The Only Bike You Need? New Vitus Venon Evo Does It All

[@andras.89]

Exactly this is what I am looking for in the future: Tyre clearance up to 45mm, endurance geometry comfort and compliance, and plenty of screw placements for mudgards and bike packing extras. Two set of wheels, ~32mm road tyre for our rubbish roads, and 40-45mm gravel chunky tyres for graveling, bikepacking, touring around.

[@imagistatheimagista1870]

I agree 100%. For 90% of riders out there the future is going to be one bike and two wheel sets.

[@Lander76]

You get a lot of bike for your money with vitus. Their carbon frames are very high quality and beautifully finished. I ride a Vitus zenium crs with schwalbe g one 35mm tires and it makes a superb all rounder, it's fast, agile, comfortable and engaging on the road and it's surprisingly capable for high mile light gravel work.

[@neilclarke-smith9431]

Exactly what I've done with my Canyon Grizl - 2 sets of wheels - Gravel set up 45mm Conti Terra Speed Rival AXS 1x 40T upfront 10-52 out back (mullet) & Schwalbe 34mm on 38mm Deep section for Road - 46/33 SRAM AXS with 10-36 out the back both with the left hand crank power meter - flies along on the gravel and holds fine with fast group rides, plus the wider tyres help with our ever crumbling roads! Switching between setups take 10-15mins in total. I expect to see more and more manufactures going this way now, even the specialized Crux which was seen as a cross bike is now in the above category and rightly so

[@prof_hu]

How do you change the 1-by to a 2-by in 10 mins (or back)? That sounds impossible.

[@neilclarke-smith9431]

@@prof_hu not too bad - I use SRAM axs so no wires. So wheels off switch rotors - 1 min each (2min total), break chain (1min), remove drive side crank set (1min), fit 2x drive side crank set (1min), remove rear D (1min), fit 2x rival rear D (1min), Fit front D (1min), use Front d alignment tool (2min), install wheels (1min), fit chain (1min), use link AXS system (1min), calibrate power meter via AXS app (1min) - it's the wireless ability that make this possible :)

[@stvaldr]

I contacted Vitus last week and asking about having a bike to be set up this way. They contacted me today about the Venon being able to have gravel capable bike with a 2x chainring. Now here David demonstrating the Venons. I will definitely look intot these.

[@joncolman6412]

The most versatile set up for me would be 2x 50/34 with a 11/34 cassette. Two sets of wheels.

[@gregmorrison7320]

Exactly what I do with my Checkpoint, just with 11/32 although I have run 11/34 for a multi terrain race.

[@joncolman6412]

@@gregmorrison7320 I ride a domane with that set up. I ride MTB as well and can't justify having three bikes for the amount of time I am able to get out and ride. To me it seems a good compromise.

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

Nice one this, David! Much enjoyed. I 'd go for the blue (!) 1x gravel + a pair of road wheels. Although dedicated road amateur, a gravel like this (nice looking, affordable, lightweight, capable, responsive and with such tire clearance) is ideal. Thank you, your video was sight for sore eyes after an exhausting week and an inspiration for tomorrow's ride!

[@k.r.lionheart6460]

I recently fitted 36mm semi slicks on my fulcrum racing zeroes for my Bianchi infinito now running on 45psi best thing I’ve ever done for gravel and road

[@keith_cottongim]

I’ve tried the one bike and 2 sets of wheels a couple times. For gravel it’s a good idea. Seems like a gravel bike with slicks is sluggish. I would tell anyone that has the budget for 2 bikes get a road and gravel. If you can onlybudget one bike definitely get a gravel

[@gregmorrison7320]

For longer predominately road rides (some easy gravel) last year I fitted another set of wheels with 30mm front, 28mm rear to my Trek Checkpoint, anyone can do this to their gravel bike, yeah not a great crit racer but for general road riding it works on any gravel bike, just leave the 1x on the MTB.

