Another Great Value Full Carbon Road Bike From Vitus Bikes – The Dark Plasma VR
To be frank I didn’t think much of Vitus Bikes, another struggling brand taken over by the giant CRC. My view has taken 180 spin when I came across the Dark Plasma 2011 models. I have reviewed the Dark Plasma earlier this month, but this time I turning my attention towards the Dark Plasma VR up-specced model.
Sharing the same custom-moulded high-modulus 12k carbon frame as its Dark Plasma brother, the VR raises the bar in terms of componentry, matching it with a full Carbon Fork including carbon steerer; Shimano 105 20-speed groupset providing you with crisp, reliable shifting with a wider gear ration (12-25T), compact double Shimano 105 chainset for optimum climbing range (50x34T); quality Vitus custom Pro-Lite Merano hoops for snappy acceleration and Schwalbe Blizzard Kevlarguard tyres for confidence and grip, plus finishing kit from Vitus and Controltech.
Complete weight (minus pedals in 56 cm frame size): just under 18 lbs (8.2kg) in 56 cm frame size. That’s quite a lot of bike for your money – £1499 to be precise
VR frame comes in four sizes 50cm(Small), 53cm(Medium), 55cm(Large) and 58cm(Xlarge) – the geometry is relatively compact (short wheel base), so I recommend to go with S, M, L, XL sizing as the best guide to avoid buing too big frame size.
So whatever you ride, you will notice the difference – club races, long-distance group spins, Audax or sportive events. It’s the perfect upgrade for experienced riders who want the performance benefits of high-modulus carbon, without the hefty price tag.
Cycling web portal bikeradar.com sums the VITUS Dark Plasma VR 2011:
“Ultimately it’s great to see the historic Vitus name restored to cycling, and Chain Reaction have produced a highly competent all-round machine at a reasonable price. Highly competent all-rounder at a competitive price.” 3.5 ofut of 5 STARS
VITUS Dark Plasma VR 2011 Specification:
• Frame: HM Carbon 12K
• Forks: Full Carbon
• Handlebars: Controltech Viento Frame size-bar width 50cm-380mm,53cm-400mm, 55cm-420mm, 58cm-440mm
• Stem: Controltech Estro Frame size-Stem reach 50cm-90mm,53cm-100mm, 55cm-110mm, 58cm-120mm
• Bartape: Vitus Dual Compound
• Headset: Semi-Integrated
• Chainset: Shimano 105 – 50x34t
• Chain: Shimano 105
• Cassette: Shimano 105 – 12-25t
• Shifters: Shimano 105 – 10 Speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
• Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
• Brakes: Shimano 105
• Saddle: Vitus Cr-Mo Rail
• Seatpost: Controltech M Post
• Wheels: Vitus by Pro-Lite
• Tyres: Schwable Blizzard Kevlarguard – 700x23c
Brief History of VITUS BIKES:
Originally steel tubing supplier in 60’s for french bike manufactures likes Gitane or Peguot, Vitus started produce their own frames and later complete bikes in 70’s. Pioneering bonded and lugged aluminum ‘Dural’ tubing constriction.
Probably best known in 80’s for theit Vitus 979 – one of the first mass produced alloy frameset ridden among other by Sean Kelly in many 80’s stage races including the Tour the France. Follow by Vitus 979 Carbone in 1982 – again one of the first lugged composite frames to be used in pro action. Vitus Bikes continue in this accent on performance and dedication to innovate tradition up to this day.
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Velo Transit Women’s Small Module Lite 25 Waterproof Laptop Bicycle Backpack (Grey) $135.53 The Module Lite 25 is a cleaner, sleeker, more streamlined version of the Module 25+ Pack. The simplified “Slick” Roll-Top is faster to open and close with fewer buckles. The dual blinker mounts and reflective tape remain for increased visibility. As with all Velo Transit backpacks, an RF-welded liner with velcro attachments for the accessory laptop pouch gives it the STORM-PROOF seal. The harness… |
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Tags: bike, carbon frame, carbon road, frame size, hefty price tag, lite bike, road bike, shimano 105, vitus, vitus bikes
