Vitus Sommet 2021 - First Ride

Posted 10th November 2020

You may have seen Vitus arrive in the forest around 9 months ago as our hire fleet, we had a range of Sentier trail hardtails and full suspension Mythiques, which then were in their first year of launch. Over the time of owning the Vitus bikes we have been nothing but impressed with their durability, ride feel and overall ownership qualities. (we will be bringing you some reviews on the Mythiques and Sentiers soon!)

When riders think of Vitus they think of some faceless big company and this could simply not be further from the truth - Vitus bikes is brought to market by a talented, hardworking team who all ride....in 2021 this shines through even more. 

We asked TH, one of the Summit coaches to test the new Sommet CRX in its 27.5" wheeled guise. Before we get on to that, its important to note that there are 3 models of Vitus Sommet; the entry Sommet CR, the Sommet CRS and the model topping Sommet CRX. All models in the range are available in both 27.5" and 29" flavours. At the foot of this review is a Geo chart for both 27.5" and 29" Sommets. 

The Sommets all come as a carbon frame, with a aluminium rear triangle, and the range starts at just £2399 with an amazing spec. The Sommet CRX tops the range with a whopper of a spec at just £3599 - all of the range is simply phenomenal value for money in today’s bike market. 

To see each of the models you can click here to see the full spec, price and availability at Chain Reaction Cycles:

Vitus Sommet 27 CR - Stealth Black | 1 * 12 Deore | Yari Fork | £2399

Vitus Sommet 29 CR - Stealth Black | 1 * 12 Deore | Yari RC Fork | £2399

Vitus Sommet 27 CRS - Midnight Blue | 1 * 12 SLX | Lyrik RC Fork | £2899

Vitus Sommet 29 CRS - Midnight Blue | 1 * 12 SLX | Lyrik RC Fork | £2899

Vitus Sommet 27 CRX - Oryx White | 1 * 12 XT | Fox 38 Fork | £3599

Vitus Sommet 29 CRX - Oryx White | 1 * 12 XT | Fox 38 Fork | £3599

The bike we rode, and that the some of the team has chosen to ride in to their (hopefully) 2021 race season is the Vitus Sommet CRX.

how did the new Vitus Sommet handle in the ferns...

Last year TH rode the Sommet 29" bike and here is his take on the 2021 Vitus Sommet 27 CRX (tested size XL)

The 2020 Vitus Sommet was an out and out race machine, and for 2021 it’s only got faster! With revised and refined geo numbers and spec this year Sommet is looking to be a very promising enduro race bike.

New for 2021 is a full carbon frame across all the spec levels and sizes, with a aluminium rear end for a perfect balance between stiffness and compliancy. An all new linkage design has eliminated the floating link we have come to love on the old Sommet and instead runs off a rocker link actuated shock with a fixed shock mount to the front triangle. This would often mean a reduction in the suppleness when it comes to small bump sensitivity. However, the design boffins at Vitus have paid close attention to the leverage rates and the small bump sensitivity is even more supple than before, with a sharper leverage curve this bike can be pushed hard whilst keeping the grip and control on the chattery stuff!

A whole redesign of the frames geometry has given a generous reach of 498mm on a XL with 29 inch wheels, 1288mm wheelbase and a 64-degree head angle has made the bike incredibly stable and planted when being pushed hard. Compared to last year’s model, the bike has been slackened off by 1.5-degrees and this makes all the difference, the bike slings around every corner in sight and eats up tech like it’s a blue! An effective seat-tube angle of 77.5 gives the bike a very upright pedalling position which is made even better by the fact Vitus have reduced the saddle layback on the larger sizes so that the saddle doesn’t creep backwards into an uncomfortable position on the larger sizes.

A new year also means the latest tech! A lovely Fox Factory 38 comes as standard on the CRX model in a very tasty 170mm travel option. Partner the burly 38mm stanchions with Fox’s famous Grip2 damper and you’ve got a front end that sticks to the ground like wet Swinley ginger does to your riding kit. On the rear end comes a 2021 model Factory X2 with a climb switch so you’ll be able winch yourself up any hill ready for the next race stage! A full XT 12 speed drivetrain and XT 4 pot brakes with speed you up and slow you down with ease. 

ooooooo suits you - that Fox shock...

Here are the geo's for your viewing pleasure:

Vitus Sommet 27 Geo

Vitus Sommet 29 Geo