[@williamgalbraith3830]

Looks good David. From Belfast seeing vitus from chainreaction cycles is good to see on your channel.Hope you be testing there carbon wheels as there very good value for money 👍🏻

[@SuperTaylor68]

They look great to me,. Nice colours 👍

[@chris8949]

One of the most beautiful and most compattative new Bikes ! Love it and wouzld choose the blue gravel over the red road version. ;-)

[@echtogammut]

I've been hemming and hawing, waiting for this All Road / Gravel category to sort itself out. When Wilier introduced the Rave, I was really tempted then Enve announced the MOG and I changed my mind, but the added time/cost of having it custom painted (I can't stand beige), kept stopping me from pulling the trigger. At this point I have a complete new build kit for a new bike and can't make up my mind about the frame. For me this is going to be a travel bike, that I take with me to unknown destinations, N+1 is great, but I need something for everywhere.

[@ianfranklin9482]

Loved the look of this frame since the Spectra Wiggle Team started testing them. 😁

[@Andy_ATB]

I'd go for the 2x version, which for me, offers better versatility on the road. 45mm is probably the cut off point for gravel bikes - after that you're probably better off on a MTB.

[@BrotherMichigan]

I wish they actually offered this road setup on their website. I want to stick with a 2x groupset, but you can't get the nice deep wheels on the EVO-RS anymore.

[@schrodingerthecat]

This is a beautiful bike, IMO. Wish we could get this in the states.

[@tomlangleydesign]

Thanks, David for a thorough review. 2X for me!

[@neilwillis4694]

2x road with extra set of wide wheels for me. I already have a Boardman 8.8 with two sets of wheels. Tempting to upgrade watching this

[@andrewmorgan9405]

Great review I’ve bought a 105 in silver 30% off hope it’s a good choice

[@maxlloyd3740]

Pretty much done that with my Fairlight Secan. I have it 1 X with a 42t ring. I have a set of carbon deep rims with some fat Continental 5000's on and 10-36 cassette. I have another set of DT Swiss alloy wheels and am about to get some Challenge Getaway 45mm for off-road fun. These have a 10-44 cassette on. This Vitus would make a nicer lighter option!

[@ArteUltra1195]

Was looking forward to a review on this bike! Might be my new bike to end the n+1

[@krakou9]

During that video, you've just described my 2020 Orbea Terra :)

[@globeRM]

My 3t Exploro does the same... I'm using it for everything.

[@tomedward8652]

I would have preferred them to use the same bike and then swap out the tires for this review. As it was the spec of the two bikes (other than the wheels) was different.

[@mahonah]

For someone who loves 1x drivetrains I think this bike would be a perfect candidate for a Classified hub.

[@bombers7878]

Great bike- I’d take the gravel spec. While I love the idea, how practical and common is it to have two wheel sets? I think there’s more value in exploring the gravel/road hybrid space with 32-35mm tyres, rather than trying to do both in a strict sense.

[@tgoods5049]

35mm tyres are fine until you hit chunky gravel roads.

[@christopheparisse9499]

Vitus cyclo-cross bikes can already do the same if you have 2 sets of wheels and they are great bikes

[@tommyibex2626]

had the substance vrs 1 for a couple months now, awesome bike, find the apex1x a bit plasticy and undergeared for top speeds. my plan is to fit a ratio tech 12 speed shifter barrell, an XD driver on the hg hub, a 12 speed 10-52 cassette and a 52t chainring up front. This will give me over 500% range with the 650Bs slightly lower circumference. Next some carbon 65mm 700c road rims with the same cassette on, slightly larger rolling circumference and faster top speed, with still the same range. This i hope to be all i ever need.

[@tommyibex2626]

@@veganpotterthevegan ye it took a while to get used to the gaps on this 11-42 and im spinnin out at 33mph. itd be perfect for some styles of gravel but round here im doin fast trails, v slow technical stuff and also plenty of road. i do love cadence training so hope the extra gear adds some options there.

