Votec has revised the VX and VM fully models and added a version with slightly less suspension travel to each. With different wheel sizes and equipment variants ranging from 2399 to 3599 euros, they cover a wide range of uses from trail touring to all-mountain - and at moderate prices.
The frame details are state-of-the-art on all models. Hub dimensions in the Boost standard allow plenty of tyre clearance. The internal cable routing for the gears, brakes and the standard telescopic seat post ensures a tidy look. According to the manufacturer, the rear triangle is extra drive-neutral and the geometry can be customised to personal preferences using a flip chip.
Votec VX and VXs: 29 inch or 27.5 Plus, 120 to 140 mm suspension travel
The VX and VXs are the two models with 29-inch wheels, which now also offer space for fat tyres thanks to the Boost installation dimension and sufficient tyre clearance. The bikes are delivered from the factory with 29x2.35-inch tyres. If you want, you can upgrade to 29x2.6 inch tyres or 27.5 plus wheels up to 2.8 inches wide. The geometry can be adapted to the slightly smaller circumference of the 27.5 plus wheels using the flip chip on the rear triangle. With the 140 mm suspension fork and 135 mm stroke at the rear, four-piston brakes from Magura or Sram and grippy Schwalbe tyres, the Votec VX is right up there in the all-mountain league. The 446 mm reach (size L) remains moderate in favour of agile handling.
Less travel, steeper angles, lighter equipment: in contrast to the longer-travel VX, the Votec VXs focuses on even more playful handling. The 120 mm front and rear and the two-piston brakes from Shimano, Magura and Sram are sufficient for most trail tours thanks to the large discs. Lighter rolling tyres ensure efficient propulsion. The reach increases by around 10 mm and puts the rider slightly further over the front wheel. Compared to the VX, the angles increase by one degree to a steep 68.7 degree steering angle and 76 degree seat angle.
27.5-inch tyres, more suspension travel: Votec VM and VMs
VM and VMs are the two models with 27.5-inch wheels and plenty of tyre clearance. According to the manufacturer, the frame can easily handle tyres up to 2.4 inches wide. The VM frame with 160 mm travel at the front and 155 mm at the drive-neutral rear is the basis for an all-mountain bike that is easy to swallow and is already raging in enduro territory. The reach is around 440 mm in frame size L. The combination with the head tube angle of 66.5 degrees promises balanced handling. The steep seat angle of 75 degrees on the VM should allow effective pedalling even on long alpine climbs.
The lighter and more agile Votec VMs with 140 mm travel at the front and rear promises more dynamics and more direct trail feedback. Here too, as with the 29er VXs, the geometry and equipment are trimmed for effective propulsion. Here too, the very steep seat angle of 76 degrees should ensure plenty of pressure on the pedals.
Prices and availability
All bikes come with a remote seatpost and 200/203 mm brake discs at the front and 180 mm at the rear as standard. The entry-level Comp models cost 2699 euros (s models 2399 euros) and come with 2x11 gears from a Shimano XT/SLX mix. On the more expensive Pro models (3199 euros, s models 2999 euros) and Elite (3899 euros, s models 3599 euros), the Sram X01 Eagle changes a total of 12 gears. The new Votec fullys will be available in the course of November. We have already tested the Votec VM Pro. Find out how it performs in the next issue of BIKE.
Further information and the complete equipment and geometry overview can be found on the manufacturer's website www.votec.com
Sebastian Brust
Editor
