX <<

The facts about the Vitus E-Mythique LT

• Motor: Bafang M510, 95 Nm max. torque
• Battery: Bafang, 630 Wh, classic removable
• Suspension travel: 170/160 mm (VR model 160/160 mm)
• Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
• Aluminium frame
• Weight: 24.8 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, top model in size L)
• Three models VR, VRS and VRX for 3799, 4499 and 5099 euros

Vitus bikes are a big hit in the UK. The former French manufacturer is the own brand of the online giant Wiggle / CRC. The bikes are sold online directly by the manufacturer. In Germany, the bikes are less well known. But that could soon change. Because following a merger, Vitus bikes are now also exclusively available at the German online shop fahrrad.de.

The drive: Bafang M510

The name of the Chinese drive manufacturer Bafang has been haunting the industry for a long time. And the Chinese motors have also been a regular topic of conversation here at the editorial office. Because the technical data sounds promising. The problem: there were simply hardly any relevant e-mountainbikes with a Bafang drive. However, with its fair price-performance ratio, the E-Mythique could well become relevant - and thus also attract more attention to the M510 from Bafang. With 95 Newton metres the motor is nominally even more powerful than the classics from Bosch, Shimano, Brose and Yamaha. In the E-Mythique LT, a Bafang battery with 630 watt hours for energy. It can be easily and quickly folded forwards out of the down tube and sat absolutely rattle-free on our test bike. Details on the display and control lever can be found in the picture gallery:

Visually, the M510 integrates quite unobtrusively into the E-Mythique LT. Its design and dimensions are comparable with a Bosch Performance Line CXas is the weight of 2.94 kilos. The first impression of the controls is good. The logic is similar to Shimano's Steps system. A slim remote with three buttons sits directly on the handlebars, along with a colour display that is well protected behind the handlebars. It provides the most important information in a clear and easy-to-read format. The remote can be used to scroll through various values on the display.

The first riding impression of the Bafang motor is one thing above all: really powerful. Even with low rider input, the M510 pushes very hard. In terms of power, it certainly doesn't have to hide from the competition. A detailed test of the engine will be available shortly on our channels.

The geometry of Vitus E-Mythique

In terms of geometry, the E-Mythique meets modern enduro dimensions. A steep seat angle, a decent reach and a 63.5 degree steering angle. At 1275 mm in size L, the wheelbase is long but not extreme. The same applies to the reach of 476 or 483 millimetres. The geometry is not identical on all models, as the entry-level VR version has a fork with less travel (160 instead of 170 mm). This changes the geometry slightly.

Practical test: How the newcomer performs off-road

When you sit in the saddle of the E-Mythique LT, it doesn't feel like a low budget bike at all. Instead, the riding position is reminiscent of a super modern enduro bike. The steep seat angle places the rider very centrally on the bike, the position is more upright than stretched out. Pleasant contact points, good control - everything fits. On flat terrain, there is a lot of pressure on the hands; the bike was not built for leisurely rides round lakes on flat terrain. The steering behaviour also makes this clear. Those who are more passive on the bike might criticise the tipping steering. This is particularly noticeable when travelling slowly.

Once you tackle the first climb, the Bafang motor makes its mark on the bike. Especially in the two highest support levels, it pushes extremely powerfully and stoically up the climbs. The chassis confirms its good first impression: the rear suspension is composed, provides plenty of traction and still gives the rider sufficient support and support. It's a total success.

Plenty of engine power, good traction: the Vitus E-Mythique uphill

The geometry doesn't detract from the good uphill performance either. The bike does not trek up steep sections completely unimpressed. However, the Vitus can be controlled very well if you are a little active. The bike is not a real climbing expert, but you don't have to shy away from tough uphill challenges. The range is decent with the 630 Bafang battery. Compared to the rest of the market, however, this is rather low. On the other hand, the weight of the bike remains within reasonable limits. At just under 25 kilos, it's not going to cause any enthusiasm. But for a full-grown E-Enduro, that's decent. Especially in this price range.

When the front wheel points towards the valley, the bike's real showpiece discipline begins. And the E-Mythique LT didn't disappoint us here either. The geometry requires little familiarisation and gives the rider a lot of confidence. We found the compromise between the bike's taming qualities and pleasant handling to be particularly successful. The E-Mythique is not an enduro bike that can only stoically bulldoze over stone fields. It remains relatively manoeuvrable and agile. It owes much of this to the good rear suspension. It is plush but defined. This makes it easy to push off into the air for a little fun.