[@tommyibex2626]

@@veganpotterthevegan never been one for group rides but sounds like you have some great places to ride. hope you have a great weekend

[@TheOkinawaBoy]

I was looking at Vitus bike. While frame set is featherlight, bike is almost 8kg. Although, wheels are 1580 gr if I’m not mistaken. On the heavy side

[@ArteUltra1195]

What bikes did you compare it to that make it seem so heavy?

[@TheOkinawaBoy]

@@ArteUltra1195 I'm looking to the Rose Reveal Six Di2. Pretty nice bikes with direct sale model (same as Canyon)

[@markhancock7527]

Its the kind of bike most riders need.

[@mikeburton8426]

It’s a nice bike but I don’t think it is a breakthrough except in marketing. Call it a road bike with big tire clearance instead of a gravel bike you can put road tires on. I just finished my “road” build of my Aspero. With pedals, Garmin mount and bottle cages it is 18 pounds. Full GRX 8 level mechanical. Regardless of how you position it, this is quite probably the future as well as the present.

[@steve050867]

Gravel Bikes the Emperors New Clothes. For those with more money than sense.

[@davidarthur]

you haven't tried a gravel bike then I guess?

[@steve050867]

I've a Cyclocross bike for Cyclocross and it'll do Gravel

[@steve050867]

I've a Cyclocross for Cyclocross and it'll do Gravel.

[@MrBob303303]

Sorry, got to add again... Impressed how it handlesa gravel whilst cycling over hardpack (possibly softapack) mud/soil...

[@nicolasledoux355]

Still enjoying my 2019 Vitus Energie. Apex 1 full hydro gravel bike for 899€ was a bargain in 2019... I would like to try the 2023 carbon which correct the main drawbacks : more tire clearance, groupset with more range, integrated cables. But the new logo looks kinda ugly IMO and the prices skyrocketed with Brewit 😢

[@jdrubio12]

Great review as always @davidarthur. How do you think this one stacks up against the Giant Revolt?

[@2wheelsbest]

Such a good idea to have one bike that does it all. In fact I bought two...

[@MH-nr2wo]

Great review L or XL? Im 6ft2 is the Vitus size chart bang on? Or is the bike overly long?

[@kidShibuya]

What's up with the Vitus bait and switch with the carbon wheels? All relives have carbon wheels on the RS, but it's only sold with alloy?...

[@fatbikejamie]

My Devinci Hatchet Carbon does it for me 😊

[@dominicbritt]

Great for wheel and tyre manufacturers 😉

[@Schmitz4074]

Good evening David, I can buy a used Vitus Venon EVO-GR Rival AXS in blue. Do I have to pay attention to anything special? English screws, dimensions, anything that I can't get repaired by the service here in Germany? Kind regards, Stefan - Is M good for 1,80 meter and 84 cm leglenght?

[@bjornarvidsson1250]

Which would you choose as your only bike (with two sets of wheels) of the Vitus Venon Evo and the Scott Addict Gravel? As far as I understand, the Vitus is a bit lighter. What about comfort?

[@danbradley6962]

Similar to what I’m doing with my NorthRoad Grav-i-Ti. It’s got a set of 45mm gravel tyres on now, but I’m setting up another wheel set with 32mm slicks this weekend. The XPLR gearing should work perfect for me in both set ups. Still keeping my road bike though!

[@1994RandomUser]

How do you rate this vs the GT Grade? I have one and am looking to get a set of road wheels for it.

[@markflajsner9944]

For some while now, Gravels have been answering the need one bike does it all, I am looking for a gravel with ultegra non Di2 groupset, Cannondale's Topstone range did one, its carbon ultegra RX, but they don't do that anymore, it's either GRX or 105. Canyon however sell gravel ultegra R8000, that's with rim brakes, I'd rather go for R8020 mechanical shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, any ideas anybody?

