Vitus Bikes, the now consumer-direct brand sold through Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles, have added a healthy dose of fibre to its 2019 range.
Looking first to the gravel side, Vitus now have a carbon gravel bike to sit above the pre-existing steel-framed Substance model. The new Substance CRX (£1,800 / US$2,100 / AU$3,100) works with both 700C and 650B wheels, with the latter fitted as stock with WTB i23 rims and matching WTB Horizon 47c tyres. Tubeless valves and sealant are even included for easy use of the tubeless-ready tyres and rims.
A look at the Substance CRX’s numbers.
The full carbon gravel frame features dropped chainstays, pannier mounts and provisions for three bottle cages. There is just one model on offer featuring a full SRAM Apex HRD 1 groupset. The steel-framed Substance (£950 / US$1200 / AU$1,799) still remains in the range for 2019, fitted with 700x38c rubber, Shimano Sora groupset and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes.
The Zenium Carbon is a well-priced machine.
The Zenium road bike range has been revised with the new Zenium Carbon. This disc brake-equipped all-rounder is now the brand’s cheapest carbon road bike, with the base model priced at just £1,000 / US$1200 / AU$1,799.
The Zenium’s full carbon frame and fork features flat-mount brake mounts, 12mm thru-axles, internal cable routing, and a choice of six sizes. Somewhat interestingly, the fork steerer is a straight 1 1/8in, while the seatpost is an equally traditional 27.2mm rounded item.
The Zenium Carbon (base model).
The base model offers a mix of Shimano Tiagra and Sora components for the 20-speed drivetrain, with TRP Spyre mechanic disc brakes and Shimano RS170 wheels also in the mix. For an extra £400, the Zenium CR or CRW (women’s version) offer a full Shimano R7000 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, with Vitus’ own aluminium wheels. Both models are fitted with 28c Vittoria rubber.
Prices quoted currently include tax and duties paid, but expect to pay an additional US$64 for shipping to the United States, and AU$150 for shipping to Australia. Arguably, the value proposition is best for those in the UK and Ireland, where bikes are shipped for free in a larger box that requires less assembly compared to the boxes used for shipping bikes elsewhere.
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