Easy to swallow and yet handy: The Vitus E-Mythique downhill

The Rockshox Yari falls somewhat short of this successful overall performance. For a rather inexpensive bike, the performance is okay, but the Yari can't quite keep up with the very successful rear suspension and the descending qualities of the Vitus. With the Domian in the last Vitus test bike we have had better experiences. But that's complaining at a high level. Speaking of which, the background noise downhill is not excessively loud by E-MTB standards. However, it's not particularly quiet either. The M510 from Bafang also joins the ranks of rattling motors alongside Bosch and Shimano. On our test bike, however, the noise was less intrusive than on most bikes with the aforementioned motors.

SUMMARY of the EMTB editorial team

Our first impression of the new E-Mythique LT is absolutely positive. Vitus not only manages to put together decent components in an affordable overall package. More importantly, the chassis with its geometry and kinematics is balanced and ready for real enduro excursions. The Bafang M510 is a welcome change from the uniformity of motors. Fans of powerful drives with a striking power delivery will be particularly happy with it.

Pro

• Balanced driving characteristics, strong off-road
• Good rear suspension
• Powerful motor
• fair price

Contra

• Suspension fork slows down full-throttle descents somewhat
• Motor modulation not at top level

Equipment and prices

The E-Mythique LT will be available in three equipment variants. Just in time for the launch, the cheapest model, the E-Mythique LT VR, is available behind the virtual shop counter of fahrrad.de for 3799 euros. Our test bike, the E-Mythique LT VRX for 5099 euros, will be available from the beginning of September.

Vitus E-Mythique LT VR - 3799 Euro

At 3799 euros, the entry-level model is a real statement. As far as we know, there is no other powerful E-Enduro on the market in this price range. Of course, you have to make significant compromises when it comes to the equipment. The gears are from the underdog Microshift and only have ten gears. Although the brakes have four pistons and robust 200 mm discs, the Tektros HD-M535 are still in the lowest price segment. Good: Despite the price pressure, a dropper post is fitted. And the drive system with the powerful Bafang M510 motor and 630 battery is also top-notch. The suspension is particularly relevant on enduro trails. At the front is a Zeron fork from SR Suntour with 160 mm travel, one centimetre less than the other variants. The Rockshox Deluxe Select damper does without a reservoir and extensive adjustment options.

Vitus E-Mythique LT VRS - 4499 Euro

Sram Eagle drivetrain with 12 gears, TRP brakes: the equipment on the VRS model of the E-Mythique is of a much higher quality. The Suntour Durolux 36 fork is also a clear update, especially as the fork has 170 millimetres instead of 160. Incidentally, the tyres are the same on all three models: Attack HPL from Vee Tire.

Vitus E-Mythique LT VRX - 5099 Euro

There is hardly any more reason to complain about the top model VRX. However, at 5099 euros, this variant is already in a price range where it has to compete with some other promising rivals. Sram's DB8 brakes and the GX/NX drivetrain are also frequently found on significantly more expensive E-MTBs. The suspension on similarly priced bikes is also sometimes significantly inferior. The combination of Rockshox Yari and Superdeluxe Select is rock solid.

Technical data and notes Vitus E-Mythique LT VRX

Manufacturer information

• Price: 5099 Euro
• Sizes / seat tube / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 43 cm), XL / aluminium

Measured values²

• Weight²: 24.8 kilos
• Reach altitude¹: 1370 (+71)hm
• Average speed: 15.3 km/h
• Front/rear suspension travel: 170/160 mm
• Centre of gravity height: 527 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 188 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 498 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Bafang M510
• Max. Torque³: 95 Nm
• Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Bafang, 630 Wh / 3508 g / approx. 526 Euro
• Gear system: Sram NX/GX (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-50
• Display: Bafang
• Permissible total weight³: 120 kg
• Fork / shock: Rockshox Yari / Super Deluxe Select
• Telescopic seatpost: Descend Dropper, 170 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram DB8 / 200 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: Vitus hubs; WTB Kom Trail i30 rims
• Tyres: Vee Tire Co. Attack EnduroCore 29 x 2.5 / OverrideCore 27.5 x 2.5

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.0 points - very good

¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

Manufacturer information

⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.