[@mellissanash7517]

Counter point the Surly Midnight Special does this better. It actually a more endurance road leaning front end geo(lower trail than the Venom), can fit 700x40mm tire or 650x60mm(27.5x2.35) and it had rear rack mounts too. It also comes in an xxs sizes and currently comes in a lilac purple that my wife & I find eye catching. It's not even a new bike either as it's been around since like 2016/2017. Do you think you can review one? Salsa also makes the Warroad, which is also more road leaning than this bike and can fit 700x35 or 650x48mm(gravel knobbies) too.

[@aaronifara8940]

vitus venon evo vs giant tcr advanced? I would like a road bike that it is fast yet comfortable and the geometrics of the vitus look more relaxed but most users define de tcr as surprisingly comfortable, so I don´t know which one to buy. Thank u in advance

[@martinchmelik3466]

Hello David. Thanks a lot for all reviews, really like them. Have one question please. Would like to buy new bikes and still can't decide which one is best option. Thinking about this bike , Fara all road and Canyon endurace all of them with new sram force (suppose it will release end of this year......hope). Don't have race ambition just would like to know from your point of view which one is most comfortable and which one would you pick. Thank you very much in advance. Martin

[@bjornarvidsson1250]

Seems like I am just in the middle of a size L and XL. Would you upsize of downsize on this bike model?

[@Doc_Raphy]

I wish this was available in the Philippines. That versatility is what we need to face the roads here

[@Doc_Raphy]

@@veganpotterthevegan I don't see road bike frames that can fit gravel tires. If ever there's one, it's already too expensive for just the frame alone

[@Doc_Raphy]

@@veganpotterthevegan nah, Domane is already too expensive for me. I prefer a dropbar bike which is a road bike first and a gravel bike second, like this Venon. If I can't find one locally, I'll just stick with a Falath Evo. Lol. It'll be my first road bike if ever since I'm mainly riding XC

[@guywright1833]

Um i got a Fairlight Secan with two wheel sets 😂🙈 700 and 650 B - 32mm and 2.2 inch Continental Racekings. As its always mentioned at all times that most of us arent racers. I just wondered how i am missing out ????

[@verymadmango]

Thanks for the review! How would you compare the gravel spec to Giant Revolt Advanced 0? I need something that I can use for commutes on crappy road's and some occasional gravel ride.

[@bitgeist21]

I really like Vitus! As I watch this video, I started looking them up. They call themselves a "French born" frame designer as far back as the 1930's. But who designs and manufactures Vitus frames now? Are they British? Still French? (Just curious. As long as they are not Chinese, haha!) All that aside; I did not realize that the venerable Sean Kelly rode Vitus in his 'hay day' and won Worlds on a steel version of the Vitus. That is a lot of validation for a frame builder I've never heard of 🙂 But their website is great, their bikes look great, but their frame geometry has me a bit worried. As a 193cm tall rider; I need AT LEAST a 59cm top tube. The XXL Vitus comes in at 57.7cm. (I don't want a 130mm stem and a 900mm seat post!!) So, whilst I'm guessing their frame geometry isn't for me, I am very much warming up to the idea that perhaps (as a mere mortal) I don't have to live up to N+1. THANK YOU DAVID ARTHUR. We all love you!

[@Speedy.V]

Vitus is more than likely made in the far east. Probably by Quest Composites or a subsidiaries of Giant.

[@mickhurley7305]

I believe an Irish crowd both out the name and were manufacturing in Northern Ireland, they are expanding alot in the US also. Ive a Vitus Sentier VRX, Im 190cm and havent altered the stem, its a great bike , no issues with the fit, I am looking to get a Vitus gravel bike in the future, very happy with their manufacturing.

