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Affordable bikes that also work without bells and whistles are the trademark of mail-order company Vitus. The recently presented update of the Mythique trail bike is intended to build on this recipe for success. With its 140 millimetre fork and a good 130 millimetres of travel at the rear, the Mythique sits right in the middle of the trail bike category. The bike we tested VRX model variant costs just 2399 euros and is therefore not even the cheapest bike of the four model variants. At 1799 euros, the entry-level bike for trail adventures is well below the 2000 euro mark. The cheapest Vitus Mythique is equipped with Shimano Deore gears and X-Fusion suspension. Only the aluminium frame is identical on all variants.
Vitus Mythique: Trail bike with sensible equipment
Our test bike from Vitus was fitted with a reliable Shimano SLX drivetrain and mixed suspension consisting of the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork and a Rockshox Deluxe Select shock. When it comes to the wheels, you have to accept a few compromises due to the price. WTB rims and Vitus hubs are more functional than spectacular. The Maxxis Highroller tyres in a width of 2.3 are also conspicuously narrow. The heart of the bike, the new aluminium frame, comes with four-link kinematics and has a modern geometry.
The robust Vitus Mythique weighs just under 16 kilos
However, the consistently robust impression of the Mythique VRX is also confirmed on the scales: at 3913 grams without shock, the frame is not one of the lightest representatives in the comparison. In relation to the price, you shouldn't expect any miracles in terms of overall weight either. Ready to ride, including pedals, the Vitus trail bike is only just under the 16-kilo mark. However, the weight only reduces propulsion to a limited extent because the riding position is slightly sporty and the rear triangle does not pump excessively even when pedalling out of the saddle. However, you won't find a platform to completely lock out the rear triangle.
Aha experience with the low-budget shredder
However, the Vitus Mythique delivers a real aha experience as soon as it goes downhill. Without great expectations, we took the affordable trail bike on the trails in Finale Ligure together with high-end bikes and were thrilled. Even on demanding trails, the Vitus cut a respectable figure and turned out to be a low-budget shredder. In addition to the successful geometry, the sensitive and forgiving suspension also scored points - even if it lacked some damping control compared to the top components. The fork and narrow tyres in particular reach their limits earlier. A UDH derailleur hanger and external cables make maintenance easier.
Conclusion on the Vitus Mythique VRX by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
The Vitus Mythique proves that a fun trail bike doesn't have to cost 2500 euros. Handling and suspension are exceptionally good considering the price. The tip for bikers looking for an uncompromisingly off-road trail bike for little money.
Technical data and notes Vitus Mythique
Manufacturer information
- Price: 2399 Euro >> available here
- Available from the sender
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL (tested in size L, 44 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.55 kg
- Frame weight: 3913 g
- Weight of wheels: 5381 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3875 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 48 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: WTB ST i30 rims, Vitus hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis High Roller II Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.30
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail
- Shock: Rockshox Deluxe Select
- Front/rear suspension travel: 144/134 mm
- Brakes: Shimano BL-MT 501/500 / 180/180 mm
- Gear system: Shimano SLX 1x12
- Ratio/bandwidth: 30; 11-51 / 463 %
- Telescopic support / stroke: Brand X Ascend / 150 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 24 from 30
- Chassis efficiency: 15 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 11.25 out of 15
- Weight: 2 of 20
- Inertia impellers: 5 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 7 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 25.5 from 30
- Front suspension: 9.75 out of 15
- Rear suspension: 17 out of 20
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 9.75 out of 15
- Tyre grip: 11.25 out of 15
- Driving stability: 3 out of 10
TOTAL UPHILL: 64.25 FROM 105
TOTAL DOWNHILL: 86.25 FROM 115
- Other: 12.75 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: good
BIKE test rating*: good - 163.3 out of 250 points
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
