VITUS SOMMET 29 CRS

Vitus is a brand that built its reputation delivering high performance bikes at affordable prices. But with the recent launch of the new Sommet, and shorter travel Escarpe, it’s added a polished, high-end frame quality to the mix, while staying true to its core values.

There are three levels of Sommet 29 and all share the exact same frame with its carbon front end. Impressive, given that the entry-level CS retails for £2,399.99 with no obvious shortcomings in the build kit.

Using a traditional four-bar suspension layout the Sommet boasts 162mm travel, where the one-piece rocker link and double complement of bearings in the chainstay pivots keep the alloy rear end stiff, even with the absence of a reinforcing seatstay bridge. Why eliminate the seatstay bridge? Put simply, it increases clearance at bottom out and allows for a relatively short 441mm chainstay length.

The chunky pivots and shorter stays do seem to increase the width of the rear end though, and we noticed a bit of heel rub on the very first ride before instinctively adjusting the position of our feet on the pedals. So if you’re running clips, ride in a duck-foot stance or have particularly big feet this could be an issue. Thankfully, the protective