[@bjornarvidsson1250]

Do you think the 1x groups offered on the GR versions of this bike would be sufficient for road use (with a narrower tire) or would you need to change to a larger chain ring? Or would you say the 42/10 gear is enough for an average recreational rider who never go on group rides?

[@simondedeney]

Vitus give a frame set and fork weight of 1000g. Does that make it lighter than the Crux? Thanks

[@markp353]

HI David, went online and looked at the Venon EVO in the Road & Gravel Versions. Noticed the road has an aero bar and the gravel version has a riser gravel bar. Why do they choose to use a riser bar on the gravel version as opposed to normal gravel handlebar?

[@keepingtherubberdown5715]

How does this compare to your Revolt?

[@GingemonsterUK]

So I bit the bullet with the VITUS VENON EVO-RS RIVAL AXS mostly for road with some gravel in winter. What cassette would you recommend getting on my extra gravel wheel set for swapping over?

[@ArteUltra1195]

10-36

[@lukaskohout828]

Hi David, many thanks for this great video! This Is exactly what I need. But I am from Czech Republic and Vitus does not have a sales point here. Does anyone of you have some other tips of endurace bike which is oriented to road bike but have a possibility of instalation lets say 40 mm gravel tires? Thanks!

[@MiltIV84]

Thay brandywine colorway is gorgeous

[@FergusNelson]

What is the maximum tyre width in the 2 chain ring setup?

[@vandal_ross]

40mm on the rear!

[@irlgriff]

The gap on the "road" version between the downtube and tire just looks a little too big. Just ungainly??

[@wildsurfer12]

It would be good to get your opinions on the Michelin Power Cup tyres as I’ve ordered some for my new Roval wheels.

[@richardpolidore1702]

Bike Radar voted it the endurance bike of the year.

[@ianmoore3785]

Can this bike be used with 650b wheels?

[@DennisNowland]

Would you be able to put mudguards on it?

[@Forest_velo]

Hi Dave, just cancelled a Vitesse order after seeing your video! I think it may suit a winter chain gang more!? Do you know which size will equate to a 56? Looking on the Vitus site I’m not sure!

[@davidarthur]

I was on a size large which suited me well, I normally ride a 56

[@gavinequinn]

Would love this as a all road / winter bike / bike packing 2nd bike. But the price is rather steep. Is that how it is now a days? Might still be worth considering?

[@Lander76]

Take a look at the zenium crs, it's £1800 and might be what you're looking for ;)

[@gavinequinn]

@@Lander76 Nice one, will check it out. Thanks.

[@lawrenceharrison]

A bit like the Ribble CGR, David?

[@stevekelly6544]

Great looking bike- how did you like the Michelin power tires?

[@stevekelly6544]

@@willkent4759 Thanks, nice, I’m curious about the Power gravel tires as well-

[@mickhurley7305]

Thanks for the comparison. Any mounts for bikepacking ?

[@davidarthur]

They haven't built it as a dedicated Bikepacking bike because they have the Substance in their range for that

[@mickhurley7305]

@@davidarthur Thank you. I have a Vitus VRX , love it, my n+1 bike will be either the Evo or Substance. One morning I wake up Im a bikepacker, the next morning I wanna go endurance. Your videos and coverage is excellent and of real benefit to real world cyclists who love to bike .

[@papabob8912]

@@davidarthur whilst not dedicated to bikepacking does it actually have mounts? Excellent video BTW.

[@andreasschulzebaing6443]

The only bike you need? Perhaps if you are only interested in sport/exercise. If you simply want to get from a to b and also do some touring, nothing beats what we call in Germany a classic Trekkingbike as the only bike you need, including hub dynamo lighting, mudguards, and pannier rack - oh and a bell of course😊.

[@tamasvarga67]

I think pretty much any gravel bike with two wheel sets can do the same.

[@davidlewis4399]

Not sure I would want a Carbon gravel bike seem a bit fragile if you have a mega wipeout !!

[@davidarthur]

it's pretty tough you'd be surprised

[@JanBanJoovi-ol1qv]

Can it wash dishes, do my laundry, cut my grasses, clean the house? Please I wanna know. I got excited when you said it does it all.

[@hannawald2]

Weird this is called an endurance bike. Looking at the geometry chart reach is really long, longer than most racing bikes (comparing L sized Vitus to my usual 56 size). Why they did it is beyond my undestanding.

[@lawrenceharrison]

I noticed that as well. Tempted to get one but concerned it will stretch me out too much.

[@barrierankin2234]

Soo this or the Scott addict travel?

[@jonchristensen7372]

Canyon grail carbon same type of machine

[@billythegerbil]

I can do that with my cx bike

[@davidarthur]

Does your CX bike have 45mm tyre clearance and this geometry and not really tall and steep like most CX bikes usually do?

[@billythegerbil]

@@davidarthur no. I run 32’s which I think are great for where I live and not sluggish on the road. Geo wise I don’t know really.

[@mister_ray]

Yes my Trek Boone is a great all road bike. I run 35mm Schwalbe G-One speed tubeless tires. I do the weekly B pace group ride on it and hit gravel on adventure rides. 1x11 GRX with 42x11-36 gearing.

[@fud1376]

I'm a MTB'r but that Blue one looks nice....Ha!

[@garagesale5948]

Press fit BB eliminates this frame from consideration

[@Speedy.V]

This is what I want!!! Does it have a standard seatpost?

[@davidarthur]

yup round 27.2mm

[@MrBob303303]

Wow, no other brands are speccing a frame for road or gravel... Honestly, I know you got to cater to the brands/sponsors but 45mm is nothing special. I know you've got to praise bikes to be sent bikes but please, find at least a little fault somewhere.

[@Jack42Frost]

One is always left thinking that David is just being polite about the bikes he gets sent. He very rarely says a negative about anything he reviews. Maybe we must listen to what he doesn't say.

[@StephenHall-be7dj]

He is critical. He says it’s not the most comfy of bikes and you get a lot of feedback from the contact points.

[@drmatco579]

Please call it a paid commercial

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

So it is just like any other gravel bike, except has less posts to mount stuff on it

[@thebikerei]

Looks wise its just a bit uninspiring

[@IverKnackerov]

And best of all …they’re not in black 🎉

[@TrickyTree84]

Urg SRAM eveywhere. Each to their own but ill pass

[@mikelohmeyer4140]

I'm just giving an opinion I just don't understand a gravel bike. Why would you ride a road bike on a dirt road. Why wouldn't it be some type of a mountain bike in shape.

[@gregmorrison7320]

MTB's under geared and uncomfortable over long distances trying to ride in an aero position, I get it, I did the gravel racing on my hardtail MTB for ages, but the gravel bike is just so much better suited to gravel once the distances go above about 50kms, which all gravel races do.

[@mister_ray]

A gravel bike works well on both dirt and road. No need to drive to the trail head. Can do great mix surface rides.

[@Quizmate1]

Yet another carbon bike with fully integrated cable routing 😢!

[@Quizmate1]

What about servicing the headset bearings? On a gravel bike? How often do you think that might need doing?

[@simondedeney]

Ok, it’s been three days since I asked the question. Sorry, but I’m unsubscribing.

[@davidarthur]

What was the question? I try and reply to all the comments but I'm afraid I just don't have time always as out filming and working on other projects

[@simondedeney]

Thanks. It was: “Vitus give a frame set and fork weight of 1000g. Does that make it lighter than the Crux? Thanks”

[@davidarthur]

@@simondedeney No the Crux is lighter, about 725g claimed for S-Works versus in the region of 850g unpainted for the Venon frame, paint is 100-200g depending on colour and finish so a reasonable difference

[@simondedeney]

@@davidarthur Thanks. So the Pro, Comp or Expert might be quite close then as I think they’re a little weightier than the S Works